mr. tthk

Moving

2010-05-22T11:33:00.005+08:00

This blog is moving to a better place.
http://mtthk.wordpress.com

For the uninitiated,
mtthk stands for Mister Tan Tze How Kelvin.

Kindly relink the blog on your class websites etc. Thanks.
Happy Holidays!

Thank you 1-Integrity

2010-05-07T14:05:00.003+08:00

Farewell for now, but not for long. See you guys soon!

3Express History

2010-05-07T09:18:00.004+08:00

What happened when the Provisional Government allowed for the freedom of expression?
Some of the political reforms by the Provision Government were the freedom of assembly, speech, universal suffrage and press. Thousands of political prisoners were also released. This helped the Bolsheviks as there was a rise in the number of political groups attempting to undermine the Provisional Government. Also, there was a strong movement demanding to end the war.

- A sample of the essay without specific Given Factor can be found on the right column.
- All the best for your MYE!

1Intergrity History games

2010-04-23T13:59:00.000+08:00

Instructions for 2Humility's Newspaper Activity

2010-04-08T11:54:00.004+08:00

As a group, discuss how you’ve selected the articles.

1. Write a 100 to 200-word justification report: What is the target audience group of my newspaper? Why did I choose the articles that I have chosen? Why do I want them to know about these events?

2. Post your justification report as “Comments” under your group’s blog post on Mr. tthk’s blog http://mr-tthk.blogspot.com

3. You’re encouraged to give your personal comments on other group’s newspaper.

4. Due date: Tonight 2359! (Remember timeliness?)

5. To enlarge the pictures, simply click on it.

Top Talk Times

2010-04-08T11:53:00.000+08:00

The Newspaper

2010-04-08T11:51:00.000+08:00

The Youth Times

2010-04-08T11:49:00.001+08:00

The Know-it-alls

2010-04-08T11:48:00.001+08:00

The Player's Times

2010-04-08T11:47:00.002+08:00

Kaypoh Times

2010-04-08T11:47:00.001+08:00

Kaypoh Times

2010-04-08T11:35:00.000+08:00

BreadCity Times

2010-04-08T11:23:00.000+08:00

The Secks Pig's Times

2010-04-08T11:18:00.000+08:00

Aid to Germany in the 1920s

2010-03-29T08:25:00.002+08:00

Sec 3Exp E. History Reflection: Please take a moment to think about the following question and provide your comment in about 80 to 100 words. You are encouraged to respond to your friends' comments.

Do you think the aid given to Germany was effective in the 1920s? Why?
Do you think there was too much reliance on the USA? Why?

Peace Land Bread

2010-03-27T16:15:00.001+08:00

A cute cartoon that nicely summarizes how the Bolsheviks rose to power in October 1917.

HIMB rocks at SJC

2010-03-20T12:29:00.005+08:00

Size matters, for some people.

Not for the Holy Innocents' High School Military Band guest performance on March 19 at the school hall of St. Joseph Convent.

With only 30 members, and the support of the alumni, the band was a strong team to be reckoned with. Perhaps it would be apt to call them the chilli padis - small but powerful.

"The band has become much smaller compared to my time, a senior exclaimed. "But it has also made so much improvements."

The concert, Encore III, was presented by the CHIJ SJC and Holy Innocents' High Military Band was invited to perform for the second half of the concert.

Hence, the repertoire was chosen with care to bring energy and zest to the audience.

Clarinetist Rima Melissa mesmerized the crowd with her virtuosic solo performance in the piece, Believe, by Yakisawa Shimushi.

On the other hand, Band Major Marvin Yeo led the band in Stand by Me, a familiar song specially for the more senior crowd amongst the audience.

American R&B legend, Earth, Wind & Fire took center stage in the concert when the band played a medley of their songs, including popular hit "September."

Bringing audience sentiments to sky high, the band literally got the audience to "wave their hands up in the air" when they played "We're all in this together" with members from the SJC band.

It was undoubtedly a great performance.

"Thank you everyone for the wonderful show," band instructor Mr. Jeffrey said.

The band will be making its next appearance in the Cafe@HIHS concert on April 16.

(more pictures on my facebook)

The story of King Asoka

2010-03-08T13:41:00.002+08:00

As promised for Sec 1 Integrity, here's the King Asoka video. Remember to complete the reflection questions!

The story of Hinduism

2010-03-04T14:56:00.001+08:00

This is the video I showed Sec 1 Integrity in class today - a pretty short, interesting and nice introduction to Hinduism.

First class with Mr. Tan

2010-03-01T17:14:00.007+08:00

Hello students (and juniors) of HIHS! A warm welcome to my blog.

I will be using this blog from time to time to facilitate some online sharing and for us to get to know each other better. If you were to scroll down on the right column, you may find some resources that can help you understand what I have covered in class.

I will try to update this blog as frequently as possible, but do give me your understanding that sometimes I can be caught up with a lot of work!

If you have been paying attention in class, you'd know about what you can expect of me and vice versa. I hope that we can have a fun semester ahead, but of course, you must know when to behave appropriately.

I strongly believe in the school values, i.e. Humility, Integrity, Respect and Love (谦，诚，和，爱), and as a student of HIHS, you should be the living examples of these qualities. Trust me, they will bring you far in life.

Lastly, have a great week ahead!

Creativity

2009-10-19T09:14:00.001+08:00

Here's a strategy: if you want to change the way people behave, give them a fun reason to!

Social media

2009-09-03T10:16:00.003+08:00

This is hilarious! Social media isn't bad for parents. Hmm.

Do you know what 'social media' means? Do you know that you are one of the most avid social media users around? Find out more.

Verbal abuse

2009-09-02T23:06:00.003+08:00

Hello folks of Bowen!

My apologies for not updating this blog as often as I would like to. Like you, I am also going to school for lessons - learning how to teach.

Anyway, I found this video that you can definitely identify with. But which of the characters in the clip can you identify with?

Were you ever in such a situation in which you were verbally abused? Or have you ever verbally abused another person in school? What did you do about it? If you are currently in such a situation, do you know what you can do?

Share your experience with me by email-ing me.

On a side note, if you want me to blog about a certain topic, feel free to write to me! I will be very happy to cater.

When you want...

2009-08-14T23:57:00.004+08:00

Eeks armpit hair!

2009-08-10T23:27:00.000+08:00

This clip comes across as funny to most people.

After watching this clip, take some time to think about: why the students reacted in that aversive manner towards something physiological? If you were the students in the clip, how would you have felt? As a spectator, why did you laugh (or react in whatever ways, otherwise)?

If you would like to share your thoughts, feel free to email me!

Customer first

2009-08-07T23:03:00.002+08:00

My "cher" showed us (other "chers" and me) this funny advertisement.

And I am sharing this with you.

As you watch, you may want to think about some of these questions:

1. What is the nature of this clip? i.e. short story, advertisement, art film, etc.
2. What is the message and purpose (think ITGA!) of this clip?
3. Do you think this clip has achieved its purpose?

Email me your response (how? look under "Contacting tthk"), the person with the best response gets a present from me. Trust me, you WANT the present. Even though I am not in Bowen, I will make sure the present gets to you. Any student from Bowen Secondary is eligible.

Happening!

2009-08-03T10:50:00.003+08:00

I stayed at home for the whole of yesterday, but it wasn't boring at all. Look at what happened around my house.

No idea where they came from. My sister and I rushed to shut all the windows and took a video. Have you watched "The day the earth stood still"? The scene is reminiscent to the finale, in which all the alien insects start to chomp down buildings after buildings. (Okay, I exaggerated. haha)

While doing my usual 5km run around the neighbourhood, I came across the GRC's National Day celebration beside a temple in Sengkang. Residents from neighbouring blocks gathered around the big field and waited for the firework display. Some brought chairs and titbits. I have never lived in Kampong before, but I think that's pretty kampong-ish. =)

School term has started for me, I'm not exactly looking forward to it. In this aspect, I can empathize with you guys. But we still have to give our best in whatever we do right? All the best to you if you are preparing for prelims. On a side note, if you use twitter, drop me a note! Follow me on twitter.

Bye Bye Baby

2009-07-17T22:07:00.002+08:00

There are so many things in Bowen Sec that I am going to miss. I will take the next few days to list them down.

What do you see?

2009-07-06T21:50:00.002+08:00

This year's NDP theme song by Electrico is AWESOME!

Paparazzi

2009-06-28T22:57:00.002+08:00

This is a really good acoustic version of Lady Gaga's Paparazzi. She is really talented. Do take a look if you want, I'm pretty sure you will be blown away.

Travel

2009-06-26T12:50:00.003+08:00

Pizzale Michelangelo @ Florence, Italy

I experienced the most beautiful sunset in Florence, Italy during the June holidays. It was sublime. You can just keep sitting there for hours after hours and never grow sick of it.

And yes, sunset in Italy at this time of the year last for hours. The picture was taken at around 9pm in the evening.

There's also a tendency to get a little emo because when "it's" so beautiful, you just can't help it.

It's beyond words to describe.

Florence is a beautiful place - I would urge everyone to go there at least once in your life - to take a look at high Renaissance art, or just to talk a walk in the beautiful city. And if you are like me, who is interested in architecture, Florence has this very famous, imposing, Gothic style cathedral - Basilica di Santa Maria del Flore.

I had an "archi"-high in Italy. If you are interested in Fascist aesthetics, Rome (the capital of Italy) has some fascist architecture, though not as impressive as those you'd see in Germany, North Korea or China.

There are many reasons to travel - shopping, sight-seeing, work, or simply to get away from all that silliness of our lives. Travel gives you a broader perspective of life, and makes you realise the futility of certain things we do.

You may learn something, unlearn something, and relearn something, be it for the better or worse. The greatest thing you'll learn is that nothing is absolute in life, ironically.

So, pack your bag. Muster your courage. Just go out.

Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy

The Pantheon, Rome, Italy

Vatican Museum, The Vatican (do you know the Vatican is the smallest country in the world?)

Poker face

2009-06-24T01:10:00.002+08:00

I believe many of you out there are big-time fans of Lady Gaga. This version of Poker face is really awesome!

If you haven't already known, Lady Gaga's coming to Singapore this August!

I already know that there's at least one dude from Bowen going for it. :P

Wash your body, wash your hands

2009-05-31T08:20:00.002+08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, remember to practice good hygiene during the holidays!

Congratulations

2009-05-27T23:18:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to our Bowen soccer girls for being the best in Singapore!

If you happen to be one our heroines today, contact me for the photos!

English day camp

2009-05-26T16:18:00.004+08:00

Hell broke loose today!

If you're wondering why...

It was the day one of English Day camp for the sophomores!

I would like to thank my very efficient and helpful PSL, Sean, for ensuring that our Acrostic Poem station at the "dreamcatcher" run smoothly. [Click here to find out what's a dreamcatcher]

And thanks to other PSLs and councillors who have helped along the way.

Guess who are they drawing?

All serious

2E5's poem on Mr. Rajan

Fajrina the PSL and 2E3's poem of Adeline. I will try to bring it to the hospital for her.

Mr. Farid is rash?! hmm..

PSL Hayati hard at work

Nostalgia: a decade ago

2009-05-24T21:26:00.003+08:00

Whilst jogging, I listened to 91.3 fm. (yes still listening to radio!) and came across a song that was very "in" during my time in secondary school.

A decade ago, to be exact, I was in Secondary 3.

And this song is befitting for tomorrow's mood. (Maybe not, since this is going to be the last week of the semester)

I have a long and busy week ahead, and I will not be seeing any of my own students. (You guys better stop the cheering!)

There's this other song that was particularly nostalgic for me. I was a literature student and one of my texts was Romeo and Juliet. My lit teacher showed my class Shakespeare in Love, the movie. And the theme song is filled with dreamy quotes from R&J itself.

Bowen's champions

2009-05-20T21:26:00.003+08:00

My dear students commented that my blog is too wordy. Very boring.

So, in this post I shall spare you the torrents of my nagging.

As some of you might have known, the Bowen soccer girls have beaten AMKSS in the semifinals. Kudos to the girls.

If you have missed it, here are the pictures.

We are the champions

Before it all started

All behind the team

Leaders in the making

On the ground

Unpredictable

Strength

Precision

Pride

Cheering their hearts out

Bowen

Having fun in other ways

Care

Team

Teachers are very happy too

Chinese teachers especially

Sweet victory

One of the heroines

Another one

Naughty, but cute 1T1

[As promised, I've refrained from posting tak glam shots of my students. Heh.]

It's amazing

2009-05-16T16:59:00.004+08:00

This is a pretty meaningful song from the movie, Sex and the city.

Pay attention to the lyrics. Personally, I feel a little ashamed. But that's another story altogether.

Nevertheless, I hope you'd like the song.

It's amazing
Jem

Do it now
You know you are
You feel it in your heart
And your burning and wishin

At first wait, it won't get it on a plate
Your gonna work for it harder and harder
And I know cause I've been there before
Knockin on door with rejection (rejection)
And you'll see cause if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

It's amazing it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Patience, now frustration in the air
And people who don't care
Well it's gonna get you down
And you'll fall (fall)
Yes you will hit a wall
Get back up on your feet
And you'll be stronger and smarter

And I know, cos' I've been there before
Knockin on door, wont take no for an answer
And you'll see cos' if it's meant to be
Nothing can compare to deserving your dream

It's amazing it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Ooo-ooo-ooo

It's amazing it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

It's amazing it's amazing all that you can do
It's amazing it makes my heart sing
Now it's up to you

Crazy teachers

2009-05-08T19:16:00.001+08:00

While you were having exams, we were...

What I talk about

2009-05-05T22:16:00.005+08:00

I just started reading Haruki Murakami's What I talk about when I talk about running.

Reading the book is like taking a walk in a field filled with gems.

Here's one which strike a chord with me.

"Life is basically unfair. But even in a situation that's unfair, I think it's possible to seek out a kind of fairness. Of course, that might take time and effort. And maybe it won't seem to be worth all that. It's up to each individual to decide whether or not it is."

Here's another one.

"...I don't think it's merely willpower that makes you able to do something. The world isn't that simple. To tell the truth, I don't even think there's that much correlation between my running every day and whether or not I have a strong will. I think I've been able to run for more than twenty years for a simple reason: it suits me."

Lastly, ironically,

"The most important thing we ever learn at school is the fact that the most important things can't be learned at school."

Falling sick

2009-05-04T19:11:00.003+08:00

I'm not sure how you'd feel about the temperature taking exercise (twice daily).

My guesses are -

1. it's a hassle?

2. it's a relief because finally, the teachers stop yakking away?

3. the school is being kiasu and overreacts?

4. it's absolutely important to be vigilant in view of an imminent outbreak of influenza A H1N1?

5. wishing that the outbreak will happen sooner and exams will be cancelled?

6. I don't care?

7. huh? what temperature taking? (for those who are totally oblivious)

Personally, I think this is a classic case of being kiasu. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this in a malicious way.

There are many ways and scenarios in which you can be kiasu. Being kiasu in this case of temperature taking is justifiable.

We see "people-at-the-top" trying out ways to manage a virus that is still pretty much unknown. I think it's better to be safe than sorry.

People like us, who are not the main decision makers, can just follow the rules and cooperate with the authority. After all, it is our health that is at stake.

We take responsibility for not just our health, but our friends' as well since we are all interacting closely on a day-to-day basis.

For those who know me well, you should know that I hate to do things without knowing why.

If you still don't know why you are going through all these temperature taking procedures, take it as: we are all trying to prevent a situation in which many of us fall sick. Very very sick.

Meanwhile, some of you have seen me coughing like a madman today during lesson. Tomorrow I am on MC.

Don't miss me too much.

Heehee.

Life lessons

2009-04-29T20:38:00.006+08:00

When I was invigilating yesterday, I came across this quote by Tom Bodett :

"In school, you are taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."

I can't agree more.

Don't throw away what you already have

2009-04-25T17:28:00.004+08:00

All my students are very intelligent. All of them have got an A in their hands.

I said, all. Every single one of them. 3NA, 4NA and 5NA.

Some students hold on to their As vehemently.

They asked for extra lessons, consultations. They listened to lessons attentively and participated in every way they could. They did their homework seriously and hand up on time.

Homework. A very important tool of communication between the students and teachers. Homework are not meant to make life difficult for students. For every piece of assignment for the students, it would mean a 40 times amount of work for the teachers.

Homework is practice. Homework is also feedback; feedback of your progress and understanding. Never mind, students will never understand the value of feedback until they are deprived of it.

On the other hand, some students allow their As to dangle precariously on their fingertips.

They choose not to do their work. They'd tell the teachers they are not interested in the subject, nor learning. They cook up lame stories. They break their promise time after time.

If you are still in slumber, its time to wake up. An A grade (or B grade, pass grade, whatever) is not elusive.

You already have it.

Just, don't throw away what you already have.

Bowen's dreamcatcher

2009-04-19T22:56:00.008+08:00

My favourite photo of Bowen so far. I call it the dreamcatcher.

"Only good dreams would be allowed to filter through. Bad dreams would stay in the net, disappearing with the light of day."

Writing an introduction

2009-04-19T22:49:00.009+08:00

It may be the last thing you write in your composition.

Introductions can be the most difficult thing to write in any essay.

In fact, I empathise with you – facing a clean sheet of foolscap paper with absolutely no words on it.

At the same time, you hear the clock hands tickling away. Perspiration oozes out from the pores of your palm.

A thousand things run through your brain as you attempt to overcome the inertia of your cerebral gears.

Are you still reading? Do you find yourself wanting to read on?

Most forms of writing demand an introduction. For your examination, which require you to write a short essay of not more than 800 words, your introduction should consist of no more than one paragraph.

Ever asked yourself - why do we need an introduction for essay writing? You don’t need to write an introduction for your blog entry. You don’t need to write introduction when you write a letter to a friend.

Remember, the examiner (who might be someone living on the other side of the globe) does not know you. That is why need to create a bridge - one that links your world to his or hers.

An introduction therefore,

- Gives the reader(s) an idea of what you are going to say for the rest of your essay.

- Entices the reader to read on.

- If you are doing expository or argumentative essay, your introduction should be a good map for the rest of your paper.

A good introduction is half the battle won.

There are two sides to this - an introduction can be an opportunity for you to create good impression, or, it can bore your reader and lead to the downfall of your article, and eventually, your marks.

The introduction must be written with sound grammar and strong vocabulary. If you have always been weak in English, keep it simple then!

Your introduction should make sense and be logical.

How to capture attention then?

It often begins with a question or statement called the “thesis statement”. Pay attention to your first sentence; make sure it says something useful.

1. Create conflict – say something that goes against common belief. Read the first sentence of this article again, for example.

2. Provoke the reader – ask a question. Or a rhetorical question. Invite them to read on for answer. e.g. “Is democracy dead in Singapore?”, “Do we live to eat, or eat to live?”

3. Avoid clichés and offensive or baseless claims.

4. Assert – say what you want to say with confidence.

Give your examiner a good reason to read your paper. You rarely get a chance to tell a stranger a story in less than 800 words. Make sure you tell them things that matter.

You lose credibility when you make silly grammar errors. Errors such as “I did not saw that coming”, “Freddy and Jason is not exactly the best of friends” will not be tolerated. These are very basic errors we have been going through for the past few sessions.

In general, avoid:

1. “Dictionary definitions” – Oxford dictionary defines … (It does not sound interesting, original and you run the risk of citing an inaccurate definition)

2. Repeating the question – why repeat the question in writing again when it is already printed on the question paper? Restating the topic in your own word is o.k.

3. Stating the obvious – e.g. “Happiness is a good feeling”, “I study in a secondary school”. Say something more effective instead.

While you deliberate on your essay introduction, please note that you should write legibly and neatly. Keep track of the time you have. If you have to, you may leave some space in front and write your introduction last.

Good luck!

More than just talking

2009-04-18T13:57:00.004+08:00

Speech day is an opportunity.

An opportunity to inspire.

Less so for the teachers, but totally for the students.

Today's speech day is actually the first speech day in my life. My secondary school never had one as we give out presents on a thanksgiving mass at the end of every year.

This time round, the teachers have put in a tremendous amount of effort. Imagine: meeting the fast-paced demands of teaching during curriculum time, when the bell comes ringing, they turned into events managers and coordinators. Not forgetting the more experienced teachers who had to guide us, the newer teachers. No joke, I'd tell you.

But at the end of the day, the teachers knew that their effort paid off when the students took tremendous pride in their roles. Something that is not so evident in the classroom, however. Haha.

To be frank, when I knew I was involved in the Speech Day, I thought it was just "one of those duties" I had to do. I did complain about it, not because I had to do it, but because I didn't know why I was doing it.

I didn't know what is the raison d'etre of a speech day other than the fact that is a ceremony to give out presents for those who have done well in exams.

Today, I know. It is more than that.

It is all about the students, like it has always been and always will be.

I don't like to scold students

2009-04-17T20:27:00.003+08:00

Not at the first lesson especially.

It dampened my mood for the whole day and I feel somewhat guilty over it. Despite the fact that I absolutely cannot tolerate rudeness in my class, I thought I could have handled the situation better.

I like 3A1. I have liked them when I went in for relief. I chatted with a number of them and found that they are a fun and friendly bunch of people. Character wise, they are genuine and honest - something I appreciate as a teacher, but never noticed when I was a student.

For today's class, many students were great! I appreciate the active participation and enthusiasm. Of course, there's always some who have decided to sit far away, as if they were third party observers.

I wished that I had more time to get to know the students. I wished the marker pen worked properly today. I wished I had a more conducive venue for the lesson instead of CPA3. I wished that there's no mid-year exams, so I don't need to rush through the revision. I wished that I didn't have to scold anyone and kill the initial momentum that was building up rather well.

I'm sorry. The next lesson, let's all be better learners.

Accessing the files

2009-04-14T21:01:00.000+08:00

If you are unable to access the files for whatever reason, drop me a mail. How can you do so? Look under "contacting tthk" at the side bar, click on the link and fill in the contact form.

If you are not in my ACP classes but wish to attend, drop me a mail or come by my office. I will pass you the materials of previous sessions. But do note that if you opt to be in this programme, I'd expect you to attempt all the assignment.

All are welcomed.

Cheer on

2009-04-12T18:19:00.000+08:00

I'm elated.

No, not because our humanities team came in second at the teachers' 4X100 race and won $15 Fairprice voucher.

I was happy because the class I took over on Thursday (a small group of students from 5A2) displayed optimism, critical thinking and maturity beyond their age.

When I was 17, I was in JC, not knowing what I was doing. I had the most discipline problems then, more so than any other periods of my life. Imagine the consternation of my teachers and parents!

On the other hand, at 16 going on 17, these kids have a positive outlook in their future. We have an aspiring art teacher, a hotelier, a businesswoman etc.

MH shrewdly analyzed the present economic situation, wanting to seize the opportunities of arming herself with more knowledge before she goes into the "real" world.

You'd see an innocent young person, full of drive and passion, wanting to make a difference in her own life, shaking off pre-conceived labels and stereotypes.

I certainly hope this group of students is representative of their cohort.

Teach

2009-04-10T20:09:00.000+08:00

School has been benign, so are the students. I say this with my fingers crossed.

It has been a long time since I am away from the regurgitating-style GCE exams. Or I should say, just exams. Time to rev up the cerebrum. Oh wait, did I hear the rusty gears starting to rotate?

My interaction with students is, by far, pretty limited. I do get two Normal (A) classes for academic coaching. But I should say that the things I get to do in an hour is pretty limited. But so far, these kids are pretty pleasant, some of them have genuine motivation to learn. And it's only up to us to devise the best plans and activities for them, to help them get through the O' level hurdle.

Here in Singapore, one studies for choice. The higher level (A level, dip, deg etc.) you move, the more choices you have to do what you want with your life. I'd say academic contents are secondary. I definitely don't remember a thing about A math and Chemistry right now. What a student is gonna take away from school is skill. In fact, lots of skills.

Last week, we had a wonderful workshop for the teachers on social and emotional learning. We were told to identify a teacher (our own teacher when we were students) and list down the reasons why we remember them. A teacher's effectiveness based on the grades of his/her student is ostensible. None of the participants at the workshop remembers his teachers because they help him score As in his subject.

Similarly, I remembered my own teacher Mrs Chang not because she helped me pass Math, but because she encouraged me to stay on in JC, which eventually led me to the university.

Now that I think of this, I am encouraged. And I think that is the kind of teacher I want to be.