T2W6 - 4E1

(This blog entry is inspired by Amy's entry ... http://maxwow-amycharles.blogspot.com/2009/04/praises-go-long-way-sometimes.html)

This class amazes me....

At the start of the year when I realised that I was going to teach them, I checked their E Math MSG for 2008. Oh yes...it's going to be a tough year. So from the beginning I was strict with them. I was determined to ensure that they get the best result in E Math this year. So in the first week of this year I gave them the SOW that I will strictly follow, the CA1 breakdown that shows their test marks and assignments done(or not) and gave them reasonable amount of homework (they know it's for their own good) and go through the harder questions the next period. As what happened in my 1E2 class, most of them have shown improvement, whether slight or a milestone, which I am very proud of. The remarks that I gave in their assignments are carefully thought of and not just random remarks. I realised that you have be genuine in giving out praises as students don't like to be patronised (just like adults). Thus when they do well in tests and assignments, a little word of praise like 'well done!' and 'good effort' and little smiley stickers will have a positive effect on them. I remembered putting this comment on a student's test paper... ' You're finally showing your true potential. I'm so proud of you. Keep up the good work!' From that day onwards, the student never fail to impress me. He continues to be paying attention in class and handing in assignments on time and will be participating actively in class discussion. HOORAAYY!!! :) ( one down ...and many more to go...hehe)

I have 2 more of such cases. One is a student who had failed in her previous tests and because of her active involvement in one of the performing arts groups that did well in SYF Central Judging and her curriculum period conducted dring the SRP timeslot, it was really tough on her. She perservered, tried her best to pay attention in class (although she gets distracted easily), studied for the last test on Graphical Solution of Equations and wah lah! she finally passed! I call that determination and she was so proud of having passed that test. What I did was to encourage her more as I know she is capable of doing well in her academics as she has shown those qualities in her CCA. Now that SYF is over, we will sit together and do some intensive revision....

The other student had a colourful past. After accepting him in my class in February, I realised that he had not shown a better attitude this year (being his 5th) and I was really getting frustrated. I held him back after class sometime last month and gave him a tounge-lashing that I was not aware I could. I SMS his mum and told her of my disappointment and needed her to do something cos obviously he hadn't. I thought it was going to be like last year...advice falling to deaf ears...BUT he really surprised me. He turned up earlier than his classmates on the day of the Graphical Solution of Equations test. He sat quitely and did the test. When I marked his script that same night I was shocked as he was the fourth highest in the class! I think he finally got the message that we(teachers, school and parents) want him to do well in his academics. I had to ask this of him- whether he was already good in that topic as he had studied this last year, or is it that he had really studied for this test. And when he said that he studied for it, I really felt good. He is on the road to better future....YESSSS AT LAST!!! Now what I need to do is to keep reminding him of his potential and what he is able to do, instead of harping on his shortcomings....

So to summarise this very long entry --- Every child (AND ADULT) has potential to do well. He/She just needs that guidance, encouragement and genuine praises from the people that matters. It is our job as teachers to support and give good advice and be a role model to them in terms of good work ethics and behaviours.