What I Gained from Critical Literacy

The journey nearly comes to the end.  Since this is my last entry for this blog, I want to share my opinion and comments throughout this semester. I still remember, before attending the class, I have no clue what this subject is all about except the ‘horror’ stories that my seniors told me about how ‘critical’ was this subject. Hehe.. Well it does wreck my nerves. But now my perspective has changed. Special thanks to my beloved lecturers!

Unlock it!

From what I have learnt, Critical Literacy does change my perspective when finding solutions for problems. After learn this subject much deeper, I now know on how to think critically. This subject really helps me to develop the idea creatively. I did a lot of research, in order to come out with good ideas and complete the tasks given. Despite that, I also have a group discussion with my friends to view their perspective, so that I won’t be out of the track.

Solve it

In this subject, I learn the Rule of Ten, a technique that guides me to find the ideas and solutions. I still remember when we got our first assignment and I’m quite confused at first when doing it. Many people said that it is hard as we need to think critically. Stay calm, and try to unlock the critical and creative sides in your brain. We need to hear others perspective as well in order to make sure ours is on the right track. So gather with friends and discuss helps a lot rather than doing it by yourself.

There's nothing impossible in this world, as long as you keep trying.

What I can say is that, students should be given more ample time to really understand the learning process. As this subject need us to think out of the box, it requires time for us to achieve a logically ideas. There should be a longer time for us to understand each topic profoundly. Thinking critically is a new thing for us to explore. I really enjoy this subject as it exposed the other side of me and my ability to think beyond. CL makes a transformation on how I  view on something.

Don't afraid to make mistakes. We learn from it!

  Thanks to Madam Aidah and Madam Zariati for teaching me this subject. Without them, I’m totally lost. Also to my classmates, who are always shares the bittersweet moment together. I tried to give my best effort on this subject. I’m agreed that this subject should be mastered by each student. Whatever it is, try to solve the puzzles. I hope that after this I will become a better person when it comes to the time of being a critical thinker. 

Online Tutorials is Really a Benefit for Students

         I refer to the article “Perak starts online tutorials for students” (New Straits Times, February 25) as reported by Jaspal Singh.

           After going through the article, I do agree with Perak’s decision to starts using online tutorial as the addition to the school system.  It makes the learning process easier as students can learn through online videos. “And since the whole learning experience uses the Internet, students can access the online tutoring from home or other Internet connected spots.” said by Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Menteri Besar of Perak. I really support Zambry decision as it will encourage students to learn using Internet.

            As we know, students from primary and secondary school are very keen into technology. They have been exposed to it since they were kid. So by adding online tutorial as a part of learning method, it will enhance their interest in learning. Instead of going through usual learning process in school, they can have an easy access on certain tough subjects by videos provided.

            Besides, I also support this programme as it is a part of additional learning method, where if they don’t understand with the videos, they can ask their teachers instead in school. During my school times, I make used of Astro Tutor TV as an alternative learning method. It is similar with the online tutorials where it is part of a technology that helps students to learn. Students nowadays are very fortunate as there were abundance methods of learning offered.

            However, parents and teachers should not be worried much if their children or students unable to concentrate when using online tutorial as the parents can observe them and the teachers still can track the lessons watched by the students. Using video will encourage students in learning process and it is easier for them to absorb information. Star Vitalnet chief executive officer, Sunny Yee is really supportive in helping students to cope with their studies by successfully providing this online tutorials programme thus proven his dedication on assisting students to learn.

To conclude, I believe that online tutorial will enhance the student’s academic performance. Students who struggled in their studies will get benefits through this programme. I really hope that this ezlearn2u programme will be implemented nationwide.

Jasmin Nabilah

Kuantan, Pahang

            

Flash of Pride

Malaysia.. A name of my beloved country, my pride. It has been 57 years since we achieved independence from the colonizer. I still remember during Independence Day in my school years, we will perform a short role-plays, read poems, and sing a patriotic songs. I was one of the students that are responsible to prepare for that meaningful day. During that time, I can see the hidden talents in each of my member who participate in those performances. Besides, all students need to participate by hanging the Malaysia flag along the corridor at each level. Although my contribution seems small but I am very proud of doing so.

Until this date, Malaysia has reached so many achievements so far. We have succeeded in many sectors which are economic, tourism, trade and others. Since the era of our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman until today we should be glad that we have successfully developed our country into modernization and able to be likened with other developed country. Besides that, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia has putting his great efforts by develops Petronas Twin Towers, Sepang F1 Circuit, KLIA, and Putrajaya that make Malaysia more recognizable.

One thing that makes Malaysia unique is that Malaysia is a multiracial country and every races lived in harmony and peaceful. I am very grateful that I was born in Malaysia. We have Malay, Indian, Chinese, Sabah and Sarawak tribes and others that suit with the slogan, “Malaysia, Truly Asia”. In my view, the slogan itself gives an implicit meaning where if we want to experience what Asia will offers, do come to Malaysia where you can enjoy its specialty.

As a Malaysian, each of us should celebrate the Independence Day, no matter where you are. There are so many things that this country has provided us. By showing some patriotism and respect it will helps us to brighten the spirit of love for country. Everyone should work hard, in order to make Malaysian an advance nation by the year 2020.

To conclude, I feel very fortunate enough to be one of Malaysian citizen. Keep the flag high in the air as it is our pride. Patriotism is a catalyst for nation to unite. We need to instill patriotism in ourselves as our forefathers struggle to defend our homeland.

Our pride

'Marrying Money' is the young woman, older man..

There’s no longer a gap between the older and younger as for them age is only a number and doesn't resembles anything.  Money is not the main reason on why they choose to marry old man.  People often make an assumption that younger woman who marries older man is a gold digger, and the older man is a pervert. Well, such perception can be right or wrong, depends on individuals intention. That’s what we call stereotyping.

From my view, why younger woman tend to choose older man as their companion is that, older man is more matured.  Older man is more experienced in life, relationship and career that make them looks mature and responsible. Woman loves someone who can understand them, listen to their problems and lend their shoulder to cry on and only older man seems to understand them much. Some younger man, coeval with the woman, doesn’t really care about what their partner really want because they are too young to value the relationship thus it will lead to an argument and a broken relationship.

However, people often being a stereotype when dealing with something that is out from their norms. People will make a hasty generalization based on what they saw and believed, thus it will lead to prejudice. “Prejudice refers to an unfavorable predisposition about an individual because of his or her membership in a stereotyped group.” (Pearson et. al, 2013). For instance, we can relate with this situation where people often judge young woman who made a relationship with the older man just for the sake of money.

In my opinion, it is fine if someone tend to choose an older partner. Not all younger women married an older man because of money. Let the people who generalized to continue doing so as every people have their own stereotyping. It is difficult for people to avoid making generalization towards others because each person has their own perception towards something.

So from what I can conclude is that, marrying an older man cannot be classified as marrying money as money is not the only reason on why a younger woman chooses an older man. Don’t simply judge them as they also have rights to do what they want. We can’t force them to follow our stand just because it is out of our norms.

Uncover the Art of Critical Literacy

Upon hearing Critical Literacy subject on the first week of January, I kept thinking what is the subject is all about?  The question keep lingered in my mind.  Then I heard rumours from the seniors about this subject which is the toughest among all. I just smiled although I am quite nervous about it. In this subject we need to be a critical thinker and literally I have no idea on how I can become one. Somehow, when I started to learn this subject, I realized that it plays an important role in our life. Then my perception does change. To me it’s a kind of new thing that I can’t wait to explore.

In critical literacy, it’s all about on how you can be a creative or in profound word, a real critical thinker. When I entered Critical Literacy class or we called it as CL  taught by Madam Aidah, I learn skills that to me, need to be implemented in CL which is thinking profoundly, logically and innovative. I often struggle to find myself in being a critical thinker. Somehow, I realized that the boundaries should not keep me apart from getting an A in this subject. I should strive for it!

Although Critical Literacy do trembles my heart at first as I’m not sure on how to come out with a good idea and turn it into creative one but slowly I began to change. I know that to succeed I need to make more practices as practice makes perfect. I do find times where I’m struggling to understand the task because as a beginner, the subject itself is a challenge for me to reveal the relevant ideas.

Through this subject, I can apply all things that I learn for my usefulness. In our life, we can’t avoid the situation where we need to analyse and come out with a good explanation. I learn that this subject can give benefit to my own and others who learn it. The most important thing is to try developing the ideas and dare to be different by think out of the box. So why should I wait for it?

I really hope that this subject will turned me into a better person as now I learned that thinking critically can helps me to make a solution and develop ideas to solve problems. As quoted from Christopher Hitchens, “The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.” So by mastering CL, it can changed on how I analyses and evaluates something and through this, it can improved my ability to being a critical thinker.