My Best Takeaway from Session 12 by Ow Yeong Wai Mang https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3 Empowering ourselves en-us 2020-04-20 02:48:36 UTC 2020-08-10 00:26:33 UTC hello@padlet.com Natasha https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516323927 The sharing for the innovative schools and the three videos were indeed very inspiring. My biggest takeaway from the videos we watched today highlights the importance and power of our words as teachers. It is also vital that we believe in our students and let them know that we believe in them too. Our words and actions doesn’t just rub off on our own students directly, but also those around them. This helps to create an inclusive environment where love for one another can grow no matter your needs, gender, or colour. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:04:14 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516323927 Erfa https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516324955 My takeaway from this session is the importance of positivity in classrooms. I think the videos shared during the session inspires me to promote better inclusivity in class. This is especially so when there are special needs students in class. Everyone will benefit a lot from a positive classroom environment. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:05:22 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516324955 Isaac https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516326718 My biggest takeaway was that our actions can deeply influence our students. From our choice of words to our personal beliefs etc...Thus, it is is important for us to always look at the positives in our students and to make each one of them feel valued.]]> 2020-04-20 03:07:07 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516326718 Carine https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516327789 My biggest takeaway is that teachers’ words and actions have a huge impact on our students. Therefore, we should try our best to empower our students, rather than to tear them down. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:08:14 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516327789 Danielle Ms_Boon https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516329425 I really enjoyed the second part of our sharing from our friends. While it is true that unfortunately, the mindset of society towards individuals with special needs is negative, as educators, we play a very big part in shifting this mindset towards the younger generation. Therefore, it really was heartening to hear from those who truly want to make a difference to make inclusion happen in the classroom. As educators, our students look up to us as role models. Therefore, whatever we say or do has the capacity to affect them, to some extent. With a little more awareness and willingness, brings more acceptance, and a greater chance of inclusivity in our society. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:09:59 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516329425 Denise deniseheng_96 https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516329662 My biggest takeaway from today's session is that our words and actions have a great impact on our students' self-perception and self-belief. Through our words of encouragement, we can motivate students and get them to realise their true potential. I thought the 2nd video of the teacher affirming his students was very moving. Honestly, I think it is not always an easy task to complement/affirm someone (based on my own Meranti experience when we were told to affirm every group mate for a few minutes), especially on such a frequent basis, so I thought it was a lot commitment on his part to really understand his students, getting to know them and finding/seeing the good in all his students. In my own  classroom, I hope to also focus on the good of my students and make frequent teacher-student/peer affirmations a thing in the classroom. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:10:14 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516329662 Hanisah https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516331427 My biggest take-away is that inclusivity starts with us at teachers. I like that the videos shared strategies we can implement in our classroom to develop a culture of acceptance and respect toward one another. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:12:05 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516331427 Humairah https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516334080 Today's session reminded me of Haim Ginott's quote and I thought it would be nice to share with everyone in class:

"I AM THE DECISIVE ELEMENT IN THE CLASSROOM.
It’s my personal approach that creates the CLIMATE.
It’s my daily mood that makes the weather.
As a teacher, I POSSES A TREMENDOUS POWER to make a child’s like miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.
I can humiliate or heal.
In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a child in crisis with be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or dehumanized."
– Haim G. Ginott

It is important that teachers realise that they are the decisive element in the classroom; thus we should be careful about the words we use in class and
 how we treat our students so that they grow into more confident individuals that are capable of empathy and are open-minded.

From Dr Elizabeth: Excellent! Thanks for sharing with us!
]]> 2020-04-20 03:14:56 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516334080 Marcus https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516335801 To prepare the students for the future: 
  1. Government & School policies governs what the students learn.
  2. There must be a holistic and balanced curriculum to prepare them for the future, we should not have extremes
     
  3. Teach/Assess them on: 
    1. Assess Technology 
    2. Assess Sustainability 
      (farming / old sch teaching) 
    3. Assess Values / people skills 

]]> 2020-04-20 03:16:36 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516335801 Brandon https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516336370 My takeaway for today’s session is that there are times when students feel demoralised and may want to give up trying. However, as teachers we need to motivate and encourage them, and show them that they can succeed if they just try and not give up on them. Students spend almost half of the day in class everyday, so teachers are the closest adults that  they rely on. Thus, if we are positive and encourage them, they will slowly come to believe they can succeed to.]]> 2020-04-20 03:17:09 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516336370 Amanda https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516341963 My biggest takeaway from today’s session is that we should teach children to judge each other by their actions and personality instead of conceived gender roles and I strive to avoid discrimination in my classroom ]]> 2020-04-20 03:22:36 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516341963 Gena genawong https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516345805 "Hatred is a learned  Love is natural!"
"The teacher's beliefs make all the difference!""
The teacher's words can impact a student's life directly, and affect how all in the class interact with each other.

All the 5 schools are really very innovative. There are many things we can adapt into our local schools - especially exciting the senses of our kids and giving them a holistic experience of life!]]> 2020-04-20 03:26:12 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516345805 Zandra https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516347137 My biggest takeaway is that as teachers, our actions and beliefs have a large impact on our students and we have to firstly check ourselves before imparting them to our students.  
We also have to teach our students beyond academics and prepare them for the real world. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:27:17 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516347137 Faeqa https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516348154 As teachers, it is important for us to stay relevant to attend to the needs of our students and what do what is best for them to aid in their learning. All schools employ different methods, but it is the onus of the teachers to ensure that their students are able to reap the benefits of being under a particular system. Teachers play a role in empowering their learners and they need to make conscientious efforts to do so.]]> 2020-04-20 03:28:09 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516348154 Iman https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516350263 My biggest takeaway is that we should be able to see the potential that our students have an it is our role as their teacher to make them reach it. With positive affirmations and praises, it will really build on their self confidence which helps in their growth both emotionally and learning wise. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516350263 Catherine https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516350270 My biggest takeaway from today's session is that the teacher's presence, belief, words, and actions greatly influences our students to cultivate a good self-belief in their capabilities and self-image. What we need to do as teachers is to equip our students with the tools that enables them to live in life and overcome the challenges that they face.  ]]> 2020-04-20 03:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516350270 Nabil https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516351263 My takeaway from today’s session is that we are responsible of creating an inclusive classroom environment. Our students’ behaviours are a mirror of ourselves , and we should conduct ourselves accordingly.  A positive classroom culture should be maintained and kept consistent throughout the students’ education years so that they are able benefit from our system as much as possible. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:30:52 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516351263 Abigail https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516366873 My biggest takeaway is that the teacher's actions, mindsets and beliefs will be mirrored by the students. In order for the teacher to create a positive classroom culture, she has to show the students positivity. Complimenting the students will empower them to compliment others as well. Having confidence in them will give them confidence in themselves. ]]> 2020-04-20 03:45:08 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516366873 Francine https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516379873 My biggest takeaway is that as teachers we need to empower our students whether it is to use technology or introduce projects with real life applications (e.g. coffee cart). We should have high expectations and never underestimate what students are able to do. I also like the quote 'Hate is learned. Love is natural.' and as teachers we ought to show students what it means to love (whether it is to compliment them, treat each other well etc.)

]]> 2020-04-20 03:56:56 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516379873 Weixin chue_weixin https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516382017 My biggest takeaway from today's session is that the teacher's words and action can motivate the students to do things that they cannot even imagine. The teacher needs to understand the students' potential even if it is not showing at face value and try to bring out the best in them.]]> 2020-04-20 03:58:56 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516382017 Jiayi https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516389547 My biggest takeaway will be to learn about how technology may not always the best learning tool.  
I feel that not only does the reduction of technology in classrooms help to promote creativity in the children, it also pushes the teachers to be more innovative in their lesson plans. Instead of relying on technology, teacher will be pushed to come up with learning experiences that are more concrete and lasting. I also feel that, the absence of technology in the school helps to create more opportunities for human interaction and therefore help the children develop social interaction skills which i feel that is as important as being tech savvy in today's world.]]> 2020-04-20 04:06:09 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516389547 Gina https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516394478 My biggest takeaway from this session is learning the weight of our words and attitude to our students. As Teachers, we should always think the best of our students and have faith and confidence in their abilities. Instead of focusing on the negative, we should focus on the positives of each student and help them to expand on their potential.]]> 2020-04-20 04:11:05 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516394478 Shumin https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516398938 My biggest takeaway is how a holistic education is so important and we have the power to influence and impact the lives of children as teachers. More than the head knowledge, we can teach competencies, build up their confidence, believe in the children and challenge them to dream big dreams. Our words have the power to do something amazing in the lives of our students! ]]> 2020-04-20 04:15:14 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516398938 Anzie https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516430843 My biggest takeaway is that even though we have many good ideas from the innovative school segment, as per Marcus’s shadings, it is important to strike a balance. Technology is unavoidable and has many benefits. Might be a good idea to have that together with sustainability practices and it’s not a one or the other thing.]]> 2020-04-20 04:47:08 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516430843 Baolai https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516445227 Reading about alternatives to educational ideology helps a teacher to broaden his/her own perspectives. This helps us to be more informed, and know the difference and/or similarities with regard to the approach that MOE has in place for SG’s educational system. Hence I would like to remind myself that innovative (and even alternative) ideologies can hardly transform into a system itself due to the sheer size of implementation. While we wish to do this and that, the fact is can we do for that 40 students in my class, that 1200 students in my school, that 50000 students in the cohort.. But having said that, whatever a teacher does with the student and the class, it has an impact. Broaden their perspectives, and make a difference (in their lives)! We tried, is trying and will continue to try, and that matters! ]]> 2020-04-20 05:02:12 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516445227 Anisah https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516566723 A teacher should not only focus on completing the syllabus, but also think about the process of doing it, such that time is invested (not wasted) when getting children to be engaged in meaningful activities. These activities should should focus on building students' capacities to learn, to think critically and creatively, and to solve problems, as these are real competencies to make the child ready for the future. A teacher should also aim to make the knowledge and concepts relatable to students and to the world to make it more enjoyable and meaningful. ]]> 2020-04-20 06:39:32 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516566723 Weiting https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516950629 My best takeaway from this session is that we as teachers, can make a huge difference in our students’ lives. The amount of weight our words and actions carries are much more than what we perceive it to. Therefore, we must always be positive, especially towards our students, such that we will motivate them to perform much more than what their potential is. 

In addition, we must also seek to help students find the joy in learning. Through the various videos shown about how different schools are innovative in their ways of teaching and learning, there are some which are applicable and thus, I will be interested in trying them out. ]]> 2020-04-20 09:26:52 UTC https://padlet.com/elizabeth_owyeong/jrn1etpfhfhbbdj3/wish/516950629