A visit to SMK Jalan 4 Bangi...

Today, according to what has been planned since last week, I joined the staffs of SMK Gedangsa for a visit to a "many-awards-gainer" school in Bangi. I will write more on it later... (I am too tired to write + no ideas) at the moment just enjoy this slide show via the link below.

SLIDE SHOW: CLICK HERE

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Latest update:
We visited the school on Monday after we have successfully carried out the Sports Day on Sunday. Therefore, Monday was given as a 'Cuti Peristiwa' for us. The principal however looked upon something for us to do as a Staff Development Course; the visit was the result.

Two occasions...
On that particular day the school actually had another important event. Their new principal was on the way for registration. We arrived earlier from the new appointed principal. We attended the briefing organised by the GPK Akademik. From her we knew that the school has women teachers in majority. Only 3 male teachers made up the minority male teachers population there. So, in the briefing session, this issue was emphasized... (... perhaps they wanted to show that without men, women can survive...)

What I learnt...?
I often heard very proud claim from people saying that private schools are better than government's schools. It is not true I believe. The SMK Jalan 4 Bangi, has proven that their school are at the same level as the private schools. Their advantage is on the very co-operative relationship with their PIBG. Parents willingly support every school programme. This effort has given enough 'power' for the school to equip good facilities for students hence improve its educational services quality. The photos below shows some of the good facilities the school provides...

This is the SPBT room which stores the textbooks. Very well managed and seriously decorated.


It looks like a family hall isn't it? Actually, it is the school sickbay. Their motto is 'Towards Dengue Free school environment' (..which I wonder how could they do that...?)

Friend's problems and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow

THE 'MASALAH PROBLEM':

A blogger; friend of mine has put her problems related to his daughter who was reluctant to go to school recently. (read her post here, Title: MASALAH PROBLEM) This problem reminds me of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This theory was introduced by a Jewish scholar - Abraham Maslow. I learnt about this theory when I was taking my psychology of education subject. I have not learnt the theory in depth since at that time I had to learn many learning theories. However about my friend's problem with her daughter, this theory I feel has significance relationship with it.

MASLOW TELLS US THAT:

Some children are able or ready to learn while others are not due to 7 fulfillments of needs. These are called Hierarchy of needs. The Hierarchy is shown in the diagram below.



Looking at the diagram above, the lower levels need to be fulfilled for the higher level to be achieved. This means about the troublesome of my friends daughter, the parents should have checked every level to trace what the real problem is and why the child was not motivated to go to school.

I also had similar problems with my daughters few years back. I found that she had problems in the first level which was at the 'Physiological Needs'. She slept late at night and had trouble to wake up early morning. To solve that problems, I had to sacrifice my routine sleeping time (which was late up to 12.oo a.m ++) and pursued her to sleep as early as 9.00 p.m.

Another great stuff for the teaching of history

Photo: Statue of Patih Gajah Mada

Since history subject in Malaysia's schools is taught in Bahasa Malaysia, I would be happy to see this kind of video available on the internet in Bahasa Malaysia. It is no problem for me to comprehend the information; it would be hard for most of the students to understand some terminologies and words used.

This video tells us about the famous Majapahit Empire which once dominating the Malay Archipelago. Its famous premier was Patih Gajah Mada, a strategist, conqueror, as well as a successful and respected diplomat. He was in service during the reign of Maharaja Hayam Wuruk. These names sound wierd to my Form 1 students and quite difficult for me to explain reasons on why people at that time bore that kind of names.

More information about Patih Gajah Mada and Hayam Wuruk here...


(I love the music too...)