Given that the scenario has shown that residents have registered unhappiness with the Town Council over the influx of immigrants and foreign workers in recent years due to their loss of opportunities in housing, education, and jobs, leading to the intensifying tension between the locals and immigrants in Singapore, how might we reduce this social tension between these two parties in Singapore in 2010 and beyond, so that the possibility of physical conflicts occurring between them, which could possibly cause unfortunate casualties, will be reduced and annulled, thus ensuring the peacefulness and placidness of the society?
Please produce your solutions, preferably by 11.30a.m.
Monday, May 24, 2010
our underlying problem
Since the scenario states that residents have registered unhappiness with the Town Council over the influx of immigrants and foreign workers in recent years, it is likely that tension between the residents and immigrants might build up. This could be a problem as physical conflicts might occur between the two parties, which could cause unfortunate casualties. We know this to be true as Singaporeans have already been intensifying social tensions by blaming immigrants for depressing their pay, for taking away their opportunities in the workforce and education, and for the increase of property prices.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
HCI Home Learning Language Arts March 2010
Hi all
The following are my March elearning assignments:
My areas of strength are in the spatial and intrapersonal aspects.
INTRAPERSONAL
1.Who would you want to be friends with in the novel? Explain.
I would like to be friends with Scout the most.
Firstly, she is a headstrong person who speaks up whenever she felt she needed to. For example, she kicked the man who attacked Jem in his shin and rebutted Atticus that 'Ain't nobody gonna do Jem that way' (Page 168).It is very clear that she was a very tough tomboy. These traits were considerably distant from those a conventional girl should possess, and given the circumstances in Maycomb where repression and conservativeness were advocated, they were outstanding.Her refusal to conform to societal norms and her unique personality therefore made her considerably attractive ( as a friend and ... :-D) Hence, I would be assured that she will stand up for me when I am in need. In addition, my personality is confessedly lacking in this outgoing aspect, thus my interactions with her would help me improve on it. It would be a win-win situation, since Scout might also learn to better keep her composure.
Next, Scout's family had a 'housewife' who acted as their mother - Calpurnia (more than Aunt Alexandra). In addition, the man of the family - Atticus, was a heroic lawyer who was fighting for the rights of a discriminated Negro. Scout and Jem themselves also closely adhered to their father's ideals - they were supportive of their father throughout the Tom Robinson case despite his diminishing societal status. This was a decent and principled family consisting of members who had the courage to act according to their own believes and distance themselves from the norms of a stagnant, obstinate community. I like to befriend individuals with a decent family background (not status)like this, for it is more often than not reflective of the individual's own character. Hence, Scout must have been influenced with good social and moral values, which are the most important characteristics to bear as a friend.
Finally, Scout was one who respected her seniors.She respected Atticus and spoke to him with affective diction, she looked up to Calpurnia and did as she was instructed, and the closest to rudeness was a gentle protest - "Besides, Cal, this isn't the first time Atticus has left us" (Page 129). She respected Miss Maudie Atkinson as a rationalizer. And she addressed most adults to whom she was not closely acquainted with with politeness. Even if the person was someone whose age was near hers, she would treat him/her with considerable decency (save Jem and that unfortunate encounter with Walter Cunningham) One important trait that I look for in a friend is respect. I would be assured that Scout would respect me and my actions as long as I do not treat her with hostility. She would be able to understand me. This is something that I would really treasure.
VISUAL/SPATIAL
Design a civil rights movement poster for Maycomb.
Version 1 (black and white)
I personally prefer the first version as it is more visually 'impactful'.
Here, the father is telling the son - 'Be satisfied, son' (the picture is too small, sorry for the 'non-userfriendliness')
Version 2 (normal)
Thanks.
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
The following are my March elearning assignments:
My areas of strength are in the spatial and intrapersonal aspects.
INTRAPERSONAL
1.Who would you want to be friends with in the novel? Explain.
I would like to be friends with Scout the most.
Firstly, she is a headstrong person who speaks up whenever she felt she needed to. For example, she kicked the man who attacked Jem in his shin and rebutted Atticus that 'Ain't nobody gonna do Jem that way' (Page 168).It is very clear that she was a very tough tomboy. These traits were considerably distant from those a conventional girl should possess, and given the circumstances in Maycomb where repression and conservativeness were advocated, they were outstanding.Her refusal to conform to societal norms and her unique personality therefore made her considerably attractive ( as a friend and ... :-D) Hence, I would be assured that she will stand up for me when I am in need. In addition, my personality is confessedly lacking in this outgoing aspect, thus my interactions with her would help me improve on it. It would be a win-win situation, since Scout might also learn to better keep her composure.
Next, Scout's family had a 'housewife' who acted as their mother - Calpurnia (more than Aunt Alexandra). In addition, the man of the family - Atticus, was a heroic lawyer who was fighting for the rights of a discriminated Negro. Scout and Jem themselves also closely adhered to their father's ideals - they were supportive of their father throughout the Tom Robinson case despite his diminishing societal status. This was a decent and principled family consisting of members who had the courage to act according to their own believes and distance themselves from the norms of a stagnant, obstinate community. I like to befriend individuals with a decent family background (not status)like this, for it is more often than not reflective of the individual's own character. Hence, Scout must have been influenced with good social and moral values, which are the most important characteristics to bear as a friend.
Finally, Scout was one who respected her seniors.She respected Atticus and spoke to him with affective diction, she looked up to Calpurnia and did as she was instructed, and the closest to rudeness was a gentle protest - "Besides, Cal, this isn't the first time Atticus has left us" (Page 129). She respected Miss Maudie Atkinson as a rationalizer. And she addressed most adults to whom she was not closely acquainted with with politeness. Even if the person was someone whose age was near hers, she would treat him/her with considerable decency (save Jem and that unfortunate encounter with Walter Cunningham) One important trait that I look for in a friend is respect. I would be assured that Scout would respect me and my actions as long as I do not treat her with hostility. She would be able to understand me. This is something that I would really treasure.
VISUAL/SPATIAL
Design a civil rights movement poster for Maycomb.
Version 1 (black and white)
I personally prefer the first version as it is more visually 'impactful'.
Here, the father is telling the son - 'Be satisfied, son' (the picture is too small, sorry for the 'non-userfriendliness')
Version 2 (normal)
Thanks.
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Graciousness
Hi all,
Just came back from helping out @ ANGLES HCI 2010. I was helping out as an usher and one of the elocution coaches.
This year's impromptu topics were, frankly speaking, very challenging - I probably wouldn't do very well for the topics if I am a finalist.
Back to the crux - there was this one topic regarding graciousness in Singapore.
There were many interesting viewpoints (which I unfortunately forgot).
And I was suddenly rudely reminded of the lack of graciousness that many Singaporeans now unfortunately possess.
One very appalling yet strong evidence:
from STOMP: 'How can this man continue to sit on the seat when two elderly people are standing in front of him?'
Yet another picture
Again taken from Stomp: 'This mother was seen throwing a piece of tissue paper onto the floor at this MRT station. When she realised a STOMPer had seen her, she tried to hide it under her dress.'
Why is this so?
Is it our culture to be ungracious? I don't believe so.
We must, first and foremost, evaluate the reasons for this trend, before we can even rectify it.
I think that ultimately, the fast-paced, rapidly globalizing environment of Singapore, has impacted the society and imbued our citizens with individualistic ideals. Not exclusively to those in the workforce, but to the other members of the dependent population as well. And secondly, there are too many laws, fines and punishments, and some citizens are probably getting tired of them. That's human nature - the more you enforce certain regulations, the more obstinate they would become.
And this has subsequently led to the graduallly diminishing of core social, civic, and moral values. Just like in 'Animal Farm' the absence of these values will in turn bring in societal declination.
And the government is taking serious, desperate measures to keep these values intact, one most noticeable move being the use of Phua Chu Kang, an icon itself in the domestic media realm:
The improvement since the campaign's start isn't very large, though.
I personally believe that we should focus on our NEXT generation, which would have the highest chances of absorbing these values, since they are still youthful. These shouldn't be taught as part of a 'syllabus', but should, instead, be included as a school value, or etc. etc.
Graciousness isn't something that you can clearly evaluate or define. It originates from core values of the heart. Teachers or educators should thus note that these values, not specific acts of graciousness, should be taught to the students
I suppose that's all.
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
Just came back from helping out @ ANGLES HCI 2010. I was helping out as an usher and one of the elocution coaches.
This year's impromptu topics were, frankly speaking, very challenging - I probably wouldn't do very well for the topics if I am a finalist.
Back to the crux - there was this one topic regarding graciousness in Singapore.
There were many interesting viewpoints (which I unfortunately forgot).
And I was suddenly rudely reminded of the lack of graciousness that many Singaporeans now unfortunately possess.
One very appalling yet strong evidence:
from STOMP: 'How can this man continue to sit on the seat when two elderly people are standing in front of him?'
Yet another picture
Again taken from Stomp: 'This mother was seen throwing a piece of tissue paper onto the floor at this MRT station. When she realised a STOMPer had seen her, she tried to hide it under her dress.'
Why is this so?
Is it our culture to be ungracious? I don't believe so.
We must, first and foremost, evaluate the reasons for this trend, before we can even rectify it.
I think that ultimately, the fast-paced, rapidly globalizing environment of Singapore, has impacted the society and imbued our citizens with individualistic ideals. Not exclusively to those in the workforce, but to the other members of the dependent population as well. And secondly, there are too many laws, fines and punishments, and some citizens are probably getting tired of them. That's human nature - the more you enforce certain regulations, the more obstinate they would become.
And this has subsequently led to the graduallly diminishing of core social, civic, and moral values. Just like in 'Animal Farm' the absence of these values will in turn bring in societal declination.
And the government is taking serious, desperate measures to keep these values intact, one most noticeable move being the use of Phua Chu Kang, an icon itself in the domestic media realm:
The improvement since the campaign's start isn't very large, though.
I personally believe that we should focus on our NEXT generation, which would have the highest chances of absorbing these values, since they are still youthful. These shouldn't be taught as part of a 'syllabus', but should, instead, be included as a school value, or etc. etc.
Graciousness isn't something that you can clearly evaluate or define. It originates from core values of the heart. Teachers or educators should thus note that these values, not specific acts of graciousness, should be taught to the students
I suppose that's all.
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Coping
Hi all,
Here is my first REAL post of the year.
To the evaluators of this blog - this post is of a more personal scope.
The year's just begun, and I'm already trapped in chronic lethargy.
The effects:
1) For the first time in my entire life, I feel sleepy in class (I'm not exaggerating)
2)Somehow, my sleep time is diminished to insignificance.
3)Most dismally, I'm so fraught with workaholism that I would be satisfied with just THIRTY MINUTES of 'ME' time a week.
I am staying back in school till late in the evenings every day, except Sunday, which is no oasis either.
So I decided that I needed a more positive outlook to life (even my sister commented that I looked as if I wanted to murder someone, though I'm not) Because what's the point of living a life of eternal misery and distress? It won't do you any good, less you think that you look handsome with wrinkles or sunken eyes or a droopy mouth, which obviously will not occur to anyone in his or her right mind.
And I found my answer. I decided to formulate a way, or at least a psychological state of mind which would miraculously make me enjoy whatever I am doing. This idea came from a book I came across titled 'The Power of Positive Thinking' by Norman Vincent Peale. It came from my father at a time when the malicious distresses I was troubled with had most unfortunately peaked.
Miracles do happen.
I tried to pry for insignificant minute moments of my everday life when I really can enjoy myself. For example, I enjoy sleeping on the school bus trip to school. And I enjoy the brief table tennis matches played with my my juniors during recess. And I enjoy my PE lessons and sometimes NPCC. And I enjoy my important, though brief, daily sleeping times.
Hence discovered one important principle of life - to cherish life's simplest pleasures. There was one survey held globally in 2009 to find out the source of the world's happiest people. Paradoxically, these individuals came from the poorest regions existent in the world. Why?
I think that schools should have such psychological lessons for their students, given the 'state-of-the-art', superbly advanced and rapidly advancing education system
of today. Many students still do not know how to handle stress, but they are certainly not unable.
This still does not give us an reason to spoon-feed them.
While trying to prepare them for their future career lives, we should still teach our students to enjoy their childhoods, or rather, their school lives as much as possible.
Start enjoying life NOW!!!!!
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
Here is my first REAL post of the year.
To the evaluators of this blog - this post is of a more personal scope.
The year's just begun, and I'm already trapped in chronic lethargy.
The effects:
1) For the first time in my entire life, I feel sleepy in class (I'm not exaggerating)
2)Somehow, my sleep time is diminished to insignificance.
3)Most dismally, I'm so fraught with workaholism that I would be satisfied with just THIRTY MINUTES of 'ME' time a week.
I am staying back in school till late in the evenings every day, except Sunday, which is no oasis either.
So I decided that I needed a more positive outlook to life (even my sister commented that I looked as if I wanted to murder someone, though I'm not) Because what's the point of living a life of eternal misery and distress? It won't do you any good, less you think that you look handsome with wrinkles or sunken eyes or a droopy mouth, which obviously will not occur to anyone in his or her right mind.
And I found my answer. I decided to formulate a way, or at least a psychological state of mind which would miraculously make me enjoy whatever I am doing. This idea came from a book I came across titled 'The Power of Positive Thinking' by Norman Vincent Peale. It came from my father at a time when the malicious distresses I was troubled with had most unfortunately peaked.
Miracles do happen.
I tried to pry for insignificant minute moments of my everday life when I really can enjoy myself. For example, I enjoy sleeping on the school bus trip to school. And I enjoy the brief table tennis matches played with my my juniors during recess. And I enjoy my PE lessons and sometimes NPCC. And I enjoy my important, though brief, daily sleeping times.
Hence discovered one important principle of life - to cherish life's simplest pleasures. There was one survey held globally in 2009 to find out the source of the world's happiest people. Paradoxically, these individuals came from the poorest regions existent in the world. Why?
I think that schools should have such psychological lessons for their students, given the 'state-of-the-art', superbly advanced and rapidly advancing education system
of today. Many students still do not know how to handle stress, but they are certainly not unable.
This still does not give us an reason to spoon-feed them.
While trying to prepare them for their future career lives, we should still teach our students to enjoy their childhoods, or rather, their school lives as much as possible.
Start enjoying life NOW!!!!!
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Inaugural post
Hi all!
This is my first blog post on my first blog of the year!!!
2010 is an exhausting year, at least for January. The workload is crazy. But I think it's what's eventually gained from all this that ultimately matters.
Anyway, being my first post of the year, I would make it short and comprehendable, so that you won't be tired out too quickly - believe me , you would be sick of this blog by term 3.
Bye for now!
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
HOPE: CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN
This is my first blog post on my first blog of the year!!!
2010 is an exhausting year, at least for January. The workload is crazy. But I think it's what's eventually gained from all this that ultimately matters.
Anyway, being my first post of the year, I would make it short and comprehendable, so that you won't be tired out too quickly - believe me , you would be sick of this blog by term 3.
Bye for now!
Cheers,
Zhu Cheng
HOPE: CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN
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