Dear boys here are some last minutes REMINDERS ( and yes I dislike repeating myself) but I dont have a choice or you will whine!! Argh!!
Here they are:
1. Check your understanding with the checklists
2. Use the 41 questions cards ( 4 Gen, dont panic boys, you will do it tomorrow;)
3. Memorise the NE message, Singapore Shared values, Important locations you have learnt, Causes for events and effects of events, qualities, generalisations ( such as generalisations on Family)
4. Remember the names of important people;)
5. Understand the "Super Pac Man" acronymn for political cartoons - S for symbols, P for people, C for Context and M for message
6. Read blog updates that marks as "important" ( NOT FOR PORTFOLIOS )
7. Go through the revision papers and exercise
8. Do the Parent Child Revision exercise on the blog ( answers will be posted on Saturday)
9. Go through the "how to answer SS exam questions handout" - ONLY IF YOU HAVE TIME since I have gone through this point SEVERAL TIMES EVERY TERM
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Dear boys, check this out - Photos of the History play (photos from Jordan)
The locals, waiting in line to "pay their respects" or at least they wish they could.. to the Japanese soldiers.
Here comes the Japanese soldiers ! Argh!! Hmm... They don't seem as nasty as they are reputed to be....
Here comes the Japanese soldiers ! Argh!! Hmm... They don't seem as nasty as they are reputed to be....Not for the lily-livered... Parental guidance needed!! Matthew is such a natural actor!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
IMPORTANT: Questions for your portfolio reflection
Dear boys,
Some of you requested that I put up the statements from the reflection sheet so that you can merely copy them and type out the answers in the final submission. I have decided to frame them into questions to help you in the thinking process ( and of course help you to score well;) so here they are:
Did this piece of work (commentary) demonstrate that I have gained new knowledge, understanding and/or skills? In what way?
Did it show my awareness of current affairs and community issues? How?
Did it allow me to play an active role as a member of my class/school/community? How?
Did it show my experience with group work/activities/projects?How?
Did it make me look at things differently? How?
How did I apply my previous learning in knowledge, understanding and/or skills?
What new insights did I gain about myself from working on this piece of work?
What are some of my areas of strengths?
What are some of my areas of weaknesses?
What do I find challenging?
Some of you requested that I put up the statements from the reflection sheet so that you can merely copy them and type out the answers in the final submission. I have decided to frame them into questions to help you in the thinking process ( and of course help you to score well;) so here they are:
Did this piece of work (commentary) demonstrate that I have gained new knowledge, understanding and/or skills? In what way?
Did it show my awareness of current affairs and community issues? How?
Did it allow me to play an active role as a member of my class/school/community? How?
Did it show my experience with group work/activities/projects?How?
Did it make me look at things differently? How?
How did I apply my previous learning in knowledge, understanding and/or skills?
What new insights did I gain about myself from working on this piece of work?
What are some of my areas of strengths?
What are some of my areas of weaknesses?
What do I find challenging?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
About portfolio
Dear boys,
This posting is to help a few of you who may have trouble understanding what a portfolio is...
1. A portfolio as you know, is a piece of work done created over time.
2.This piece of work as you know, is your commentary and reflection on the write-up that you have submitted for the family tree project. You are required to print out another copy of the write-up since it is your artefact for this project.
3. You wll then use the questions found in the handout entitle "portfolio 1st Entry"as a guide on how you can make a commentary and write a reflection on the family tree write-up.
Stay tuned for more ideas on how you can include more interesting information in your entry...
Mdm Mona
This posting is to help a few of you who may have trouble understanding what a portfolio is...
1. A portfolio as you know, is a piece of work done created over time.
2.This piece of work as you know, is your commentary and reflection on the write-up that you have submitted for the family tree project. You are required to print out another copy of the write-up since it is your artefact for this project.
3. You wll then use the questions found in the handout entitle "portfolio 1st Entry"as a guide on how you can make a commentary and write a reflection on the family tree write-up.
Stay tuned for more ideas on how you can include more interesting information in your entry...
Mdm Mona
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Primary vs Secondary Sources
Dear boys, here are some websites to help you in your homework on pre-1819 Singapore:
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/education/008-3010-e.html - This is a great website!
http://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html - This is a brief one
Here is a quiz to help you check your understanding!
http://www.historyonthenet.com/Sources/primary_or_secondary_source.htm - Do this quiz first
http://www.slideshare.net/jjgarcia77/primary-source-quiz-presentation
Have fun and all the best! By the way I will conduct a quick quiz on sources during the next SS lesson.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/education/008-3010-e.html - This is a great website!
http://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html - This is a brief one
Here is a quiz to help you check your understanding!
http://www.historyonthenet.com/Sources/primary_or_secondary_source.htm - Do this quiz first
http://www.slideshare.net/jjgarcia77/primary-source-quiz-presentation
Have fun and all the best! By the way I will conduct a quick quiz on sources during the next SS lesson.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
An oral history write-up on a traditional Hindu culture
Each of the religions of the world has its own culture, with many customs, traditions and refined qualities. The Hindu culture is a culture of love, respect, honoring others and humbling one's own ego so that the inner nature, which is naturally pure and modest, will shine forth. From my interview with Mr Mogan Shanmugam, an Indian man who was born in 1952, I discovered some of the important aspects of of Hindu community.
Respect
Mr Mogan highlighted that in his culture, respect for elders is very important. This genuine acknowledgment of seniority is demonstrated through endearing customs, such as sitting to the left of elders, bringing gifts on special occasions, not sitting while they are standing, not speaking excessively, not yawning or stretching, not putting one's opinions forward strongly, not contradicting or arguing, seeking their advice and blessings, giving them first choice in all matters, even serving their food first. Therefore he would always wait for his elders to eat first. Even his mother has to wait for his father and grandfather to eat before she could. This according to Mr Mogan, was as a sign of respect for the males, who are seen as symbols of God.
Mr Mogan shared how in their culture, respect is very important. In his family, they are taught to touch the feet of holy men and women in recognition of their great humility and inner attainment. The children prostrate and touch the feet of their mother and father at festivals and at special times, such as birthdays and before departing on a journey. If one were to give an offering, such as an archana basket, flowers or garlands, they must be carried with both hands on the right side of the body, so as to not be breathed on. All items are washed in preparation and, if carried more than a short distance, wrapped or covered.
Purity
Purity and its opposite, pollution, are vitally important in Hindu culture. Purity is of three forms -- purity in mind, speech and body, or thought, word and deed. Purity is the pristine and natural state of the soul
In Hindu culture the left hand is considered impure because it is used (with water) in the place of toilet paper for personal hygiene after answering the call of nature. Handing another person anything with the left hand may be considered a subtle insult.
Shoes are also considered impure. The cultured Hindu never wears shoes or sandals inside a temple or shrine, nor in his home or the homes of other Hindus. According to Mr Mogan, carrying shoes in the hands from one part of the premises to another is also avoided. An ultimate insult is to be struck with a shoe. Therefore he was constantly reminded to respect his family members by removing the shoes as they entered their homes. It is also very important to apologize immediately if one touches someone with his or her shoe or sandal. This is done by touching the right hand to where the foot touched the other person and then touching one's right hand lightly to his own left eye and then the right.
The role of women
In his description of women, Mr Mogan stresses that in traditional Hindu culture, women are held in the highest regard -- far more respected, in truth, than in the West. But he says that it is different from the equality or participation in public interactions that are common in the West.
The qualities traditionally most admired in a Hindu woman are modesty of manner and shyness. Self-assertive or bold tendencies are regarded with caution.
Feminine refinements are expressed and protected in many customs, including the following:
1. WOMANLY RESERVE: In mixed company especially in the presence of strangers, a Hindu woman will keep modestly in the background and not participate freely in conversation. This, of course, does not apply to situations among family and close associates.
2. WALKING BEHIND ONE'S HUSBAND: The wife walks a step or two behind her husband, or if walking by his side, a step or two back, always giving him the lead. In the West, the reverse of this is often true. A woman also looks upon her spouse as a god, who waits upon and serves him as if he is a god, who surrenders her own will completely to that of her lord, who is cheerful, who observes excellent vows, who is endued with good features, and whose heart is completely devoted to her husband so much that she never thinks even of any other man, is regarded as truly righteous in conduct.
3. SERVING AT MEALS: At meals women follow the custom of serving the men first before enjoying their own meal.
4. CHAPERONING: It is customary for a woman to always be accompanied when she leaves the home. Living alone, too, is unusual.
From the interview, I have learnt more about the significance of the Hindu culture.
Adapted from http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?hculture
Respect
Mr Mogan highlighted that in his culture, respect for elders is very important. This genuine acknowledgment of seniority is demonstrated through endearing customs, such as sitting to the left of elders, bringing gifts on special occasions, not sitting while they are standing, not speaking excessively, not yawning or stretching, not putting one's opinions forward strongly, not contradicting or arguing, seeking their advice and blessings, giving them first choice in all matters, even serving their food first. Therefore he would always wait for his elders to eat first. Even his mother has to wait for his father and grandfather to eat before she could. This according to Mr Mogan, was as a sign of respect for the males, who are seen as symbols of God.
Mr Mogan shared how in their culture, respect is very important. In his family, they are taught to touch the feet of holy men and women in recognition of their great humility and inner attainment. The children prostrate and touch the feet of their mother and father at festivals and at special times, such as birthdays and before departing on a journey. If one were to give an offering, such as an archana basket, flowers or garlands, they must be carried with both hands on the right side of the body, so as to not be breathed on. All items are washed in preparation and, if carried more than a short distance, wrapped or covered.
Purity
Purity and its opposite, pollution, are vitally important in Hindu culture. Purity is of three forms -- purity in mind, speech and body, or thought, word and deed. Purity is the pristine and natural state of the soul
In Hindu culture the left hand is considered impure because it is used (with water) in the place of toilet paper for personal hygiene after answering the call of nature. Handing another person anything with the left hand may be considered a subtle insult.
Shoes are also considered impure. The cultured Hindu never wears shoes or sandals inside a temple or shrine, nor in his home or the homes of other Hindus. According to Mr Mogan, carrying shoes in the hands from one part of the premises to another is also avoided. An ultimate insult is to be struck with a shoe. Therefore he was constantly reminded to respect his family members by removing the shoes as they entered their homes. It is also very important to apologize immediately if one touches someone with his or her shoe or sandal. This is done by touching the right hand to where the foot touched the other person and then touching one's right hand lightly to his own left eye and then the right.
The role of women
In his description of women, Mr Mogan stresses that in traditional Hindu culture, women are held in the highest regard -- far more respected, in truth, than in the West. But he says that it is different from the equality or participation in public interactions that are common in the West.
The qualities traditionally most admired in a Hindu woman are modesty of manner and shyness. Self-assertive or bold tendencies are regarded with caution.
Feminine refinements are expressed and protected in many customs, including the following:
1. WOMANLY RESERVE: In mixed company especially in the presence of strangers, a Hindu woman will keep modestly in the background and not participate freely in conversation. This, of course, does not apply to situations among family and close associates.
2. WALKING BEHIND ONE'S HUSBAND: The wife walks a step or two behind her husband, or if walking by his side, a step or two back, always giving him the lead. In the West, the reverse of this is often true. A woman also looks upon her spouse as a god, who waits upon and serves him as if he is a god, who surrenders her own will completely to that of her lord, who is cheerful, who observes excellent vows, who is endued with good features, and whose heart is completely devoted to her husband so much that she never thinks even of any other man, is regarded as truly righteous in conduct.
3. SERVING AT MEALS: At meals women follow the custom of serving the men first before enjoying their own meal.
4. CHAPERONING: It is customary for a woman to always be accompanied when she leaves the home. Living alone, too, is unusual.
From the interview, I have learnt more about the significance of the Hindu culture.
Adapted from http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?hculture
Friday, February 19, 2010
Argh!!! What is a write-up?
The write-up consists of taking the raw material from the interview and shaping it into an essay. You need to think about how you wish to present the material in writing, which means you need to interpret the interview.
An important tip: Do not add your own words to make your write-up juicy. You will then be a biased little historian! Interpret carefully what was said from the interviewee’s response.
Here are some exceptional samples (don’t be alarmed please) which I learnt while I was doing an oral history projects from my beloved University lecturer, Dr Kevin Blackburn… (My comments are in italics in red)
Example A
For the purpose of doing this write-up, I interviewed an individual who had survived the Japanese Occupation. He was none other than my grandfather. –
As early as 1941, my grandfather experienced the negative presence of the Japanese. (that’s the main idea) He told me that he was a member of an anti-Japanese movement (he cannot remember its name). His job was to check on the activities of the Japanese Imperial Army advancing from Malaya. Because of that he went undercover as a vegetable seller. ( The writer is elaborating on the main idea) To give supporting evidence to this experience, he recalled to me:
There was a certain 5t" Commander who had organized secret meetings with a group of Malays. They would rent a place in Eunos, radioed their comrades in Malaya about the advancement of the Japanese troops. Then they printed, decoded and disseminated the messages to other comrades here. I wasn't involved but I heard about it. (The writer gives evidence to support his main idea)
My grandfather also talked about how he was ill-treated by the Japanese who suspected him of being involved in anti-Japanese activities. Recalling this he said –
“They brought me to a cubicle in YMCA and I was strapped to an electric chair on a raised platform. I was questioned by a Japanese officer and a translator. I denied everything. I am not a traitor, I’ll never be”
Example B
Born to a middle-income family, my uncle is the eldest child in a family of seven. Being the eldest and as a son, he helped out at his parents' provision shop along East Coast Road. In his free time, he took on other jobs such as a salesman, a fisherman at a kelong (that’s the main idea) (a fishing house built at sea) and also as a vegetable seller to earn extra income. The occupations he took on as a teenager shows the traditional, economic status of the Teochews in old Singapore ( The writer is elaborating on the main idea): -
" Since the early days ...Teochews generally worked as fishermen, retailers of fish, vegetables, rice, fruits and related items..." (The writer gives evidence to support his main idea)
His dedication to these occupations was not only because the teochews dominated them but most likely because they gave him good income. ( Further analysis based on readings)
Retrieved from HSSE website 3rd February 2006, Biography and History,
Blackburn, Kevin http://www.hsse.nie.edu.sg/
Hope these exceptional examples help to give you some ideas. Don't worry, let me see the draft of your write-up, ok? See the timeline for the deadlines.
An important tip: Do not add your own words to make your write-up juicy. You will then be a biased little historian! Interpret carefully what was said from the interviewee’s response.
Here are some exceptional samples (don’t be alarmed please) which I learnt while I was doing an oral history projects from my beloved University lecturer, Dr Kevin Blackburn… (My comments are in italics in red)
Example A
For the purpose of doing this write-up, I interviewed an individual who had survived the Japanese Occupation. He was none other than my grandfather. –
As early as 1941, my grandfather experienced the negative presence of the Japanese. (that’s the main idea) He told me that he was a member of an anti-Japanese movement (he cannot remember its name). His job was to check on the activities of the Japanese Imperial Army advancing from Malaya. Because of that he went undercover as a vegetable seller. ( The writer is elaborating on the main idea) To give supporting evidence to this experience, he recalled to me:
There was a certain 5t" Commander who had organized secret meetings with a group of Malays. They would rent a place in Eunos, radioed their comrades in Malaya about the advancement of the Japanese troops. Then they printed, decoded and disseminated the messages to other comrades here. I wasn't involved but I heard about it. (The writer gives evidence to support his main idea)
My grandfather also talked about how he was ill-treated by the Japanese who suspected him of being involved in anti-Japanese activities. Recalling this he said –
“They brought me to a cubicle in YMCA and I was strapped to an electric chair on a raised platform. I was questioned by a Japanese officer and a translator. I denied everything. I am not a traitor, I’ll never be”
Example B
Born to a middle-income family, my uncle is the eldest child in a family of seven. Being the eldest and as a son, he helped out at his parents' provision shop along East Coast Road. In his free time, he took on other jobs such as a salesman, a fisherman at a kelong (that’s the main idea) (a fishing house built at sea) and also as a vegetable seller to earn extra income. The occupations he took on as a teenager shows the traditional, economic status of the Teochews in old Singapore ( The writer is elaborating on the main idea): -
" Since the early days ...Teochews generally worked as fishermen, retailers of fish, vegetables, rice, fruits and related items..." (The writer gives evidence to support his main idea)
His dedication to these occupations was not only because the teochews dominated them but most likely because they gave him good income. ( Further analysis based on readings)
Retrieved from HSSE website 3rd February 2006, Biography and History,
Blackburn, Kevin http://www.hsse.nie.edu.sg/
Hope these exceptional examples help to give you some ideas. Don't worry, let me see the draft of your write-up, ok? See the timeline for the deadlines.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ideas on interview: IMPORTANT
Dear boys,
Please take note of the following when constructing questions ( as highlighted during IRS as well)
1. Categorize your questions by topic. Try not to form only one question on each topic. You should include at least 2-3 questions to get more information on a particular topic.
2. Try to examines all aspects of the theme. If the theme is childhood, find out more about school life, family life, games, past times, living conditions etc...Try to find out how different life was from now.
3.Uses open-ended questions to get more detailed information. Only use close ended questions to establish a fact.
ALL THE BEST GUYS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL LUNAR NEW YEAR!!
Please take note of the following when constructing questions ( as highlighted during IRS as well)
1. Categorize your questions by topic. Try not to form only one question on each topic. You should include at least 2-3 questions to get more information on a particular topic.
2. Try to examines all aspects of the theme. If the theme is childhood, find out more about school life, family life, games, past times, living conditions etc...Try to find out how different life was from now.
3.Uses open-ended questions to get more detailed information. Only use close ended questions to establish a fact.
ALL THE BEST GUYS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL LUNAR NEW YEAR!!
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