It has been such a long time since I blogged...probably since the time that blog was about to be accepted as an English word. Updates? Too many to count. However, let's attempt to start.
Having completed my post-graduate studies, I've moved on and entered the hallowed halls of NIE. I must say I enjoyed my post-graduate studies and it was markedly less stressful than my undergraduate studies. To be honest, I was quite apprehensive towards NIE as I've heard of quite frightening stories of it but since this is the path that I've chosen, I decided to approach it with an open mind. After going through the first semester, I've some conclusions:
1. The modules are really interesting and some are quite applicable.
2. There are a lot of presentations and opportunities to present.
4. NIE is the home of assignments.
5. Practicum will be the defining moment of my time in NIE. (and a milestone in my teaching career)
It certainly helps to have great friends and I must mention that I've made a bunch of fantastic friends here in NIE. Whether it is my Math group or my Physics group or even my Education group, they are a group of fun-loving, helpful and friendly people. It seems that we can really click together and it makes surviving our semester's modules less stressful and more interesting. The friendships forged have continued to grow and we are even meeting outside of class to hang out. Hopefully, this will continue till next year and dare I say, for many years to come! :)
The Math and Physics modules were interesting as it taught us what to consider when teaching in a class. Surprisingly, there are many points to consider. At the basic level, it is imperative to understand our students' strengths and weaknesses. Only by grasping this, can we proceed to tailor-make a lesson plan for the class. Pitching to the audience comes in here as we should never made a lesson too easy or difficult for the class. The lesson plan itself is a wonderful exercise of planning. The lesson objectives to cover, activities to include and the duration of these activities are just some of the components of this humongous task. I can't say I've gotten the hang of it just yet, but I hope to keep improving it with practice. Just imagine, we have to generate tons of these for our practicum! A side-note, even though Maths and Physics are closely related, we can't use the techniques of teaching Maths to teach Physics. (it has something to do with the Nature of Science but let's not go there...)
The Education modules were equally interesting. Things like Classroom Management, meaningful use of ICT in the Classroom, Communication for Teachers and Educational Psychology. I guess I was blessed to have such wonderful lecturers for these modules and they made each lesson a new experience. To top it off, some of the stuff that I've learnt in these modules may be applicable in the classroom! It also gave me a valuable insight into the art of teaching which is anything but an easy job.
There is also a special module for Service Learning. It was sometimes a pain, but mostly an opportunity to learn. A pain because it is very time-consuming and with no let-up in the number of assignments, it was potentially a wrecking ball. However, the friends that I've made from this module, and our cooperation and collaboration would be things that I will miss. Love the group dynamics on the whole, and hope we will remain in contact even after NIE.
In terms of Hall friends, I'm grateful for my roomie CL who helped me in too many ways to count, whether it is school stuff or outside stuff. Taiwan is around the corner, so let's enjoy it!! ^ ^
I'm also in the carrom team for my Hall and I do believe we have a decent chance to at least reach the quarters. We do need to practice though and it is reflected by our training schedule which look more like an army schedule keke.
Trying to cover as much ground as possible so let's talk about Liverpool. Awesome start to the season although there were dips in form against Southampton and recently, Hull City, on the whole they do look promising! Although Sturridge is currently out with a serious injury, there is still hope with Coutinho Gerrard and Suarez picking up the slack. Let's hope for a great December period! ^ ^
Looking forward to the Taiwan trip since this will be my maiden trip there and hope to see and eat a lot!
Till next time, may the beauty of time and emotion heal all pain...
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Relevance
Let's talk about problems that you may face when you are teaching. Although it may be presumptuous of me to discuss about these kind of problems when I've not been out into such a situation as of yet, I will still attempt to do so.
One of the possible problems that teachers may face is the question of relevance. Confining the subject matter to mathematics, and we find many instances that relevance becomes a big question mark in terms of a student's education.
Taking a step back, what is the purpose of education. It is not an easy question and will probably yield countless answers. One of the possible answers is that we learn about things that we can apply later in our everyday lives. Here is where relevance steps in.
How do we convince students that subjects like differentiation/integration, trigonometry, complex numbers or linear algebra have any relevance in their lives?
One possible argument is that many of these subject matters form the building blocks of more complex and possibly more applied topics which can play a part in their future jobs and aspirations. Definitely, a basic knowledge of the above-mentioned topics would be beneficial to some degree. However, unless the student's dream job is a academic, statistician or teacher, most of the topics become general knowledge at best. Doctors, lawyers and pilots probably do not need such knowledge.
So the question remains: How do we convince the students if we also need some convincing ourselves?
Even as a student of statistics for the better part of 5 years, I find myself asking the same question. The link is there but it is tenuous. We are told to try to relate the topics to real-world applications but some topics are quite specialized and only applicable to certain circumstances.
Humans have limited brainpower something I affectionately call RAM. University life has taught me a little bit more about RAM. I can probably only hold on to knowledge for 1 semester before I have to undergo a memory dump to clear the RAM in order for new knowledge to seep in. Unfortunately, we have not progressed until the point when we are able to retain memory of everything we have taught. We only keep the memorable (and sometimes useless) knowledge while dropping the rest. Unless, the education system changes into one which depends less on examinations, teachers would still be obliged to prepare the students for them and sacrifice the other goal of inspiring students to learn for their own interest and knowledge.
One of the possible problems that teachers may face is the question of relevance. Confining the subject matter to mathematics, and we find many instances that relevance becomes a big question mark in terms of a student's education.
Taking a step back, what is the purpose of education. It is not an easy question and will probably yield countless answers. One of the possible answers is that we learn about things that we can apply later in our everyday lives. Here is where relevance steps in.
How do we convince students that subjects like differentiation/integration, trigonometry, complex numbers or linear algebra have any relevance in their lives?
One possible argument is that many of these subject matters form the building blocks of more complex and possibly more applied topics which can play a part in their future jobs and aspirations. Definitely, a basic knowledge of the above-mentioned topics would be beneficial to some degree. However, unless the student's dream job is a academic, statistician or teacher, most of the topics become general knowledge at best. Doctors, lawyers and pilots probably do not need such knowledge.
So the question remains: How do we convince the students if we also need some convincing ourselves?
Even as a student of statistics for the better part of 5 years, I find myself asking the same question. The link is there but it is tenuous. We are told to try to relate the topics to real-world applications but some topics are quite specialized and only applicable to certain circumstances.
Humans have limited brainpower something I affectionately call RAM. University life has taught me a little bit more about RAM. I can probably only hold on to knowledge for 1 semester before I have to undergo a memory dump to clear the RAM in order for new knowledge to seep in. Unfortunately, we have not progressed until the point when we are able to retain memory of everything we have taught. We only keep the memorable (and sometimes useless) knowledge while dropping the rest. Unless, the education system changes into one which depends less on examinations, teachers would still be obliged to prepare the students for them and sacrifice the other goal of inspiring students to learn for their own interest and knowledge.
Monday, December 10, 2012
An update...post FYP
It's been a long time since I blogged. (Believe it or not, the word "blog" has become an official word in the Oxford dictionary. But that is old news ^ ^)
Anyway, consolidation time. What has happened since my FYP? From an academic point of view, I'm glad that I took the challenge of attempting it. It made me realise that I do not like to do research at all. Reading papers, dissecting them into smaller parts (some people call it 'digesting' :p) and interpreting them aren't really my cup of tea. Still I pushed through with it and although the results were not as satisfying, I was glad I had the opportunity to try it. After all, life is about challenges and it is not every day that I can challenge something knowing that there is little to lose! :)
Well, that's enough about research. As most of you may know, I've embarked on the next stage of learning which is my Masters by coursework in Statistics. Why did I choose further studies? That is because I wanted to push myself to the limit that coursework can bring me to. (As stated earlier I didn't like research. ) Also, I wanted to see how much more Mathematics I could still learn at the higher level. After all, this is my 17th year of learning Mathematics. :) Now, let's introduce (drum-roll please) the modules that I've taken in my first semester at NUS:
Instead, I will just describe my experiences studying for these modules.
For the first module, it was extremely hard-going. This was because the module concerned itself with a fair bit on real analysis which unfortunately, was not a required module in my undergraduate studies. It was an eye-opener for me as I started my journey into the depths of probability spaces. Imagine my astonishment when I realised that probability was not as simple as just calculating them. (Actually, the fact that my textbook read "A Second Course in Probability" by Sheldon Ross should have clued me in!) Sigma algebras, expectations and martingales were given new life. My sincerest thanks to my professor Adrian Roellin for making this course so interesting! The examinations was tough and I hope to do well.
The second module was more in line with what I have learnt before. Content-wise for the first half was manageable as it mainly dealt with multivariate normal distributions with a healthy dose of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The use of R was also applied extensively with a graded assignment depending on it exclusively. The mid-term was nit-picky if I may add, as it included information which wasn't emphasized on in class. No complaints as it was an open-book exam. The second half was more difficult as it was on Principal Components Analysis, Factor Analysis and Classification. These are three topics which I was greeting for the first time. Their application in R was also trying and I struggled to grasp them. Still, I'm glad I at least got to meet these three topics! The finals was suppose to be manageable although I made a mess of it. (First time I got a headache while doing an exam.)
The third module should be renamed Bayesian Models. Maybe it was because the professor's area of research was in Bayesian statistics that he decided to test us on that particular topic. At first glance, the notes was on linear models and was similar to regression analysis with generalized linear models thrown in. But his tutorial questions were a different story. (More likely, they belonged on Pluto rather than Earth.) Still, the students diligently went through his assignments and tutorials and was unexpectedly rewarded in the final exams as almost all the questions were similar, if not identical to them. There are gifts to be given for patience and practice! Lesson learnt: practice, practice and more practice will lead to some degree of proficiency.
Generalized linear models should have been a difficult module. After all the textbook used was around my age. The words used were archaic and reminded me of the papers I had to read for my FYP. As fate would have it, we were given a wonderful lecturer. Names shall not be revealed but he made it simple for which we were thankful. Many portions of the syllabus were omitted as they were deemed too difficult as it was a relatively new topic. Also, the final exams was changed from a close-book exam to an open-book one. Immensely grateful as a close-book exam would mean enormous amount of time cramming for it. Although we did not learn as much, the module was a great introduction on the applications of generalized linear models. I'm glad my friend suggested doing the past year papers as there was a question which was modified from there.
Finally, macroeconomic theory. Why did I choose it? Well, my course was designed to allow me to take 2 cross-faculty module and I chose economics as it had great synergy with mathematics. I initially wanted to choose the applied economics version of this module, but had to settle for the economics version as the applied economics version was changed to a self-funding course which meant I had to pay $2k plus to take that particular module. No regrets in taking that module as I had a great lecturer who really made the lessons come alive. His lessons always start with 20 mins of discussion about current economic topics that are relevant to what he is teaching. He asked us questions that really set us thinking like "Why did this table come from China?". He also set aside prizes (12 flash disks) at his own expense if we could answer a question that he posed every week. His mid-term was challenging in a mathematical way while his finals was designed to allow us to pass while differentiating the students with his second question. A module that I would definitely recommend if he is still teaching it.
That's all for my first semester at NUS. It's a rather long post and I hope you all have endured up to this point! :) I hope to blog more often since it has become more of a lost art rather than something which in vogue. ^ ^
Anyway, consolidation time. What has happened since my FYP? From an academic point of view, I'm glad that I took the challenge of attempting it. It made me realise that I do not like to do research at all. Reading papers, dissecting them into smaller parts (some people call it 'digesting' :p) and interpreting them aren't really my cup of tea. Still I pushed through with it and although the results were not as satisfying, I was glad I had the opportunity to try it. After all, life is about challenges and it is not every day that I can challenge something knowing that there is little to lose! :)
Well, that's enough about research. As most of you may know, I've embarked on the next stage of learning which is my Masters by coursework in Statistics. Why did I choose further studies? That is because I wanted to push myself to the limit that coursework can bring me to. (As stated earlier I didn't like research. ) Also, I wanted to see how much more Mathematics I could still learn at the higher level. After all, this is my 17th year of learning Mathematics. :) Now, let's introduce (drum-roll please) the modules that I've taken in my first semester at NUS:
- ST5214 - Advanced Probability Theory
- ST5210 - Multivariate Data Analysis
- ST5223 - Statistical Methods
- ST5206 - Generalized Linear Models
- EC5102 - Macroeconomic Theory
Instead, I will just describe my experiences studying for these modules.
For the first module, it was extremely hard-going. This was because the module concerned itself with a fair bit on real analysis which unfortunately, was not a required module in my undergraduate studies. It was an eye-opener for me as I started my journey into the depths of probability spaces. Imagine my astonishment when I realised that probability was not as simple as just calculating them. (Actually, the fact that my textbook read "A Second Course in Probability" by Sheldon Ross should have clued me in!) Sigma algebras, expectations and martingales were given new life. My sincerest thanks to my professor Adrian Roellin for making this course so interesting! The examinations was tough and I hope to do well.
The second module was more in line with what I have learnt before. Content-wise for the first half was manageable as it mainly dealt with multivariate normal distributions with a healthy dose of confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The use of R was also applied extensively with a graded assignment depending on it exclusively. The mid-term was nit-picky if I may add, as it included information which wasn't emphasized on in class. No complaints as it was an open-book exam. The second half was more difficult as it was on Principal Components Analysis, Factor Analysis and Classification. These are three topics which I was greeting for the first time. Their application in R was also trying and I struggled to grasp them. Still, I'm glad I at least got to meet these three topics! The finals was suppose to be manageable although I made a mess of it. (First time I got a headache while doing an exam.)
The third module should be renamed Bayesian Models. Maybe it was because the professor's area of research was in Bayesian statistics that he decided to test us on that particular topic. At first glance, the notes was on linear models and was similar to regression analysis with generalized linear models thrown in. But his tutorial questions were a different story. (More likely, they belonged on Pluto rather than Earth.) Still, the students diligently went through his assignments and tutorials and was unexpectedly rewarded in the final exams as almost all the questions were similar, if not identical to them. There are gifts to be given for patience and practice! Lesson learnt: practice, practice and more practice will lead to some degree of proficiency.
Generalized linear models should have been a difficult module. After all the textbook used was around my age. The words used were archaic and reminded me of the papers I had to read for my FYP. As fate would have it, we were given a wonderful lecturer. Names shall not be revealed but he made it simple for which we were thankful. Many portions of the syllabus were omitted as they were deemed too difficult as it was a relatively new topic. Also, the final exams was changed from a close-book exam to an open-book one. Immensely grateful as a close-book exam would mean enormous amount of time cramming for it. Although we did not learn as much, the module was a great introduction on the applications of generalized linear models. I'm glad my friend suggested doing the past year papers as there was a question which was modified from there.
Finally, macroeconomic theory. Why did I choose it? Well, my course was designed to allow me to take 2 cross-faculty module and I chose economics as it had great synergy with mathematics. I initially wanted to choose the applied economics version of this module, but had to settle for the economics version as the applied economics version was changed to a self-funding course which meant I had to pay $2k plus to take that particular module. No regrets in taking that module as I had a great lecturer who really made the lessons come alive. His lessons always start with 20 mins of discussion about current economic topics that are relevant to what he is teaching. He asked us questions that really set us thinking like "Why did this table come from China?". He also set aside prizes (12 flash disks) at his own expense if we could answer a question that he posed every week. His mid-term was challenging in a mathematical way while his finals was designed to allow us to pass while differentiating the students with his second question. A module that I would definitely recommend if he is still teaching it.
That's all for my first semester at NUS. It's a rather long post and I hope you all have endured up to this point! :) I hope to blog more often since it has become more of a lost art rather than something which in vogue. ^ ^
Monday, March 12, 2012
Week 9/10
Not sure what's going on in my university these days. I could point to the fact that I'm seldom present in university anyway. My timetable reads by appointment only. I could probably count the number of times I've returned to that place using my two hands.
How's the FYP? At this late stage, I've to say it's probably 99% done or else I would be in big trouble. Always had that worry if I've done enough for it given that I only have this module for the whole semester. Not much I can do at this point. It has to be enough. I'm hoping for the best result, but if I do not get it it's all right.
The trip to Korea is looming and I must reiterate my happiness and joy. Can't wait to experience the life in Korea and escape the mood swinging weather here in Singapore. Well, it may be the same over there in Korea but at least the humidity will not be so bad. The sights and sounds of Korea beckon!
Liverpool is looking to take a few step backwards with a lacklustre performance at Sunderland. They fully deserved to lose the match with not a single bright spark throughout. This is the perfect time to bemoan the fact that KD started off with no natural wingers and this has been the story the whole season. With the exception of Downing, there are no natural wingers in the Liverpool side. Most of the top teams like Man Utd, Man City and Arsenal all have natural wingers who can provide killer crosses. It is a glaring hole in the Liverpool team and to compound the problem, there is no natural finisher up front. Caroll and Suarez are no natural finishers and this has translated to the lack of goals up front. The persistence of KD to play Henderson has not paid off with him looking lost in most matches. Maxi would have been a better choice and his link-up play with Suarez had paid dividends before. Overlooking Maxi could become a mistake that KD may come to regret.
How's the FYP? At this late stage, I've to say it's probably 99% done or else I would be in big trouble. Always had that worry if I've done enough for it given that I only have this module for the whole semester. Not much I can do at this point. It has to be enough. I'm hoping for the best result, but if I do not get it it's all right.
The trip to Korea is looming and I must reiterate my happiness and joy. Can't wait to experience the life in Korea and escape the mood swinging weather here in Singapore. Well, it may be the same over there in Korea but at least the humidity will not be so bad. The sights and sounds of Korea beckon!
Liverpool is looking to take a few step backwards with a lacklustre performance at Sunderland. They fully deserved to lose the match with not a single bright spark throughout. This is the perfect time to bemoan the fact that KD started off with no natural wingers and this has been the story the whole season. With the exception of Downing, there are no natural wingers in the Liverpool side. Most of the top teams like Man Utd, Man City and Arsenal all have natural wingers who can provide killer crosses. It is a glaring hole in the Liverpool team and to compound the problem, there is no natural finisher up front. Caroll and Suarez are no natural finishers and this has translated to the lack of goals up front. The persistence of KD to play Henderson has not paid off with him looking lost in most matches. Maxi would have been a better choice and his link-up play with Suarez had paid dividends before. Overlooking Maxi could become a mistake that KD may come to regret.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
These days
What are we doing these days? Nothing much to be precise. Waiting in front of my lappy for important e-mails from my professor. Exploring Facebook and discovering new applications. While not exactly old-fashioned, I do sometimes find myself lost in this cyberworld we live in. New updates to old applications never fail to amaze, astound and probably confound me. Catching up on my favourite animes and finding new ones to follow. The storyline, sometimes touching, sometimes philosophical, there's an anime for everyone. Planning a graduation trip with Sam. Korea is the destination and it will be my first time there. It's going to be smashing and hopefully unforgettable trip for all the right reasons. Well, there's a FYP presentation to overcome but let's not look too closely at the details. Brushing up on my limited knowledge of Korean by using the free lessons from TTMIK. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and the creators of such a wonderful website. I do feel my Korean improving as I listen to the lessons. I find myself blessed that I had a wonderful tutor, Dr Yoon, for my NTU Korean module for which I have enjoyed my self greatly. Teachers who can teach are as precious as gold and I too aspire to be one. ^ ^
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
In the midst of everything
The drop of the hammer signifies a new dawn. Things are the same yet different in many ways. The people have decided to make their voices heard. What the next 5 years will bring, nobody knows for sure. With all the excitement these past couple of days, it is easy to forget the stress that students are under. The secondary and primary school students are still probably having their mid-year exams although most were allowed to stay up late on that historical day. The tertiary students are still having their exams though.
One obstacle down, four to go. 20% completed. It was a killer and all who were present would probably agree. A two and a half paper which probably required three to complete. It even occurred on that fateful day. Already looking forward to the end of the exams. Then I can start on what I need to do. In a few hours time, another will go down. Slowly, the obstacles will fall. Working, working, working...
On a side note, the weather has been absolutely scorching. Seems 35 degrees is the norm albeit some short showers. Hope it gets less humid and hot soon. :)
One obstacle down, four to go. 20% completed. It was a killer and all who were present would probably agree. A two and a half paper which probably required three to complete. It even occurred on that fateful day. Already looking forward to the end of the exams. Then I can start on what I need to do. In a few hours time, another will go down. Slowly, the obstacles will fall. Working, working, working...
On a side note, the weather has been absolutely scorching. Seems 35 degrees is the norm albeit some short showers. Hope it gets less humid and hot soon. :)
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Gut Feelings
Ever felt that what your brain is telling you is totally wrong? Have you made a decision based solely on what you feel without going through the logical process of thinking and evaluating all the options? I'm sure at some point of time, we have all felt or acted this way. It can be tiring trying to explain your decisions especially if you have no idea why you feel this way. I guess we can call these gut feelings.
Recently I've read an interesting book with the title aptly named "Gut Feelings" written by Gerd Gigerenzer. Mr Gigerenzer is Director of the Centre for Adaptive Behaviour and Cognition at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin. His position may be a mouthful but his book isn't. Providing a simple explanation to gut feelings, the book strives to show that in certain circumstances, relying on what people call gut feelings may actually be beneficial. If any of you have some time, I'll definitely recommend this book. Explore the potentials of the evolved capacities of our brain as well as the power of our unconsciousness. Sounds weird? Read the book! :)
Recently I've read an interesting book with the title aptly named "Gut Feelings" written by Gerd Gigerenzer. Mr Gigerenzer is Director of the Centre for Adaptive Behaviour and Cognition at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin. His position may be a mouthful but his book isn't. Providing a simple explanation to gut feelings, the book strives to show that in certain circumstances, relying on what people call gut feelings may actually be beneficial. If any of you have some time, I'll definitely recommend this book. Explore the potentials of the evolved capacities of our brain as well as the power of our unconsciousness. Sounds weird? Read the book! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)