I have been posting blogs on knowledgekeyz for over two months now. Through Google Analytics I know that people follow my blogs from all over the world. Among these people I'm privileged to have visit my blog, only very few follow me on knowlegekeyz and even fewer comment on my posts.
While I'm not primarily interested in quantity, I'd be glad to hear your thoughts on my posts.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The but's of this job...
Each profession has its own 'but's' and mine as a teacher is no exception.
I thank God for my job. I must confess, though, that there are times I have wished for a job where I didn't have to go to a classroom. Mind you, some of these classrooms are many kilometres away from my office. Going from one class to another is sometimes so stressful that I just feel that I would prefer to work in an office where all I have to do is 'move' files all day. But then what's the guarantee that I would be okay with that?
Presently I'm marking my students' examination papers - nearly 200 papers and essay questions! And I'm thinking that marking scripts is the worst part of the job. I have conveniently forgotten the hectic teaching schedules, research, and student advising. Once again the thought sneaks in that an office - executive or administrative - job will be less demanding and probably even pay better.
I guess that's human nature. We always think the grass is greener on the other side of the field.
Knowledge has taught me that contentment is the answer to it all. It is written, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." So whenever, frustrating thoughts bordering on dissatisfaction knock on the door of my mind, I refuse to entertain them. Instead I begin to count my blessings and those earlier thoughts take their leave at once.
We should never feel satisfied with our present achievements; rather we should dream bigger dreams. But we must be content with what we have at present, knowing that our best is yet to come.
Blessings.
I thank God for my job. I must confess, though, that there are times I have wished for a job where I didn't have to go to a classroom. Mind you, some of these classrooms are many kilometres away from my office. Going from one class to another is sometimes so stressful that I just feel that I would prefer to work in an office where all I have to do is 'move' files all day. But then what's the guarantee that I would be okay with that?
Presently I'm marking my students' examination papers - nearly 200 papers and essay questions! And I'm thinking that marking scripts is the worst part of the job. I have conveniently forgotten the hectic teaching schedules, research, and student advising. Once again the thought sneaks in that an office - executive or administrative - job will be less demanding and probably even pay better.
I guess that's human nature. We always think the grass is greener on the other side of the field.
Knowledge has taught me that contentment is the answer to it all. It is written, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." So whenever, frustrating thoughts bordering on dissatisfaction knock on the door of my mind, I refuse to entertain them. Instead I begin to count my blessings and those earlier thoughts take their leave at once.
We should never feel satisfied with our present achievements; rather we should dream bigger dreams. But we must be content with what we have at present, knowing that our best is yet to come.
Blessings.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gratitude...appreciation...so good!
As I came out of my first year undergraduate English class, I could barely hide my emotions. It was my last class with them for the semester. While the beginning of the semester gets me all excited, the end of semester leaves me with a feeling of nostalgia. But this time, the feeling of nostalgia ran deep and in the coming weeks you'll understand why. But back to the present....
Before I left the classroom, I had wished my students good luck with their examinations. Then a few students raised their hands to ask questions. I signalled to one to go ahead.
"Ma'am, we've enjoyed having you as our lecturer, we learned so much from you and hope you'll teach us again in the second semester."
It's a general EAP course and different lecturers taught different groups.
Before I could respond, there was a chorus of "Yes." The entire class seemed to be waiting with abated breath for my response.
I knew I had to say something. " I don't want to let the cat out of the bag...." This was greeted with sounds of disappointment since I wasn't giving them a straight answer.
Well, I got away without making any commitment but their appreciation of my hard work was most satisfying. When it comes to the evaluation of my teaching and personality, I consider my students' views very important. By showing appreciation, they just made my day.
What's the lesson here? You might say, "Must there be one? You teachers... always too analytical... seeing something where there's nothing."
Okay, we have microscopic eyes and in this case there's something to note.
Gratitude is like the sunshine on a cold winter day. Remember:
Before I left the classroom, I had wished my students good luck with their examinations. Then a few students raised their hands to ask questions. I signalled to one to go ahead.
"Ma'am, we've enjoyed having you as our lecturer, we learned so much from you and hope you'll teach us again in the second semester."
It's a general EAP course and different lecturers taught different groups.
Before I could respond, there was a chorus of "Yes." The entire class seemed to be waiting with abated breath for my response.
I knew I had to say something. " I don't want to let the cat out of the bag...." This was greeted with sounds of disappointment since I wasn't giving them a straight answer.
Well, I got away without making any commitment but their appreciation of my hard work was most satisfying. When it comes to the evaluation of my teaching and personality, I consider my students' views very important. By showing appreciation, they just made my day.
What's the lesson here? You might say, "Must there be one? You teachers... always too analytical... seeing something where there's nothing."
Okay, we have microscopic eyes and in this case there's something to note.
Gratitude is like the sunshine on a cold winter day. Remember:
- show gratitude always. There's so much to be thankful for. Take time to count your blessings and a feeling of gratitude will overwhelm you;
- be generous with compliment. It motivates the receiver to do more good deeds. Anyway, it does good to the sender and the receiver - it cheers both up;
- someone somewhere appreciates you and what you're doing. So keep up the good work!
- a selfless effort is never a waste;
- make someone's day with a word of appreciation!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Teacher and/or friend: where do you draw the line?
As a teacher, your primary duty to your students is to impart knowledge.Whether you employ traditional teacher-centered approach or the modern, more-effective learner-centered approach, your students see you first and foremost as a custodian of knowledge - an expert in the subject. Every good teacher explores ways to bring about positive learning outcomes.
As a teacher, there are professional ethics that dictate what is acceptable decorum regarding a more personal relationship between teacher and student. There is a line which must not be crossed. A teacher should show interest in the well-being - academic and psychological - of his/her students. But that interest should be shown to all the students equally. In other words, it would be wrong, in my opinion, for a teacher to choose to be "friends" with one or two students while relating very formally with the rest.
As a teacher, you need to show that you care; it is up to the students to individually decide if they want to be counselled at a personal level or not. It is not your call to make. You are not the school's official counsellor. This caution is even more significant in more conservative environments or cultures where 'prying' is considered unacceptable and offensive.
When I was teaching in a very conservative environment, my students mostly met me in the office for academic advice and I maintained rapport with them. Such that even senior colleagues and the Vice Chancellor often commended me based on reports from the students I had taught.
In my present job, my students are more open and would often come to my office discussing academic and family issues. I remember when last year, in one of my classes, I observed that a student who was usually active in class, was that day extremely quiet. In fact, she was late to class - which was unusual. But that trend continued the following week. After the class, I beckoned for her to walk with me. Outside the class, I asked if she was okay and gave my reasons for asking. She told me about some of the challenges her family at home was facing and how she was really worried. I sympathized with her. Then I told her that if she was going to allow the problems to negatively affect her performance at school, then she would be adding to the problems of her family. She said that she was frequently in touch with them and I encouraged her to keep that up in order to keep abreast of happenings at home. I reminded her that worrying will not solve the problem; rather it would create more problems. That is just one example of various kinds of personal counselling, most of which take place in my office. In every case, it's academic concern that leads to the discussion.
As a teacher, therefore, I would like my students to see me as their friend. Not because I have personal, intimate relationships with them but because they know that I care about them. In other words, they should read me as a teacher who is not only interested in their academics but also in their general well-being.
So, how clear is the line between being a teacher and being a friend to your students? I would say it is often as clear or defined as the students choose to draw. It's often blurred, don't you think?
As a teacher, there are professional ethics that dictate what is acceptable decorum regarding a more personal relationship between teacher and student. There is a line which must not be crossed. A teacher should show interest in the well-being - academic and psychological - of his/her students. But that interest should be shown to all the students equally. In other words, it would be wrong, in my opinion, for a teacher to choose to be "friends" with one or two students while relating very formally with the rest.
As a teacher, you need to show that you care; it is up to the students to individually decide if they want to be counselled at a personal level or not. It is not your call to make. You are not the school's official counsellor. This caution is even more significant in more conservative environments or cultures where 'prying' is considered unacceptable and offensive.
When I was teaching in a very conservative environment, my students mostly met me in the office for academic advice and I maintained rapport with them. Such that even senior colleagues and the Vice Chancellor often commended me based on reports from the students I had taught.
In my present job, my students are more open and would often come to my office discussing academic and family issues. I remember when last year, in one of my classes, I observed that a student who was usually active in class, was that day extremely quiet. In fact, she was late to class - which was unusual. But that trend continued the following week. After the class, I beckoned for her to walk with me. Outside the class, I asked if she was okay and gave my reasons for asking. She told me about some of the challenges her family at home was facing and how she was really worried. I sympathized with her. Then I told her that if she was going to allow the problems to negatively affect her performance at school, then she would be adding to the problems of her family. She said that she was frequently in touch with them and I encouraged her to keep that up in order to keep abreast of happenings at home. I reminded her that worrying will not solve the problem; rather it would create more problems. That is just one example of various kinds of personal counselling, most of which take place in my office. In every case, it's academic concern that leads to the discussion.
As a teacher, therefore, I would like my students to see me as their friend. Not because I have personal, intimate relationships with them but because they know that I care about them. In other words, they should read me as a teacher who is not only interested in their academics but also in their general well-being.
So, how clear is the line between being a teacher and being a friend to your students? I would say it is often as clear or defined as the students choose to draw. It's often blurred, don't you think?
Friday, October 23, 2009
WHAT'S YOUR CONNECTION?
Hello precious people,
This morning I was watching Papa Bishop David Oyedepo on one of the free-to-air channels. He was preaching and said that you are either for God or for the devil and that coming to church is not a clear indication that you are for God. He also said that the devil has three mandates: to steal, kill, and destroy; but Jesus has come to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). When he added that, "You are either connected to grace or disgrace." I began to reflect on the profundity of that statement and it was mind blowing. Following the devil only leads to disgrace: that is, shame, dishonour, destruction and the like. But God gives grace to his followers ("My grace is sufficient to you". "God gives grace to the humble." "... Approach the throne of God with confidence, so you will obtain grace to help in time of need").
What is grace? Simply put, grace means unmerited favour. You did not work for it, you don't deserve it. Favour galore! The favour of God is a shield around his followers. It's based on God's love - Jesus' finished work on the cross. It's what qualifies you to begin to enjoy the grace of God. Have you identified with Christ? Are you on the Lord's side or on the devil's side. It's a choice you must make; there's no neutral position. There's no fence to sit on. Your vote will connect you to grace or disgrace.
I can boldly say like Joshua, "As for me and my house, we'll serve the Lord." What about you? What's your connection? Remember, "Cursed is he that puts his trust in man." May you not be cursed rather may you boldly proclaim that Christ has delivered you from the curse of the law being made a curse for your sake.
Choose life and begin to walk in grace!
Be blessed.
This morning I was watching Papa Bishop David Oyedepo on one of the free-to-air channels. He was preaching and said that you are either for God or for the devil and that coming to church is not a clear indication that you are for God. He also said that the devil has three mandates: to steal, kill, and destroy; but Jesus has come to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). When he added that, "You are either connected to grace or disgrace." I began to reflect on the profundity of that statement and it was mind blowing. Following the devil only leads to disgrace: that is, shame, dishonour, destruction and the like. But God gives grace to his followers ("My grace is sufficient to you". "God gives grace to the humble." "... Approach the throne of God with confidence, so you will obtain grace to help in time of need").
What is grace? Simply put, grace means unmerited favour. You did not work for it, you don't deserve it. Favour galore! The favour of God is a shield around his followers. It's based on God's love - Jesus' finished work on the cross. It's what qualifies you to begin to enjoy the grace of God. Have you identified with Christ? Are you on the Lord's side or on the devil's side. It's a choice you must make; there's no neutral position. There's no fence to sit on. Your vote will connect you to grace or disgrace.
I can boldly say like Joshua, "As for me and my house, we'll serve the Lord." What about you? What's your connection? Remember, "Cursed is he that puts his trust in man." May you not be cursed rather may you boldly proclaim that Christ has delivered you from the curse of the law being made a curse for your sake.
Choose life and begin to walk in grace!
Be blessed.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
No place like Nigeria.... But this our mouth ...
I was in Nigeria a few months back and right from the Murtala Mohd Intl Airport, Lagos, the difference was clear. No. I'm not talking about the physical appearance of the airport. As we queued up in the citizen section, two men farther down the queue hailed an airport security man. One of them spoke. "I'm a perm sec. and should not be on this queue." The second man took over and expanded on why they can't be expected to join the queue like that. The security man replied, "Dat one no be my problem. Your people suppose to arrange through protocol." He left and the men moved back to join the queue. Five minutes later, the same man came back and started talking with them in low tones and then he left with them. Our people and position. And power.
As if that wasn't enough, the cab that took me from the domestic wing of the airport in Abuja to Sharon Regency Hotel in Wuse was vocal in another direction. He threw insults at any driver who wasn't driving as fast as he thought they should. "Ole, you sure say that motor na your own!" "Abeg comot for road. Na trailer you dey drive?" And on and on he went.
Sometimes I wonder if the aggression our people exhibit is a natural way of letting off steam. Or, is the pressure of survival in Naija so much that people are going nuts? Or, is it just a way of life for some people and not for others?
As if that wasn't enough, the cab that took me from the domestic wing of the airport in Abuja to Sharon Regency Hotel in Wuse was vocal in another direction. He threw insults at any driver who wasn't driving as fast as he thought they should. "Ole, you sure say that motor na your own!" "Abeg comot for road. Na trailer you dey drive?" And on and on he went.
Sometimes I wonder if the aggression our people exhibit is a natural way of letting off steam. Or, is the pressure of survival in Naija so much that people are going nuts? Or, is it just a way of life for some people and not for others?
Monday, September 21, 2009
NIGERIA: HUGE COUNTRY, HUGE PROBLEMS PART 3
The Ignorance Factor
I have often wondered at the ignorance of our leaders even when they possess some form of formal education. Where you find backward people, you find ignorance. There is no aspect of human existence that does not benefit from knowledge. Take things like basic hygiene, literacy, and social interaction as illustrations and you'll find that knowledge is the backbone for sustained growth and development. Why do you think the Bible says, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge? Knowledge is key to success in life - ranging from the knowledge of God to the knowledge of what to do to achieve success in whatever you're engaged in. The Bible reminds us too that knowledge is the principal thing....
Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo said: "Readers are leaders." He is referring to effective leaders and the power inherent in knowledge. We must remember that not everyone who is at the helm of affairs is truly a leader. Some are mere parasites and figure heads. Nigerian leaders have continued to govern the country ignorantly. They have refused to acquire knowledge necessary for good governance and their advisers are content with being local champions; together they run down the country. You can't turn your back on knowledge and make progress. There is always a solution, a way out... knowledge shows you the way to go.
After visiting two or three African countries and seeing how their educational system works, I get really angry with all those who have attempted to govern our country. We have more resources - financial and human - than most other African countries but why can't we have quality and stable tertiary education in Nigeria? Why can't the university libraries have up to date books and journals? Why can't the libraries offer the needed services that they should offer, such as national, regional, continental, and international exchange of information? The why's are endless. I guess the only answer is that our leaders lack an understanding of what knowledge is and how to acquire it. Regardless of how large Nigeria is, give it a knowledgeable government and things will begin to turn around. Who said corruption has no cure? It's all about knowledge....
Knowledge takes you places but ignorance takes you out of the equation. Otherwise, why is Nigeria a powerless giant?
Just my thoughts. What do you think?
I have often wondered at the ignorance of our leaders even when they possess some form of formal education. Where you find backward people, you find ignorance. There is no aspect of human existence that does not benefit from knowledge. Take things like basic hygiene, literacy, and social interaction as illustrations and you'll find that knowledge is the backbone for sustained growth and development. Why do you think the Bible says, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge? Knowledge is key to success in life - ranging from the knowledge of God to the knowledge of what to do to achieve success in whatever you're engaged in. The Bible reminds us too that knowledge is the principal thing....
Papa, Bishop David Oyedepo said: "Readers are leaders." He is referring to effective leaders and the power inherent in knowledge. We must remember that not everyone who is at the helm of affairs is truly a leader. Some are mere parasites and figure heads. Nigerian leaders have continued to govern the country ignorantly. They have refused to acquire knowledge necessary for good governance and their advisers are content with being local champions; together they run down the country. You can't turn your back on knowledge and make progress. There is always a solution, a way out... knowledge shows you the way to go.
After visiting two or three African countries and seeing how their educational system works, I get really angry with all those who have attempted to govern our country. We have more resources - financial and human - than most other African countries but why can't we have quality and stable tertiary education in Nigeria? Why can't the university libraries have up to date books and journals? Why can't the libraries offer the needed services that they should offer, such as national, regional, continental, and international exchange of information? The why's are endless. I guess the only answer is that our leaders lack an understanding of what knowledge is and how to acquire it. Regardless of how large Nigeria is, give it a knowledgeable government and things will begin to turn around. Who said corruption has no cure? It's all about knowledge....
Knowledge takes you places but ignorance takes you out of the equation. Otherwise, why is Nigeria a powerless giant?
Just my thoughts. What do you think?
Friday, September 11, 2009
NIGERIA: HUGE COUNTRY, HUGE PROBLEMS Part 2
Our football reflects the state of our nation
Nigeria was recently ranked as having the best soccer league in Africa. This underscores the respect the Nigerian side is held globally and the admirable skills Nigerian players possess. Players like JayJay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, .... are notable Nigerian football players.
It is sad to say, however, that things have for long gone wrong with the Nigerian side. In fact, the situation is a microcosm of the troubled nation. Otherwise, why would such a good side rarely sustain outstanding performance in continental and international meets? Political rambling, corruption, and inexperienced managers, among other things, have contributed to the poor performance of the team.
Again corruption! It has been said that players are given places based on their allegiance to the stakeholders, often evidenced by financial gifts; and of course "man know man".
Luckily for me, I didn't watch the Nigeria vs Tunisia match live. But, being the faithful follower of the Nigerian side, I still watched it on SABC1 Wednesday night. A review of that match will show that indeed the team represents the condition of the country. Decadent. The likes of Mikel and Enyeama, especially during the first half, made me repeatedly ask: are they the best this country has?
By the way, I must add that guys like Peter Odemwingie always make us proud! What gets to me is the fact that some of these boys are on the field pushing for goals while others sluggishly move around the field for whatever reasons they have for wearing the national jersey. Certainly, not patriotism.
We need to intensify our prayers for our beloved country. Don't you think?
Nigeria was recently ranked as having the best soccer league in Africa. This underscores the respect the Nigerian side is held globally and the admirable skills Nigerian players possess. Players like JayJay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, .... are notable Nigerian football players.
It is sad to say, however, that things have for long gone wrong with the Nigerian side. In fact, the situation is a microcosm of the troubled nation. Otherwise, why would such a good side rarely sustain outstanding performance in continental and international meets? Political rambling, corruption, and inexperienced managers, among other things, have contributed to the poor performance of the team.
Again corruption! It has been said that players are given places based on their allegiance to the stakeholders, often evidenced by financial gifts; and of course "man know man".
Luckily for me, I didn't watch the Nigeria vs Tunisia match live. But, being the faithful follower of the Nigerian side, I still watched it on SABC1 Wednesday night. A review of that match will show that indeed the team represents the condition of the country. Decadent. The likes of Mikel and Enyeama, especially during the first half, made me repeatedly ask: are they the best this country has?
By the way, I must add that guys like Peter Odemwingie always make us proud! What gets to me is the fact that some of these boys are on the field pushing for goals while others sluggishly move around the field for whatever reasons they have for wearing the national jersey. Certainly, not patriotism.
We need to intensify our prayers for our beloved country. Don't you think?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
NIGERIA: HUGE COUNTRY, HUGE PROBLEMS Part 1
The tertiary system has gone terribly wrong!
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Perhaps, it’s also the country in Africa with the largest number of citizens in diaspora. It has been said, and probably without exaggeration, that in Africa, Nigeria has the highest number of educated workforce living/working outside the country. Why the brain drain? Simple: everyone is running from the many problems that have become the lot of the country. The problems (economic, education, infrastructure, corruption) of Nigeria are as numerous as its people. Be that as it may, Nigerians remain proud of their nationality.
What is troubling at the moment is the current impasse between Nigerian government and the Academic staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Students in public universities are still at home because of the ongoing ASUU strike. My concern here is not about the cause(s) of the strike. Rather, I wish to remind all the Stakeholders, especially the government, that it is their responsibility to provide students with the education they have been promised after being offered places following their performance in the highly competitive JAMB examination. If a student is admitted for a 4-year program, why should the student be made to spend 6 to 8 years due to no fault of theirs?
The situation is deplorable and smacks of lack of proper planning and management. In fact, it is a waste of money to keep schools running when there are no students in the classrooms. Also, since students in private Nigerian universities and those abroad experience no such interruptions, their counterparts in public/government owned Nigerian universities feel like second class citizens because their parents cannot afford to send them to those tertiary institutions.
The bottom line here is this: students are the clients and without them, no educational institution has the right to exist. If political differences can be largely resolved, so can the government and ASUU resolve the present stalemate.
In the interest of innocent students, it’s time to stop the incessant disruptions in the Nigerian public universities. Students should no longer be made to suffer when the two elephants fight.
Or what do you think?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
How To Be The Teacher Every Student Likes
Teachers are human; although everyone seems to forget that. As a teacher, you don’t have to be perfect to be liked by, at least, most of your students. If you find it difficult getting along with your students, here are some tips that will change that.
• Ensure that you teach in ways that enable your students learn successfully.
• Make learning fun. It should not be a racket but make your classes interesting.
• Show interest in your students’ academics and welfare.
Continue reading the article here
• Ensure that you teach in ways that enable your students learn successfully.
• Make learning fun. It should not be a racket but make your classes interesting.
• Show interest in your students’ academics and welfare.
Continue reading the article here
22 WAYS TO COPE IN COLLEGE
College education is your passport to a better life. Attending university or college is an opportunity that you can’t afford to mess up. It is a huge challenge for some students than for others. Whatever your case, it requires hard work and commitment. It is your responsibility to make a success of it. The following are important tips to help you succeed at college or university.
• Listen to learn. Be attentive at lectures and take notes. Keep away from distractions whether noise or classmates. Take note of clues from your teacher.
• Read to learn. Develop reading skills that will enable you successfully engage in independent reading. You need to employ metacognitive reading strategies.
Continue reading this article here
• Listen to learn. Be attentive at lectures and take notes. Keep away from distractions whether noise or classmates. Take note of clues from your teacher.
• Read to learn. Develop reading skills that will enable you successfully engage in independent reading. You need to employ metacognitive reading strategies.
Continue reading this article here
Today's student, tomorrow's what?
Hi all!
As a university teacher, I'm deeply concerned about students' attitude to active learning. Today, we talk about intentional learning and other learner-centered approaches to teaching but our students appear not to share our enthusiasm. They'd rather we dictated notes, filled the board with notes and gave them tests and examinations that required regurgitation of class notes. That would be the easier option for the teachers too. But if we did that, what kind of students would we be sending into the workplace?
Universities specify the attributes their graduates should possess. These attributes are mostly generic skills which students develop over the years through the integration of collaborative work, literacy (communication, research, IT skills) and their content courses. I think we need to raise our students' awareness of the benefits of student-centered learning, thereby increasing their motivational levels towards "learning by doing".
Kudos to every teacher who is working to help their students master content. But more kudos to those who are helping their students develop content knowledge and generic skills simultaneously. Knowledge of both will ensure that the students we train today will tomorrow become effective employees, employers, and leaders in various fields.
Or what do you think?
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