To be honest, my first draft comes after I finished outlining my position paper because I know that putting my thoughts in sentences will be easier if I have the main ideas in points provided earlier. It took me three days to outline my position paper because I lost track of my previous notes for Scarlet Letter.
Some of the textual evidences were ambiguous so I have to read them a few times before deciding that they are the perfect quotation. There are also some sentences which could be the textual evidence for two of my points. It leads me to reading certain chapters to get a different sentence because I do not want my position paper to be boring. It is always about “the more, the merrier”.
The three days taken were worthy because I will finish my essay faster with the outline. So, I decided to stay back and do nothing but searching for the correct quotation. The named chapters had made me finish my outline faster, so as the discussion conducted previously with Puan Juridah. I felt relieved to finish this and I cannot wait to finish the essay as soon as possible. I just cannot wait to hand in this assignment.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Reading Fables
I am used to fables since I was a kid. My mother is a teacher, she had taught us to read till it became a habit till now. I could not sleep till I read something because I am used to reading. Fables are my favourite; they are not lengthy but rich in content pertaining to moral values. However, as I grew up, fables fade away because there were so much of other reading resources. After a certain period of time, I totally forgot my favourite fables because I had enough of serious reading so I began craving for something lighter like magazines, and newspaper columns.
I have never come across any teacher who uses fables in his lesson except for Dr. Edwin. After learning about fables, I agree to the fact that fables are good resources of knowledge. Teachers should move from the old way of newspaper cuttings and passages from workbooks. Fables suggest an authentic teacher generated material. At least, the students have not come across the questions provided somewhere and the text does not have to be simplified; so we can stick to the original version and preserve the personal touch from the author.
Teachers nowadays have access to the Internet easily. They will not face the difficulties to get materials from the net. So, frequent library visits are not required and they can surf for the fables through Internet with other additional information about it. (such as historical background and possible activities) When there is a will, there will always be a way.
I have never come across any teacher who uses fables in his lesson except for Dr. Edwin. After learning about fables, I agree to the fact that fables are good resources of knowledge. Teachers should move from the old way of newspaper cuttings and passages from workbooks. Fables suggest an authentic teacher generated material. At least, the students have not come across the questions provided somewhere and the text does not have to be simplified; so we can stick to the original version and preserve the personal touch from the author.
Teachers nowadays have access to the Internet easily. They will not face the difficulties to get materials from the net. So, frequent library visits are not required and they can surf for the fables through Internet with other additional information about it. (such as historical background and possible activities) When there is a will, there will always be a way.
The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.
I never thought that reading autobiographies would be fun; especially about politicians but after a few pages thought presentation from Nelson Mandela, I have changed my mind. However, this might be due because of the length of this version is not a burden. It is only a small part of his jailed experience. For this topic, Dr. Edwin had assigned us to answer some questions. First, are autobiographies trustworthy? It depends on the purpose writing it and the target audience for the novel. Celebrities might have wrote autobiographies for the sake of royalties and also popularity but that does not mean that politician do that on a good course. They might want people to hear their views and agree to them.
However, there are autobiographies written based on the true stories; produced by people who want to share their personal experience. We should not mistake autobiography and semi autobiography because semi autobiography has fiction nature in it to make the novel digestible. In my opinion, autobiographies can be used in ESL classrooms because it is an alternative form of reading for pleasure, so the students will not be bored. However, teachers should be careful with the selection of text and abridged version might be necessary. Another positive effect of autobiography is it is historical and very informative.
Last but not least, through using autobiographies in the classrooms, students are aware that certain things can be viewed differently. For an example, Mandela might suffer in jail but he had shown to us his credibility as a leader. A person’s trash might be another people’s treasure.
However, there are autobiographies written based on the true stories; produced by people who want to share their personal experience. We should not mistake autobiography and semi autobiography because semi autobiography has fiction nature in it to make the novel digestible. In my opinion, autobiographies can be used in ESL classrooms because it is an alternative form of reading for pleasure, so the students will not be bored. However, teachers should be careful with the selection of text and abridged version might be necessary. Another positive effect of autobiography is it is historical and very informative.
Last but not least, through using autobiographies in the classrooms, students are aware that certain things can be viewed differently. For an example, Mandela might suffer in jail but he had shown to us his credibility as a leader. A person’s trash might be another people’s treasure.
Supporting details: A Presentation
Dr. Edwin started the presentation session by separating the students into two groups which are students with thesis statements and second, students without them. Then, he began drawing lines to divide the whiteboard into a few columns so that we can save more time. The thesis statement generating process had cost us so much of our time because there were a few students who still could not get their thesis statement stated correctly after sessions. I was still working on my elaboration for the supporting details because I need support just in case Dr. Edwin questioned my case.
It was hard for me to put ideas into sentences, so I started to look for quotation from the text. The search went from chapter to chapter because I have learned that system is created with reasons. Then I encountered some problems on the point stating Hester’s bravery to take her responsibility. I accidentally flipped the pages to the part when Hester refused to reveal her secret partner; which suggests her effort to take the responsibility of committing adultery to herself.
When I was revising my points, Dr. Edwin came to help. Only a few minor grammar mistakes and inadequacy in elaboration; then I was ready to move on to the next step which is preparing my first draft. The secret of good assignment is the correct choice of words; we do not need fancy words and long sentences.
It was hard for me to put ideas into sentences, so I started to look for quotation from the text. The search went from chapter to chapter because I have learned that system is created with reasons. Then I encountered some problems on the point stating Hester’s bravery to take her responsibility. I accidentally flipped the pages to the part when Hester refused to reveal her secret partner; which suggests her effort to take the responsibility of committing adultery to herself.
When I was revising my points, Dr. Edwin came to help. Only a few minor grammar mistakes and inadequacy in elaboration; then I was ready to move on to the next step which is preparing my first draft. The secret of good assignment is the correct choice of words; we do not need fancy words and long sentences.
Searching for supporting details
I have my own strategy in order to find five strong supporting details. First, I am required to read the whole book again and understand the events happening in each chapter. I was lucky to have done this novel because its chapter was named according to the plots; preventing me from being confused. Second, I have to come back to my thesis statement (Hester’s act of adultery gains her inner strength) and do a mind map on that. However, it was quite tough because Hester’s character traits of individuality overpowered the others.
I nearly give up after a few failed brainstorming sessions because I got only three points. First, Hester is the helper for other people’s soul (she helped them before and after the truth is revealed). Second, she does not give in to problems Third; Hester exists as a free individual, not threatened by speculations. After a few hours sleeping, I continue my research by referring to certain significant chapters.
Then I discovered Hester’s problems were reflected when the villagers tried to take Pearl away. Hester’s courage to defend herself and to admit that she was guilty told me that she is brave; the fourth point for my thesis statement. Hester was portrayed as a strong character because she had a lot of say in the novel and she takes control of her own life. It made my fifth point; Hester stands out from the traditional women of that era.
Now, I am ready to present my case to Dr. Edwin because the five points are quite strong and illustrated through the problems faced by Hester. I am quite sure that he will say yes to them. Now all I need to do is to thank Puan Juridah…
I nearly give up after a few failed brainstorming sessions because I got only three points. First, Hester is the helper for other people’s soul (she helped them before and after the truth is revealed). Second, she does not give in to problems Third; Hester exists as a free individual, not threatened by speculations. After a few hours sleeping, I continue my research by referring to certain significant chapters.
Then I discovered Hester’s problems were reflected when the villagers tried to take Pearl away. Hester’s courage to defend herself and to admit that she was guilty told me that she is brave; the fourth point for my thesis statement. Hester was portrayed as a strong character because she had a lot of say in the novel and she takes control of her own life. It made my fifth point; Hester stands out from the traditional women of that era.
Now, I am ready to present my case to Dr. Edwin because the five points are quite strong and illustrated through the problems faced by Hester. I am quite sure that he will say yes to them. Now all I need to do is to thank Puan Juridah…
A battle for thesis statement
After we were dismissed from class that day, Dr Edwin had assigned us with the most challenging part in the position paper; to generate a thesis statement. I need to recognize three important nature of my future thesis statement. First, it has to be approved by our Assoc. Prof. Dr. Malachi Edwin Vethamani. Second, I could not just choose a novel; I had to make sure that it has sufficient elaboration regarding the thesis statement. Third, I have to prevent from doing similar thesis statement with others to avoid low marks due to Dr. Edwin’s comparison to the work of others. After a few days, I decided to choose The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne because of two reasons. First, I like the novel very much, so as the character of Hester Prynne. Second, I have gone through a detailed analysis with Puan Juridah in her class; so I have enough confidence to present this topic.
At that moment, I have not realized that it was a battle for thesis statement: Part I. There has yet more to come; we have to undergo a selecting process with Dr. Edwin. For the first session, most of us were rejected within minutes. We were required to provide alternative thesis statement and my friend, Siti Fariha told me some tips for an approved thesis statement. First, the thesis statement should be clear; avoid using ambiguous and general statement. Second, the intention of you thesis statement should be clear. Third, it is easier if you have a character to be focused on, so you would not get drifted apart too far.
Then, I have my thesis statement approved by Dr. Edwin. It was a prestigious moment because I was among the earlier students who got their thesis statement approved. Even it is quite shaky when I tried to explain my stand; but I got it right, finally.
At that moment, I have not realized that it was a battle for thesis statement: Part I. There has yet more to come; we have to undergo a selecting process with Dr. Edwin. For the first session, most of us were rejected within minutes. We were required to provide alternative thesis statement and my friend, Siti Fariha told me some tips for an approved thesis statement. First, the thesis statement should be clear; avoid using ambiguous and general statement. Second, the intention of you thesis statement should be clear. Third, it is easier if you have a character to be focused on, so you would not get drifted apart too far.
Then, I have my thesis statement approved by Dr. Edwin. It was a prestigious moment because I was among the earlier students who got their thesis statement approved. Even it is quite shaky when I tried to explain my stand; but I got it right, finally.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Fall Of Icarus
When I first saw the beautiful picture of the Fall of Icarus, I can say that it is a good visual aids for the students for three reasons. First, the picture comes in a coloured large sized setting (so it is easier for the teacher to project the picture clearly). Second, there are a lot of things to be described and interpreted (e.g: the actions of the people in the picture). Third, by using it for a set induction, the teacher will provide opportunity for the students to use their imagination speaking skills. Students will be anticipated to share their opinion about the picture and start discussing. The discussion can be an indirect need analysis because the teacher will know how far the students can go into the topic.
However, to get the picture connected to the story the Fall of Icarus, the students should be aware of the plot and description because the actual fall was not really portrayed in the picture (only half of the legs are exposed). By the end of the lesson (after the students have read the story), the teacher can discuss certain things about the picture in depth. For an example, how the artist draws and painted the picture reflects his view of the story. Second, the teacher can ask the students to come out with different response of the story. (e.g: poems, lyrics, cartoon, riddles and so on).
By using this picture, the teacher can help the students to tap the right schemata about the setting of the story. Through this, the students will not be lost and give up in the beginning of the lesson but encourage them to imagine more about the story. The picture of the Fall of Icarus is a good way for our Malaysian visual oriented students in many ways.
However, to get the picture connected to the story the Fall of Icarus, the students should be aware of the plot and description because the actual fall was not really portrayed in the picture (only half of the legs are exposed). By the end of the lesson (after the students have read the story), the teacher can discuss certain things about the picture in depth. For an example, how the artist draws and painted the picture reflects his view of the story. Second, the teacher can ask the students to come out with different response of the story. (e.g: poems, lyrics, cartoon, riddles and so on).
By using this picture, the teacher can help the students to tap the right schemata about the setting of the story. Through this, the students will not be lost and give up in the beginning of the lesson but encourage them to imagine more about the story. The picture of the Fall of Icarus is a good way for our Malaysian visual oriented students in many ways.
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