Today I attended my 3rd conference this year. Every time there is a conference, I bug my HOD to send me. Then as the date approaches, I regret signing up because conferences are, without fail, several days long and from 8am to 5pm or thereabouts. But I’ll attend it and then be quite pleased because… Continue reading »
Sep
07
Sep
05
Phew!
As part of a coaching/facilitating course that I have been taking, I have had to pretend-coach a session this week which has been very stressful! I’ve just sent in the summary of my coaching efforts to my coach and I’m feeling both relieved that’s it over and nervous because I’m going to get feedback soon.… Continue reading »
Dec
08
Bilingual Education
I suppose it’s time for a more serious post and also, I’ve been thinking of writing something about this for some time, if only so that I can organise my thoughts about this issue. Bilingual education has fascinated me since I took a course in it in the University of Melbourne. And there has been… Continue reading »
Oct
11
The Language Elite
Disclaimer: This is my little rant on those who like to pick on other people’s English. I used to act like this and sometimes still do. Perils of the job? However, I think that it is a nasty habit and one that I need to work on. You know, being able to speak good English… Continue reading »
Oct
07
SGEM thoughts
And now for a more serious post which is probably lacking in organisation and maybe, coherency. [I am writing this based on my memory of what I have learnt over my years in NUS and after. My facts / ideas / concepts may be completely inaccurate but seeing that (a) this is my personal journal,… Continue reading »
Sep
29
The Great Singapore English Debate
… and it has started on the pages of the ST Forum again. Going to collect them all!
Sep
27
Similes? Really?
Warning: Completely random and disorganised thoughts on Six Lives, that SGEM soap opera. Because the best way to a man’s heart is to improve their English. Oh Six Lives. Are there really people like you out there? Now that they have added Norman, it looks like they are planning to pair everyone up. Why? Maybe… Continue reading »
Sep
14
An Addendum
Today, my colleague showed me a composition that managed to use the words peripatetic, acquiesce and repudiate (among others). Sigh.
Sep
12
Six Lives
So, someone asked me about what I thought of the SGEM’s online drama, Six Lives. Since I’ve read all the 3 episodes up so far, I figured I would note down my thoughts on it. It appears to be an interesting concept. I was somewhat intrigued by the first two episodes but I felt the… Continue reading »
Sep
08
Speak Good English
Apparently, the Speak Good English Movement (SGEM) for 2009 was recently launched. Strangely enough, despite being an EL teacher, I did not know anything about it. No emails from my employer, no emails from anyone actually and nothing I noticed on the ST webpage either. Then again, I never watch our local free-to-air channels so… Continue reading »