Learning and Relearning

Today the teachers gathered again for another session of learning and relearning. Strange that when you think you have learnt much, you find that you have more to learn and on top of that to change what you once thought was right and to find that it is no more relevant . The process of relearning begins.

The staff of SMK Seafield is a matured lot. Trained for many years right from the days of the ex-principal; Mrs. Wang till today under the leading of the present principal, Puan Zaleha, they are ready to learn when the occasion arises. Much as they want to have a free Saturday, they came to fulfill their duty calls and spent their moments together reflecting on the past and present for the future.

KDU obliged us with the presence of her 2 lecturers in the field of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) for Teaching and Stress Management.

Mr. Leong Kuan Yew is into the field of NLP and gave tips on classroom management by relating to our conscious and unconscious competency and incompetency in situations. One particular understanding on our response to processes is when we respond to our map of reality ; not reality. In short, when we think a task cannot be achieved, it is actually achievable...


My dear teachers are responsive; when called to blow the balloons they came up willingly without much persuasion. But I was a little afraid; what if one of them blew and went breathless? Look at Puan Thilaham; cause for worry. But no, no, no...she did it and blew it big she did!

Next our map of reality says it's impossible to push that stick into the balloon and not burst it... Mr. Gan chose not to believe it and so it burst...

Not with this Biology specialist; she will respond to reality... the balloon will not burst when she pushes the stick into it...

You see; Mr. Leong says we all respond to our map of reality, not reality. Puan Shanta has responded to reality well. The balloon did not burst. So the mind is a powerful tool. You can do it.

And so the rhyme goes...
If I can imagine it, I can have it
If I can focus, I can have it
Unlimited influence...

To the reluctant learners; this will be a good gimmick. When they respond to their map of reality and not reality, they will not achieve. They must be reminded that they can do it. Maybe we will ask them to do the same trick in class.




Dr. Todd Nelson is a robust, friendly and approachable man. He came as a pastor to the country more than 10 years ago but today is tent making ? A lovely wife he has who is attached to a private school, they are both parents to 2 lovely girls who are studying in the States; one in masters in education and the other into History and Spanish.

How do you manage stresssssssss...

1. Avoid unnecessary stress by saying 'no' when appropriate; keeping yourself away from toxic people and a better self management method. His good quotation: bad company corrupts good people. We must not be TOXIC.

2. Alter the situation by being more assertive, express better and be willing to compromise.

3. Adapt to the stressor by adjusting your own expectation, look at the picture and not your own picture and focus on the positive. A good advice is to send out powerful praise words each day before you start work and spend a moment to review the day and look out for 3 things to be grateful about each day just before you close your eyes for the day.

4.Accept things you can't change by surrendering control and learn to forgive. When you say sorry name the mistakes one by one ...

So to some stressed out teachers and especially if I had been one of the factors; here's the song for you...

When I was just a little girl
I ask my mother
What will I be
Will I be pretty, will I be rich?
Here's what she said to me

Que Sera Sera
What will be, will be

The future's not ours to see
Que Sera Sera...

Thank you dear teachers for great team work.