Innovation Day, Kluang District

Date: 17th Dec 2012
Venue: SM Sains Johor, Kluang

Speaking in Bakti Hall, SM Sains Johor was something I really looked forward to as I taught in the school for 21 years. It brought back a lot of memories. I was invited to share my project conducted in SMK Canossian Convent on this day with headmasters and principals in Kluang. The project was "Digital Notebook: Integrating Web 2.0 in Pedagogy to improve Writing and Critical thinking." It was indeed an honour to be given the 'Tokoh Inovasi Daerah Kluang" award by the PPD Kluang. To be honest, I felt very humbled by the recognition and to a certain extent embarassed. I mean "Tokoh Inovasi" is just too big a title to hold...Still, I would like to thank Tn Hj A. Manaf Muslimin (PPD Kluang) and the selection panel for the award and may it inspire me to work harder.  
Alhamdulillah.

The Thinking Teacher

JPN Johor Innovation Awards 2012

Date: 6 December 2012
Venue: Dewan Semarak, JPN Johor

This prestigious award ceremony took place in Dewan Semarak JPN Johor. Despite losing my way a little bit, I made it in time for the ceremony. Insane this! All because I followed my GPS to go via the Kempas exit instead of the usual Skudai exit I normally take. My GPS was just updated and it gave me the wrong directions, would you believe that! Well, this sort of thing probably only happens to people like me. To be honest when I was suddenly driving in the Pasir Gudang highway (yup, that lost!) I nearly gave up and wanted to ask Sallina Hussain (principal and good friend of SMK Seta, JB) to receive the award for me in case I didn't make in on time but her phone was silent for a bit. I had to trouble another friend (Pn Ruzana from PPD JB) and finally found my way back to Jalan Datin Halimah...phew!! tells you a lot about my driving skills doesn't it?) Well, as I said before, I arrived at about 8.45 and people were still having breakfast. Relieved...

Tn Hj Mohd Nor A. Ghani (State Education Director) graced the occasion and presented the awards. There were many important people in the beautiful hall and I was ushered by this kind lady to a seat next to Pn Fuziah, headmaster of SK Taman Uda (2). She was also an awardee. I then realised that it was a Thursday because everyone was adorned in batik! Well, this being the school hols I conveniently forgot :) Thank God Adibah, my daughter ironed a batik dress (well I think it passed as batik) and I got rid off my coat as soon as possible! Only one person was wearing a jacket and he was the Ketua Sektor Pendidikan Islam in JPN. I certainly felt more comfortable not wearing one.

The objectives of the ceremony were:

(from the programme book)

• memberi pengiktirafan kepada hasil inovasi yang diperkenalkan oleh agensi kerajaan
• memupuk dan menyemarakkan budaya kreatif dan inovatif dalam cara bekerja uyang diamalkan
• memperkenalkan dan menyebarkan hasil-hasil inovasi yang boleh dicontohi untuk faedah agensi lain;dan
• menyumbang kepada peningkatan kualiti penyampaian perkhidmatan kepada pelanggan

The award categories were:

• Anugerah Khas Inovasi
• Anugerah Khas Juri
• Anugerah Inovasi Pengarah Pelajaran Johor
• Anugerah Inovasi Timbalan Pengarah Pelajaran Johor
• Anugerah Ketua Sektor
• Anugerah Kumpulan Inovasi dan Kreatif (KIK)

In his address, the director mentioned a few important pointers: 

• the need to change our work culture- the emphasis should be on outcome and they must be impactful
• civil servants need to enhance their professional competence, provide client-friendly service, change their mindset and focus on feedback and complaints from clients because these are indicators of our effectiveness, be innovative and creative in the delivery system and give the best service with integrity and accountability

Alhamdulillah, I was awarded Anugerah Khas Inovasi (Kepimpinan Inovasi, Kumpulan Pengurusan dan Profesional). Initially I was rather reluctant to take part when the PPD Kluang nominated my name. However, some good friends and ex-students encouraged me to give it a try. A special thanks to Tn Hj Ahmad Yusof of PPD Kluang for norminating me and the selection panel of course. The emcee mistakenly announced that I was  "Pengetua SM Sains Sembrong" and then corrected himself :) A nice way to wrap up 2012!

The Thinking Teacher

Innovation Seminar for Secondary Schools- State Level 2012

Date: 20th October 2012
Venue: Dewan Seminar, JPN Johor

I was privileged to represent Kluang in this seminar with Hamsam from SMK Kahang Timur. Although I didn't win, it was a good experience. Well-done to the deserving winners! The PJK teacher deserves to win as her gadget for teaching sofball is innovative. My only reservation about the judging was the fact that the judges were really into gadgets! The impression given was as if an innovation must be in the form of gadgets not ideas or adaptation of ideas. In addition, there were only two language teachers from the 20 participants and the the majority were Maths teachers. It seemed 'easier' for content subjects to come up with gadgets or maybe I wasn't creative enough :) The judges just loved gadgets although sometimes I felt some of the gadgets were a tad ridiculous as they not only reflected how 'poor' our students were but also teachers' lack of skills to teach the particular topic hence the need for such gadgets. Overall though, the seminar was well-organised.

I must start thinking of a gadget from now on :)

The Thinking Teacher

Innovation Competition- Johor State Education Dept.

Date: 15th August 2012

Venue: SMK Taman Kluang Barat, Kluang

31 JU's (trainers) for Innovation were selected from all districts in today's meeting with En Sujak Sarman, Head of Academic Sector, State Education Department. I was one of the four teachers from Kluang. The JPN Johor has finally coordinated the types of innovation competitions for the state but strangely this is different from the "Guru Inovatif" competition held annually. I was probably too vocal in this meeting to withhold any comments as there were serious errors with the evaluation form. Suggestions to correct them were accepted after a long discussion. The are five categories of awards:

1. Anugerah Inovasi Khas: 

    For individuals with a high level of leadership skills, charismatic and initiatives to bring about change.

2. Anugerah Inovasi Pengarah Pelajaran:

    Specially for teachers who are creative and highly-skilled in employing a variety of teaching techniques.

3. Anugerah Inovasi Pengurusan Perkhidmatan:

    To be awarded to officers and staff who creatively introduce, execute or improve approaches, 

     processes and working procedures.

4. Anugerah Inovasi Rekacipta:

    This award is given to officers and staff who are creative in producing new products or improve on  

    current products.

5. Anugerah Kumpulan KIK

    Awarded to groups that produce innovation.

Head of Academic Sector, JPN Johor, En Sujak Maskan

Question please...

Tn Hj Shahilon, Principal Assistant Director, Mathematics and Science

Mr Ruslan, National Level Innovation Winner from SMK Benut, Pontian

Group 2

The Thinking Teacher

Inovation in Teaching and Learning, JPNJ

Calling all English teachers! The JPNJ is organising an innovation programme to encourage teachers to produce innovations and in three areas:

• Amalan Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran
• Amalan Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran berbantukan Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi
• Produk Pembelajaran dan Pengajaran: Bahan Bantu Mengajar, Alat Bantu Mengajar, Modul

I was informed that it's not a competition but more of participation and those selected innovations will receive a certificate from JPNJ. 

Click here for more information about the programme.

Innovative Teacher Competition 2010

If you are interested to take part in this annual competition, the following information will be useful:
Pertandingan Anugerah Guru Inovatif KPM 2010
Syarat Pertandingan Anugerah Guru Inovatif 2010

Quality Awards, PPD Kluang

Tn Hj Mat Kassim  from JPNJ- oficial representative of the state director

Tn Hj Shaharudin- Kluang PPD (4th from left)

Me after the ceremony

Winners Group Photo

Date: 21 Nov 2009

Venue: Main Hall, SK Chong Hwa 2

Today I received the Anugerah Khas Program Inovasi (Guru) for the Tuesday's Date with PS Programme. When I first mooted the idea to the panel, I was quietly thinking that if it were to win anything, I'd like everyone in the English panel to go up the stage to receive it as a group innovation. However, this was considered for the individual category and so I was all alone on stage. Still, I would like to share this award with all the members of my panel- Puran, Dr Rekha, Sarojini and Anand. Hey! We won guys!!

This has been quite a year for me- a mix of good and bad really but winning seven awards in a year is beyond my imagination!! Alhamdulillah. I don't know if this lucky streak will continue but suffice to say, I am thankful to everyone, especially my principal  Madam Tan Tong Yar for her support and encouragement. Without the support, it wouldn't have materialised.

It's that time of the year to take stock of things and to move forward.- to soak in the good and to leave out the not so good. Sometimes we need to embrace change in life to bring out the best in you. Moving to my present school was that big change and I have no regrets. I have always believed "Rezeki ada di mana-mana." Winning awards is just a bonus  after the hard work is done. At the end of the day, it is not the awards that matter, it is taking action and doing something for your students that matter. This is my third year in SMK Canossian Convent, Kluang and two promotions and seven awards later, I still can't believe my luck!

GC- Kecemerlangan Berterusan!

State Level Action Research Seminar for KRK Schools 2009

Top pict: Kahar, me and Rosizan
2nd from top: me presenting
3rd from top: selling my ideas
Bottom: kahar receiving his cert

Date: 18th August 2009
Venue: SMK Simpang Renggam, Kluang
Participants: 260 teachers

The state level Action Research Seminar for KRK schools was held today at Jauhar Hall, SMK Simpang Renggam. I was invited to present the action research that I won at the state level last year. This was my 8th sharing session with teachers and principals. It was great to meet Kahar and Roshizan again and to listen to Kahar's 'Jari Mat Malaysia' rsearch where he taught students how to remember the periodic table in Chemistry. I thought it was very innovative! My session went well except for the fact that I had to use a lot of BM as the audience was a mixed group. I hope my BM was okay :) The event was well-organised but the front seats were not occupied. Teachers preferred to sit at the back...this is typical isn't it?

Innovative Classroom Teaching Competition, Kluang District, 15 August 2009

Innovative Classroom Teaching Competition
Date: 15 August 2009
Venue: PKG Kluang

On this day, the district English Panel organised the above competition at the PKG. It was a pleasure to see teachers presenting their ideas on what they do in the English classroom. This competition was my brainchild as I thought the JKD should move to a different level instead of taking the usual path of organising routine activities such as debates, public-speaking and courses for teachers. I wanted to see more 'teacher talk' on what they do in the classrooms. We had a teacher who just started teaching for less than a month taking part and one who has taught for 30 years! It was wonderful to see them share their ideas. It wasn't easy to organise this competition but SMK Teknik Kluang did a very good job!. Although we only had 11 entries (11 schools) from the expected 22, it was a great success.

I could see that English teachers actually do a lot for their students but there wasn't any platform for them to share. Since this was the first time we had such a competition, there were of course some weaknesses that can be improved upon. Perhaps the word 'competition' should be removed altogether because many teachers were afraid the moment they heard it was a competition. Then there was the technical aspects to be looked into. Nevetheless, I think it was worth it and I'd like to congratulate those who were brave and positive enough to take part. The audience certainly enjoyed the whole session, judging from their laughter. This couldn't have happened without the MC's (En Moideen) hilarious jokes! I only feel sorry for those who were negative about the whole idea- it's a lost on their part really. I understand it's not easy to change teacher's mindset, particularly when they are in their comfort zones. This was the challenge I had to undertake as the Vice-Chair. All's well that ends well. The video still needs editing and I will upload as soon as it's ready. My principal has also agreed to show it in our next panel meeting. The winners certainly deserve a mention:

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY:
1st: Pn Maimumah Begum (SMK SEDARA)
2nd: Pn Latifah (SMK Simpgang Renggam)
3rd: Pn Farah(SMK Dato Hj Hassan Yunos)

GROUP CATEGORY:
1st: SMK Taman Sri Kluang (Jazz Chants)
2nd: STK (Web Quest)
3rd: SM Teknik (SVA)

Many thanks to SMK Teknik as the organising school, judges, En Mahyudin (Language Officer), Madam Tan Tong Yar (Chairperson, District English Panel, and Mr Kan Sui Seng (retired English teacher).
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.

Teacher's Day, Kluang District, 28th May, 2009

Today, I received the first prize for the District Innovative Teacher Award (Secondary Category-individual) Teacher's Day Celebrations in Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Hall, Kluang. This is my third award at the district level. Someone joked that I must now go national. Well, that's the next challenge eh? Easier said than done. Congratulations to fellow recipients.

State Level Innovative Teacher Award 2009, Pasir Gudang Stadium, Johor Bharu

I finally did it- getting this award! The state level event was held in Pasir Gudang Stadium and the guest of honour was Datuk Dr Puad Zakarshi, Deputy Minister of Education. Thanks to my principal Madam Tan, for always encouraging me to take part and friends for their motivation. Not forgetting my hubby Aziz, and children (Adibah and Ahmad Rasyad) for they are my best critics :)

Tuesday's Date with PS (BOS Write up)

From the top: I really am proud of my student E Jia Yen 2nd pict: Form 3's turn in March 3rd pict: Puran and I picking names at random 4th pict: Electrifying support from the not so lucky ones! 5th pict: The chosen one- Amilia delivered a speech on 'Boyfriends' which proves what SMCC students can do if given the chance! Salam and hi to all of you out there. If you happen to stumble upon my blog, do leave your comments. It's really motivating when someone leaves a comment or two. I know some of my good friends and students (x and present) who miss me go to my blog (hehehe) but leave your mark guys! To my students, don't let the fear of English keep you away ok.. Anyway, I'd like to share a programme called 'Tuesday's Date with PS' (not Puran Singh, my KB but Public-speaking. No offence puran:)

It's basically a public-speaking programme that has become a hit in my school, SMK Canossian Convent. Since I first came to the school , I noticed the lack of English speaking culture and decided to act on it. Thank God for the support of my panel members- Puran, Dr Rekha, Sarojini and Anand not forgetting my principal, Madam Tan for her enthusiasm! (Ehem..are you taking over madam? hehe) What started as something students really feared has become a hit. I can't forget the screams of support from fellow students when their friends are randomly selected to present a speech on the stage. Bravo girls!! See what you can do? You can do anything you want to do if you put your mind to it enough. I didn't say that, Helen Keller did :) The best part is I know that the students have a lot of potential but opportunities must be created for them so they can bloom. 

Thanks to Mdm Tan for her continuous support! For details on the programme, click the link Tuesday's Date with PS on top. I wrote it as a Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS)write up recently in BM okay. Be patient if it's a bit slow downloading. It's because of the photos dears. Have a productive day!

Profesional Development 3: SMK Canossian Convent, 14 Feb 2009

Date: 14 Feb 2009
Time: 12.30-2.00 p.m
Venue: Lab 1, SMK Canossian Convent

Today, I conducted a staff development session in Lab 1 for all teachers. The session was to share the following:

1. Action Research: WORDWISE: Using Pictures and Explicit Vocabulary Teaching Strategies to improve 5S1 Descriptive Compositions (State level Champion)
2. An Innovation: Kaedah SJK (Inovative Teacher Award 2008)

It was great to share something with your fellow peers. I hope some tips given to those teachers who are about to conduct their action research were helpful.