What is pedagogy???

The 5 types of pedagogy approaches:
1. Project-based learning
2. Inquiry-based learning
3. Game-based learning
4. Resource-based learning
5. Case-based learning

From the list of pedagogy approaches, it is not hard to conclude that pedagogy means using different types of methods and tools to inculcate the skills of critical thinking, self-motivated learning and collaborative learning.

Pedagogy is no longer the traditional way of spoon feeding information and knowledge (I am the product of traditional pedagogy though). It has since transformed into a learner-based teaching system in which the teacher is just a facilitator to the students. In other words, teachers teach them how to learn (research, think critically) instead of providing them with the information and knowledge.

Surely, teaching them how to FISH is more beneficial than giving them a COIN in the long run.

So, what’s the pedagogy for Chinese? Well, I am still learning, learning the transformed way of teaching Chinese. So far, the lessons have been emphasizing on the training of listening, communicating, reading and writing skills instead of the traditional way of rote learning and values inculcation.

The tasks of a transformed Chinese teacher are:
1. 传授语言/言语知识—— 字、词、句、段、篇
2. 训练语言技能——听、说、读、写
3. 培养思维能力

The 5 pedagogy approaches are going to be useful tools for our tasks. Well, I am looking forward to the in-depth studying of the transformed pedagogy.

Transformed teachers = transformed students = transformed nation.

Ooooooh… we are the TRANSFORMERS. =P

Are you GAME?!

Ooooooh… last week we had two inspiring teachers sharing with us about game-based learning pedagogy. I like the demo biology ICT lesson in which students can role play and “anyhow” operate on the patient. Aiyer… how come I didn’t get to play this when I was studying biology in secondary school?! :(

Oh well, these are what came into my mind during the talk:
1. MAHJONG (I lose most of the time)

2. WAHJONG (I win many times)

3. SUPER MARIO (my all time fav when I was a kid)

4. GOD (my 1st computer game)

5. COUNTER STRIKE (I never understand why guys like it soooooooooo much)

6. ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS (the hit-to NOW)

So now we are talking about IMMERSING our students in a virtual world to engage them in learning. So high-tech!!!

Then when I was fully immersed in my thoughts about MAHJONG and using mahjong to TEACH sentence constructions, the speaker said: “you all can use your $400 to buy WII.”

Waaaaaa~~~ I m so tempted. =P

Reality or virtual race???

MP 3 is implemented in accordance with the “teach less learn more” policy.

To achieve the aim of “teach less learn more”, it is definitely a MUST for our students as well as teachers to be tech-savvy. In addition, students and teachers must learn to research and filter information adeptly. With the wonders of ICT and brilliant human minds, we can then learn independently and collaborate with other people at anytime, anywhere. This is how we overcome the limitations of space and time.

We are all living an era of information explosion. Even adults like us find it difficult to filter, digest and absorb the whole load of information available on the internet, needless to say our young learners. HOWEVER, WE must still learn to overcome the difficulties and challenges, unless YOU want to be KO-ed in the reality (or virtual???) race.

Since we cannot reverse the technology trend, we shall go according to the flow and blend in with it.

So, let’s welcome WIKI, BLOGGER, and FACEBOOK etc. with open minds and open arms.

Face it.

MP 1, MP 2, MP 3. MP 4?!

I remember the 1st time that I touched a computer was 13 years ago. That was when I was in primary four. I still remember the typing speed tests and labyrinth games. In fact, I still keep the certificate that certified my glory in the labyrinth challenge. How time flies…

And so, I am in the generation which went through MOE’s 3 ICT reform stages (Masterplan 1-3).

If my memory did not fail me, MP 1 was the days of the big bulky desktop computers with the BIG 5.25 inch FLOPPY DISK; MP 2 was the days of the similarly bulky desktops with the small 3.5 inch FLOPPY DISK and ZIP drive; MP 3 is the present state of the thin LCD monitor desktop with VCD/DVD drive, and not forgetting the portable laptops that work all wonders. Time really flies…

This shows how technology is advancing with ultra speed. Who knows laptops might be phased out one day and be replaced by high-tech contact lenses which process global information with just… a *BLINK*!

It’s amazing how Singapore’s IT education is transforming from providing basic infrastructure to engaged learning to self-directed and collaborative learning in just 12 years. At this rate, I think we can anticipate MP4 coming up very soon.

Welcome to the era of the high-tech global village. Be WOW-ed by the human spirit of chasing after time.

我的“第三春”

I used to have 2 blogs- 1 personal and 1 for my NUS Chinese module.
Current situation: the former has been stagnant for years (with only 3 pathetic posts); the latter is extinct.

So now, here comes the 3rd blog of my life...
No, not because I 心血来潮.
It's for my ICT module reflections.

I am definitely not a keen or enthusiastic or creative blogger.
But hey! let's be positive! I am trying to be more "blog-efficient" and "blog-effective". (^_^)
Ooooooooh... and i shall take this chance to polish my RUSTY English.