By the way...
Perhaps it's a little callous to announce this on a blog, but I am leaving at the end of this year to pursue a Full-time Research Masters in Literary Studies degree in NUS come January 2008. The course will be two years long, culminating to a thesis, hopefully on critical theory and/or cultural studies. It is something that I had decided that I must do in the course of my life -- something that perhaps was left unfinished when I graduated after completing my honours thesis (I aim to work under my old Honours supervisor again). The timing seems just about right as well, with the 'A' levels out of the way and you guys graduating.
At this moment, it looks also likely that I will be doing a bit of adjunct teaching for one or two IP2 classes next year, so you might still see me around the school. I don't know for certain if I will return to teaching after my degree. We'll see after the two years. My concerns keep revolving around thought and education anyway.
I am grateful for having had the experience of teaching you all, because I have also learnt much about what it means to educate. While it might have seemed like an endless experience of drill and practice to meet the requirements of an examination, I think the 'A' level experience is possibly one of the most impactful experiences one can go through because in undergoing such a task, one starts to realise that no one else is responsible for his/her own learning except him/herself. Or his/her own life, for that matter. And that things don't manifest immediately; hopes can be left unfulfilled if you give up or set unrealistic expectations; life can be quite mundane most of the time, difficult, but sometimes surprising, and possibly easier than previously thought after a lot of preparation and perseverance. One key thing I've learnt as a teacher: sometimes for the good of it all, you just have to let go of the incessant need to fill in answers, to hand-hold, and trust that everyone will all stand on their own two feet. And as far as I can tell, I think everyone will more or less be okay.
At this moment, it looks also likely that I will be doing a bit of adjunct teaching for one or two IP2 classes next year, so you might still see me around the school. I don't know for certain if I will return to teaching after my degree. We'll see after the two years. My concerns keep revolving around thought and education anyway.
I am grateful for having had the experience of teaching you all, because I have also learnt much about what it means to educate. While it might have seemed like an endless experience of drill and practice to meet the requirements of an examination, I think the 'A' level experience is possibly one of the most impactful experiences one can go through because in undergoing such a task, one starts to realise that no one else is responsible for his/her own learning except him/herself. Or his/her own life, for that matter. And that things don't manifest immediately; hopes can be left unfulfilled if you give up or set unrealistic expectations; life can be quite mundane most of the time, difficult, but sometimes surprising, and possibly easier than previously thought after a lot of preparation and perseverance. One key thing I've learnt as a teacher: sometimes for the good of it all, you just have to let go of the incessant need to fill in answers, to hand-hold, and trust that everyone will all stand on their own two feet. And as far as I can tell, I think everyone will more or less be okay.
posted by Mayee at 10:45 PM
2 Comments:
Hello Miss Wong,
You've been a wonderful Lit teacher. I think it's great that you're going back to pursue what you want and I really hope the 2 years will be eventful for you!
Hope to still see you around in school next year :) take care.
Saumya
Hi Miss Wong!
This might mean some of us hoping to go to NUS will still see you next year! all the best with the academic dreams and more(=
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