A discussion-based ESL classroom. Is it applicable?

"A series of hierarchical linear models indicated that discussion-based approaches were significantly related to spring performance..." (Langer, 2009). As stated by Langer, discussions are mostly related to good and arising performance in language. This indicates group discussions can be implemented in a class of students who can converse well in the target language. I used to teach university students for six months and witness that students in that level of education participated well in the ESL classroom discussion. A lot of ideas were exchanged among one another since most of my the students are able to speak well in English.

On the other hand, students in lower proficiency level are not advised to be taught using classroom discussions in ESL class. This is because they find it hard to say out what they think in the target language. As a result, the discussions become a more of a first-language discussion classroom. For example, I was given a poor English proficiency class this year in SMK Chung Hua. Whenever I bring out a topic to be discussed in the class, the students were absolutely interested to talk about the topic - in their mother tongue! This has hindered my aim of improving their English proficiency.

For good classes, as mentioned earlier, I agree with the usage of classroom discussion as a method ranging from debates to group forum. However, for poor classes, I normally try to improve their vocabularies in order for them to give out their ideas - using games! For example, in teaching lexical chunks like 'In my opinion.....' or 'Frankly speaking.....' in giving their opinions. This will subsequently boost their confidence in English communication skill. 

Lastly, surveys are utterly needed to give us an idea of students' preference of certain matter. For example, we can give a set of questionnaire to identify the students' preference towards classroom discussion

Malaysia 13th General Election

Yesterday marked another history in Malaysia. Our 13th GE had just been successfully held throughout the nation. The winning party, BN, although losing 2/3 majority for the second time, deserves their victory. A lot of debates and speculations made post-election. But, frankly speaking, every party should accept their own fates whether or not they have won or been defeated. 

But the issue that worries me the most is the tendency of us to play the race issue here. Without neglecting the Malays, I admit this land belongs to the Malays. However to what extent does one can say the land belongs to one race and not the others? Why is it that we are so worried of the other races? 

Yes, that is embedded in our culture. THE MALAYS. We are lazy, ignorant but highly spirited when it comes to making riots and etc. Look at what happened yesterday, a video showing a group of young voters making a mess in Ipoh Timur. Were those young peeps the so-called New GENERATION of educated peeps? 

On the other hand, in Miri as an example, a lot of BN posters written with "A VOTE FOR PAKATAN=A VOTE FOR PAS" were hung up everywhere along the streets here. As a result, the CHINESE here voted OFF the BN and yeah, that is the race we usually call RACIST and being scared off.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Chinese people are merely like us. They'll do anything if they think their rights have been taken away. I am currently teaching in a Chinese school and I do not see any problem occuring. In fact, my colleagues were so happy when I speak Chinese with them. 

For the Malays, GROW UP! there's a huge world beyond what you are living in now. Change people's mindset about us. We are NOT lazy and NOT idiot. 

The Wave by Fahim Rahim

2.00pm 17 September 2012

I remember the first time we met,

It was raining like in Hindi Film,

in the car we kissed,

and show the love we never had.

I remember when I woke up,

seeing that beautiful eyes,

that pure smile that I always adore,

bringing me to heaven,

telling me Ill love you till ever.

In the morning I make meals for you,

taking care of you,

This feet works like a horse,

But I never mind,

as long as you are happy,

Because I dearly love you.

Remember how I hold that small hands,

in the car while driving,

Its the greatest feeling,

The joy that we had,

The nights we spent,

a blink of an eye,

a shot of a gun,

a strike of a thunder,

It happens so fast,

You everything I thought you never were,

You are the rain beneath the rainbow.

Living here alone is a deep torture,

burning my heart,

tearing it apart.

Love, come back. I need you `,`

I never leave you

But if the lock is on your door,

Ill understand

How Do I Start Writing My Story? by Fahim Rahim

It has been quite a remarkable year in 2012. Im sorry for not updating my blog all these while. Tonight, I have a special poem. Yes, it has been quite some time since the last time I write a poem. Know that these poems represent my heart and my words. Those I can never utter out loud. enjjoy!

"How Do I Start Writing my Story?" 

By Fahim Rahim

1.15am, 16 September 2012

How do I start writing my story?

When my eyes are here,

My brain is there,

And my heart is everywhere.

How do I start writing my story?

Blue ocean, thunders, clouds,

And rain….

They are all seem perfectly together.

Shall I count the rain,

Shall I touch the sky,

Or shall I jump from the high everest,

To prove how much you worth.

Sorry is just another word,

For you,well at least

The stones are listening,

The cats are speaking, but

Yes, not you never you.

Love, what is that all about?

For my mom loves me but never once had she made me sorrow,

My friends love me but never did they bring me low.

Do you love me? I never know.

Please answer,

Do you really love me? I do not know!

To you,

If I can ever turn the time back,

It will be as status quo,

Because breathing here,

knowing that you are leaving,

Is not something I adore.

And it really makes me wonder,

How do I ever start writing my own story?

Exercises for BEL120 / Mei-October 2011

WILL or GOING TO?, by Nuria Ortiz
Find this and other future tense exercises in English Exercises .org

MALAY vs. CHINESE

Malay versus chinese. Three words that may encapsulate different views from different people. The Malays, as again and again, shall I say 'born in the silver spoon' in Malaysia with Ketuanan Melayu, Hak orang-orang Melayu and so on. And here it is still, Chinese, born in a rotten spoon, conquering the biggest industries in Malaysia - Farming, business, tourism and etcetra.

Why is this happening??

Some people say the word 'Melayu' itself brings a bad connotation... Me-LAYU..(I doubt this)
Some people say Chinese are born with good genetics that makes them hardworking and good in business...( I also doubt this)
Some people say bla......bla......bla........

Well, Dr. M said "Org Melayu, buanglah tongkat sendiri dan belajarlah berjalan dengan kaki sendiri"

WoW! Now, I know why Dr. Salina in my 'Current issues in Education' class adores Dr. M so much. He is a man with a mind of an alien. I mean, he does not think like us. I do agree with him in this sense. THE MALAYS have to be slapped on their face and wake up!!!

It is not that Chinese have good genes and Malays are not. We are all born with the same capacity of the brain in our cranium (except the brainless mat rempit i guess). But the thing is, its about the extent that we use our brain to build up the life that we want. The Chinese, if we think again, why do they succeed in Malaysia...a land of the MALAYS?

The answer is simple, because they are minority and they do not have the government to pamper them so much with this and that and this and that. For instance, Ive read a newspaper clip long time ago when this Chinese kid said that her mother always pushes her to study hard because 'we are always the minority no matter what'. If two Malays with 10As can go to university only one Chinese is offered to do that. That is merely a fact!

It is normal for human to feel insecure if they are a bunch of minorities. Look at the Malays in U.K for example, how do they survive there? I heard most of them opened businesses to support their life. So, why cant we in Malaysia become the Malays in the UK? Because, we are just too pampered by our own government. I'm sick of telling this because deep in my heart (although I'm chinese+malay) I know that Malays are also capable to succeed. Yes, some Malays have proven that....Look at Al-bukhari....Sosilawati even....They are a bunch of successful Malays. But its only them....what about the other 99% of the malays??????

Anyway, to Chinese....you've done hell of a good job surviving in this land. Good! But, Malays....its time to wake up! No more hot coffee at the warung gossipping about janda berhias anymore....NO MORE.....we have to prove to them that we can also succeed....

new life

-new life-

"The greatest gift from god"

Title: The Greatest Gift from God
Lyricist: Noor Ainulfahim Abd Rahim
Date written: 5th January 2011

Remember when we first met,
The sea turns red,
The clouds were scared,
The stars gazing, shining the world it led..

How did we come this far,
How did we go through a thousand billion scars?
When the rainbow shines,
My heart is opened,
And with you I shall survive….

(Chorus)
Do you really believe in love?
Do you really think that mountains can be torned and burnt to dust?
With you, I shall be,
The one I wanted to subsist,
Because my love you are,
The greatest gift from god..

(bridge)
Oh lord,
I pray to you that this love shall never apart,
Because without you my love,
And Without your love,
My heart shall never be defined…

The Wawasan Tower Malaysia... a meal for the political party?

Honestly saying, I hate politics so much with such lies from both the government and opposition parties. I rarely talk or start any conversation that has even a tiny bit of politics for some personal reasons. However, I do have to say this, I strongly believe that the government's proposal on doing such a mega project in a this 5% economical growth country is a absolutely a meal for the political party particularly the government. Bare in mind that I do not hate the government nor the opposition but this has to end.
Firstly, I feel that 'someone' is so scared right now that his political party might collapse in the coming general election. That is the reason why this tower is proposed, because its about making names just like Tun Mahathir made name with his gigantic KLCC and KL Tower. Just when Malaysia is only surviving on income-taxes, this is when this clever person want to say "Why don't we build another tower that costs billions! I know our people would like it!" How pathetic! We may not be good in economy but we are good in common sense. Better than yours at least?
Yet, they say it is to promote tourism in this country. Ask yourself how long has KLCC lasts as the tallest building standing on earth before Taiwan 101 took over? 1 year? 3 years? 6 years? The point here is that our government has to be slapped on their faces that the tower itself is a huge waste than gain!!! Does the people in China would wanna come to Malaysia just because we have this one tall tower which is almost the same as their DOZENS of towers back in Beijing? Yes, most of our tourists are middle-easterns, yet ask again, do they care to come to Malaysia because of that single tower and saying bye-bye to their buildings in DUBAI? NO! They come to Malaysia mostly to shop! Because the prices here are cheaper than theirs, plus the government's abolishment of the taxes! (have to credit the gov for this!)
My idea would be, instead of focusing on building another tower in Malaysia, everyone would be happy if:
1) The taxes for PTPTN abolished
2) More improvements on school's facilities ESPECIALLY in rural areas. The teachers would be in seventh heaven if they have internet coverage in their schools.

But I do agree IF the tower is built for the homeless, old folks, orphans and so on. I think everyone would love the government for this (It's good for the election too!) STOP GIVING NONSENSE TO PEOPLE PLEASE, WE'RE NOT A BUNCH OF STUPIDS! Still, again and again I wanna give credit for Najib because of the tax abolishments. :) smile...peace~

Semester 6 B.Ed TESL

Hoho~
Haha~
Hehehe~

This semester has been terrific so far for me.... For some reasons, I have experienced new things which I would say........ terrifyingly interesting? how is that?

1) For the first time in my TeSL years, I did not.... or should I say I NEARLY failed my presentation....thanks to Miss Afni.... its a fucking slap to my face!

2) I bought N95 at a black market (kononnya nak pakai hp mahal yg murah....) I felt so stupid!!! cheated by a couple of Indonesians who wears be fake prada shirt! urgh! for RM430 I used the hp for two hours.... may RM225 per hour I guess! demmit!!!

3) I got a job at Cambridge-Al-Ikhlas language centre in SACC mall Shah Alam as an English tutor...the pay is quite nice mannn.... But the interview.... I dare say.... The hardest interview Ive ever attended yet!


4) For the first time again I failed my quiz.... got 9/30 for Methodology in teaching writing quiz (bangga wooo) hahaha

5) For the first time, Im playing petville in Facebook... syok jugak woo!

I do hope this semester will go as planned... Im totally eager to go for practical next semester yeayyy!!

There are times...

There are times that I really miss it
We are like a family
eat together
laugh together
cry together
and we even went to the toilet together
I miss how we shared our food
I miss how we slept on the table with the temparature as low as 18 degrees,
I miss how we helped one another for various reasons
But for some reasons
I'm not there anymore
memories are merely memories
thank you SIFE uitm for the experience I've gained
This decision was made not to make you guys weak
I do love u guys so much
but sometimes we have to let go
let go
and let go
so with open heart
I let you go....
Goodbye SIFE UiTM~

Our VOICES

my blog was quoted by various online website on global voices, education, and so on!!! Now, I realize that our voices are heard through blogs! These are some of the websites....

1) elitestv.com

2) globalvoicesonline.org

3) thextalks.blogspot.com

4) zh.globalvoicesonline.com

5) pots.tw

6) taipedia.selfip.info

7) http://www.taiwangoodlife.org/

8) fav.or.it

9) http://www.bonology.com/

10) livingwalls.com

how do I know? some contacted me to have the permission...and some I found through 'GOOGLE'.....

so, enjoy blogging~~

Students in Free Entreprise UiTM - The post-mortem...

Held in Tun Dr. Ismail Hall, the competition started with dividing teams into 4 leagues:

LEAGUE 1:

Kuala Lumpur Metropolitant University

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Universiti Teknologi Petronas

Universiti Utara Malaysia

LEAGUE 2:

Universiti Malaya

Unversiti Tun Hussein Onn

Universiti Malaysia Pahang

LEAGUE 3:

Universiti Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

LEAGUE 4:

Universiti Teknologi MARA

Universiti Multimedia

Universiti Kuala Lumpur

And the next day, only the best team from each league moved to the FINAL round:

LEAGUE 1:

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

LEAGUE 2:

Universiti Malaya

LEAGUE 3:

Universiti Tenaga Nasional Berhad

LEAGUE 4:

Universiti Teknologi MARA

We, the juniors have given our best shot during the presentation.... but maybe this year is not our time anymore. Its ok, we accept that with the utmost opened hearted....But the problem that I am trying to convey here is that... The competition has started to be unhealthy... I can definitely see the vibes of hatred from other universities to my team.... I honestly dint know why.... because my team has been winning for 7 years???? because our shirts are too striking????

To all sifers, go back to the first day you were in this club...were you thinking about this so-called competition???? All I've ever wanted before was to change people's lives! But now, I'm extremely frustrated how those so-called friends from other teams reacted on us... Dont you guys know the meaning of rezeki and usaha??? This year its UMS's rezeki and so what?? we accepted that with opened hearts! In fact, we even hoped that this will change other's mindset about SIFE UiTM.

If you joined SIFE merely to break the 'curse' of SIFE UiTM being the champion all these years...then forget it....go back to your kampung and tanam jagung larrr.... SIFE is too good for you...dont you dare to put a black spot on its nobel intention!

The result for the final round was:

CHAMPION:

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

1st RUNNER UP:

Universiti Teknologi MARA

2nd RUNNER UP:

Universiti Tenaga Nasional

3rd RUNNER UP:

Universiti Malaya

For pictures, add me on Facebook: ayiem88@yahoo.com.my

YOU'RE INVITED!! -S.I.F.E-

Hi guys.....simple post this time....After months of hardwork and dedication, the time has come for another round of SIFE National Cup...

Dear Friends.... and Family.....

If you read this, you are invited to watch us....SIFE UiTM....compete among other 15/14 universities in Malaysia namely

1)UiTM

2)UMS

3)UTP

4)Uniten

5)USM

6)USIM

7)UKM
8)KLMU

9)UIA

10)UNIKL
11)UMT

12)UTM

13)UUM

14)forgot already lohh....

15).....

Please do come and support us...

Venue:

HALL 1, HALL 2, HALL 3, HALL 4 (Opening Round)

DEWAN TUN DR. ISMAIL (final)

Putra World Trade Centre

Time:

8am-6pm (the competition starts around 11am)

May the best team wins........insyaallah.......

SIFE-SHELL better world Competition 2008

Its a competition held with the theme of creating a better world through environmental sustainability... We started writing the script just the night before...ends up around 3 am....and started practising until 4.30 am....at 6.30 we departed from Lailah's house to.......

Programme: SHELL-SIFE better world 2009

Date: 6th July 2009

Place: Shell Theater, SHELL Headquarters Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Damansara

Team Participating:

1)UITM SHAH ALAM

2)UTP

3) USIM

4)USM

5)UNIKL

6)UMT

7)UNITEN

and others..........

The judges were executives from SHELL itself... and they know about business stuff very well... which made me look stupid during the Q&A session.... I honestly didn't expect to win.... and I even hope for SIFE UTP to win this tournament.... but things went farrrr differently.... I have no idea why.... but the result was:

Winner: Uniten

first runner up: Usim

second runner up: UITM SHAH ALAM

fourth: UTP

fifth: UNIKL

Maybe this is what we call 'rezeki'... I know UTP put extra effort for this tournament... their preparations are beyond what's expected.... So, from the bottom of my heart....KUDOS to the team.... try your best in the SIFE NATIONAL CUP 2009....which is BIGGER..... May the best team wins!

UTP + UITM

SIFE uitm...the progress....

with national cup around the corner, the team has finally finished their script and started practising....

"From far...Hanan, Lailah, Moja, Sally...and me..the picture taker..huhu"

"Hyke...giving advises on the script"

Mr. president.... mr perfectionist?? (note the question mark there...hahaha)

Everyone's going nuts!!! or nads!!!hehe (nad is the girl with white tudung)

SIFE national cup 2009

Students in Free Enterprise is a non profit organization which aimed at instilling entrepreneurial values and giving impacts towards a community. ahh....forget it...

WE are CHOSEN!!!

I am chosen to represent UITM SHAH ALAM in SIFE national cup.....together with my team Lailah, Salmah and Moja as presenters...Sasa and Suhaini as Q&A masters.... honestly im so glad!! I really wanna gain the experience of presenting in front of CEO's from big companies....or at least their executives....the details are:

PLACE: Dewan Merdeka PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE

DATE: 20th July 2009 to 22nd July 2009

For all three days, we will be sponsored by SIFE MALAYSIA and smart partnership with SHELL, CIMB and so on....3 days 2 nights in:

***Grand Seasons Hotel***

Please do pray for us SIFE UITM MALAYSIA TEAM.....because if we win, we will be joining SIFE WORLD CUP 2009 in with more than 100 countries ................ guess??

***BERLIN, GERMANY***

-note that uitm has been winning 7 times in a row and went to New york, paris, barcelona, mexico, canada, singapore and so on....-

What I want to achieve before 25....

DreaMs...

Dreams...

Dreams...

Some might say....Dreams are merely dreams....

Some might say....Ahh, forget it, its just a dream anyway!

But I wont say that.... To me dream is an entity that drives us to be what we want... I'm not writing about those dreams that we have everyday.... But they're about what we want to be?? what we want to achieve?? Our goals in life???

I dream of being a TESL student ..... now, here I am....

I dream of being a debater since school ... now, I am a debater....

I dream of having my own original expensive perfume (whatever they call it)..now I have it...

and a lot more....

well, thats like years before.... just to fill up my empty days.....I want to list things I want to achieve before 25....four years to go.....

1) Of course..........the one and only......... becoming..........SLIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2) Have a degree.......become a teacher......have my own salary....yeehaa!!

3) A girlfriend I guess....I dont know.....maybe yes maybe no....I'm planning to settle down at 30

4) Buy my own designer bag!!!

5) Modify my car......and even pay for it....hohoho

6) Have a room full of my own clothes, shoes, bags...HAHAHA (dreamy boy)

7) Go on vacay to PARIS!!!! I've always wanted to go there... ohhh!!!

SO WHATS YOURS???!!!!

"Can I take your order please?"

My first job was back then when I was 18 years old after sitting for the SPM exam. I worked as a full-time factory worker at Khian Guan Biscuit factory Sdn. Bhd. Well, the funny thing is, it lasted for about hurmm..... three.....three months?? not exactly.... its three days!!! hahaha! Why? can you imagine standing 10 hours NON-STOP working like a mad robot, carrying 10kg of biscuites....I cant even listen to my MP3! oh damn! still its an experience growing up....

Second job..... hurm...its quite an amazing experience.... I worked as a teacher at a private tuition centre.... teaching science, english, and maths to Standard 4, 5, and 6.... english to form 1, 2 and 3.... The salary was ok....but its the experience that really counts...

Third job was again....as a teacher.... I taught English at Armada Ilmu Tuition Centre in Seksyen 7 Shah Alam.... It was quite remarkable teaching there as my students were cute...hehehe....and I earned quite some money per month.... But I quit because of my transportation problem...

AND NOW! here I am, sitting in PUTRA CAFE....working as a waiter....its a new experience .... I nearly spilt tea to my first customer.... hehehe....embarassing actually....I really hope to gain new experience here.....

ENJOY!

There is NO GOD!!

READERS,

is GOD REAL?????

An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty. He asks one of his new Muslim students to stand and…..
Professor: You are a Muslim, aren’t you, son?
Student : Yes, sir.
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Prof: Is God good?
Student : Sure.
Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student : Yes.
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is this God good then? Hmm?
(Student is silent.)

Prof: You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?
Student :Yes.
Prof: Is Satan good?
Student : No.
Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student : From…God…
Prof: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student : Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Prof: So who created evil?

(Student does not answer.)
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?
Student :Yes, sir.
Prof: So, who created them?
(Student has no answer.)
Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son…Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir.
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student : No , sir.
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.
Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student : Yes.

Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my faith.
Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has.
Student : Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student : No sir. There isn’t. (The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)

Student : Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)

Student : What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?
Student : You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light….But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it’s called darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student : Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where theargument is going.)
Student : Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavour, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)

Student : Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain? (The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it?….No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)
Prof: I guess you’ll have to take them on faith, son.
Student : That is it sir.. The link between man & god is FAITH. That is all that keeps things moving & alive

a special thanks dedicated to,
FLOWER for this splendid article...
you can check her blog at:
extraordinarydesign.wordpress.com