Research indicates that students' beliefs about their capability or incapability are key to their academic success (Dweck, 2006). How true ...
As I reflect on my time as a primary school student, I remember the time when I cried miserably because I failed my English test although I had read all the teacher's notes and text book and did all my exercises diligently. The initial shock and dissapointment led me to explore ways to remedy the situation, even at that tender young age.
I soon realize that the main difference between my friends, who could write beautiful essays and I, was that they read extensively, be it story books or comics. I then decided to start reading and borrowed their Enid Blyton books and comics to read. They were a joy and before long I was addicted. The books opened up a whole new world to me.
There was no turning back and I started visiting bookshops regularly with my father. During one of those visits, I stumbled upon a book titled 'First Aid in English'. It was such a remarkable book and I am definitely convinced that this book taught me English like no one has ever done before. I poured over things like verbs, prepositions, adverbs and more. Soon I started reading the newspapers, highlighting interesting phrases and writing them down, complete with examples of how they can be used in different settings. Whenever there were English essays to be completed, I would use my notes to help me jazz up my work. Slowly but surely, my marks started to climb and was soon at par with that of my friends'. That was the moment when I realize that I was capable of doing anything, if I put my mind to it and am willing to invest time and effort.
I soon realize that the main difference between my friends, who could write beautiful essays and I, was that they read extensively, be it story books or comics. I then decided to start reading and borrowed their Enid Blyton books and comics to read. They were a joy and before long I was addicted. The books opened up a whole new world to me.
There was no turning back and I started visiting bookshops regularly with my father. During one of those visits, I stumbled upon a book titled 'First Aid in English'. It was such a remarkable book and I am definitely convinced that this book taught me English like no one has ever done before. I poured over things like verbs, prepositions, adverbs and more. Soon I started reading the newspapers, highlighting interesting phrases and writing them down, complete with examples of how they can be used in different settings. Whenever there were English essays to be completed, I would use my notes to help me jazz up my work. Slowly but surely, my marks started to climb and was soon at par with that of my friends'. That was the moment when I realize that I was capable of doing anything, if I put my mind to it and am willing to invest time and effort.
This reflection came to mind after a math test today as I was talking to the last student who handed in his test paper. I gave him a little extra time to complete the last question as I know that he is one of the slower ones in that class. Despite being slower, I could see that he was trying his best. His name is Muaah. He told me as we were walking out of the classroom that this is the very first time he could do something in a math exam. He hated math ... well, until he took my Data Management course this semester. "I like you," he added. I was touched ... his honesty and sharing inspired me to continue in my quest to help all those in real need. Thus, I believe that it is the poor who really need and appreciate our effort to help them get up on their feet and move on, especially if they have made the choice to improve. At the end of the day, I would like to think that my students learn to believe that they too can do much if they put their minds to it, as well as take away a memorable math experience.
Muaah
TEACHABILITY is a CHOICE ...
You cannot teach a man anything;
You can only help him to find it
- within himself
-Galileo
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