Unconventional

Caution: By the time you read this entry, you will envy me because I have an interesting lecturer who asked us to listen to the song, watch the movie and play the Games!

Now, what game do I play? If you are really interested to know, try this link

http://drowgames.com/

For this session, my classmates and I spent our time in Resources Center. We were instructed to log in and start to play the games. In my opinion, the game helps to enrich students' vocabulary in the exciting way. The approach of this game is more to drills and practice, so that the player knows the word by repeatedly playing the game. This is so very different from the approach of teaching vocabulary when I was in school.

What makes this games so interesting?

First of all, the game is good for the students with competitive streaks. During the session, we challenge our friends to the game and play well in order to gain the highest score. We know that our opponent is someone out there instead of merely programmed machine.

Second, the prizes for the top scorer is really worth it. Yes! He really knows how to motivate his dear students.

Something worth drooling over ;p

Google Image

Extraordinary Women

"seeks truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image."

The phrase above was quoted from the movie that I watch last thursday, Mona Lisa's smile. The movie is about an art teacher, Katherine Anne Watson, who inspires her students to break free from the traditional women's role (housewives). She receives various reaction towards her method of teaching because the Wellesley College is a conservative women's private liberal arts college. She uses the modern art to open up her students' eyes towards the idea of feminism.

Google Image

One of the scene that really catches my attention is the first day she entered the class. At first, all the students seems so nice and attentive. Later, when the teaching begin, the students starts to show off their knowledge. The students already memorize everything in the text book resulting the lost of interest among them. Katherine was speechless dismissed the class earlier than expected. I really hope that this WILL NOT happen to me later on. I am freaking out already.

To overcome this problem, Katherine uses the materials (modern art), to teach her students. Her students starts to learn something new from the new approach and getting closer to her. However, the college didn't accept her way of teaching by stating that she unable to follow the syllabus. Then, the college starts to monitor her class by asking her to submit the lesson plan before the class for approval. She quits her job.

From the movie, I realize that you have to sacrifice many things in order to become a great teacher. You may gain your students affection but there will always be the obstacle that limits you from doing the good deed.

A Lady

When the word "Lady" entered my mind, I always imagine a very compose woman of superior social status, with a beautiful gown and her chin high up.

(Lady Catherine in Vampire Diaries)

Google Image

However, these images never fit my expectation towards a lady;

(Lady Antelope)

(Face-less Lady)

(The Frog Lady)

(Blown Up Lady)

Google Images

Well, this lady has her own way to dress up. A weird way. It took a lot of confidence and courage to be different and to stands out. Lady Gaga is the one with the packages.

In the 1st class for "Readings and Project Work for Teaching Literature in ESL", My lecturer, Dr. Jayakaran Mukundan had introduced himself as Alejandro. Then, he made us listen to the song Alejandro by Lady Gaga. During that period, I am really exited to know the reason behind Dr.Jaya's interest towards this lady.

Later on, my brilliant lecturer views Lady Gaga as a genius, according to the creative choreography on each of her videos. it never occurs to me that she is a genius till the very day. Usually, I saw her as an attention seeker, who fights her way in a very challenging words.

Then, Dr. Jaya made us think about the reason behind this Lady's action. Everything has its reaso. From the way this Lady portrayed her songs, we came out with the reason of abuse history. It made me think about some authors like Emily Dickinson, who her background very much influence her work.

The lesson for that day has been interesting yet educative.