Posts

Are You Lost without a School Bell? Check the Load Meter.

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According to AIA Singapore , findings from a new study indicate 9 in 10 Singaporeans are still struggling with their mental health. Amongst the mental health challenges, Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorders were found to of significant concern. ( Mental Health Findings ) As Teachers and Educators grapple to face the new normal everyday amid pandemic lockdowns, the reopening of schools and closure again, Home based learning and more, the are constantly facing stress and anxiety not only to provide quality education but also role playing part parents, part friends, guide , mentor, cushioning pillow and much more. Without a school bell, teachers can often find themselves in an endless loop of checking, writing and answering mails, planning resources for distance or online learning, learning new modes of online learning, engagement and motivating students. Tending to your own personal health may seem important but not urgent due to lack of other pressing time consuming issues. It's w...

'It feels right, but is it?', Ask Yourself before it leaves you gutted.

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"If it feels right, it must be true" How many times have you taken decision on this stance? If the answer is 'Yes', it might be a time for you to reconsider your responses. Although the evolution of brain is considered the most remarkable achievement yet its function, activity and controls are deterrent to achievements of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. Amygdala in your brain is always looking for common than uncommon, feeding on threats and negativity, rapidly transforming stimuli to signals, triggering fear and shut down of Prefrontal cortex, critical for success, empathy, creativity and productivity. Being a part of the education industry, often you feel you are concerned, caring and unbiased towards the most important stakeholders, 'the students'. Even the most dedicated, caring and nice teachers could possible hold stereotypes and affect students in ways and more. Teachers often perceive of their students' academic scores and results, prior experien...

Empowering the UNHEARD, UNSEEN.

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" There's really no such thing as the 'Voiceless'. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard."  Arundhati Roy,   2004 Sydney Peace Prize Winner The above quote speaks volume of unheard voices and unseen pictures depicting the true state of oppressed and unprivileged.  Inspired from Photo Voice, a participatory research method that uses photography and group dialogue as a means for less privileged people to voice their issues or concerns in the community, this post highlights the strong impact of visual imagery accompanied with meaningful dialogues. The marginalised groups might be limited in their reach due to gender, caste, age, poverty, culture, language barriers or any other reason. This form of photography has been used for past two decades to reach to policy decision makers. "The lesson an image teaches does not reside in its physical structure, but rather how people interpret the image in Question."  Carolyn C. Wang , Phot...

Hello, How are you?

Often we hear that phrase, Hello, How are you ? And most of our responses fall into this category 1. I am good. 2. I am busy but all good. 3. I am great. 4. Not so bad. And are often reciprocated with the rebound response 'and Yourself'. Amid global pandemic, this most commonly used phrase might have reached its cessation. In the changing world and sensitivities in the challenging times might need either new questions or the way the question is asked to show sincere care and concern?  How would you ask the question ? 1. How are you holding up ? 2. What have you been doing lately to fill your platter? 3. Do you have time to catch up with life ? 4. Would you mind sharing your life story over a cup of coffee? Feel free to leave a comment on the blog or on poll.  More importantly ask some one to show care and concern.

What is a Mindful School Bag ?

It is a busy life. For most of us because we are busy chasing dreams today, so our future is safe and worry free for our children. None of have control over future and its offerings. Yet it is the most crucial force in driving our life at present. How many of us give a thought to the present, even so to the moment, the now ? Well, I am still diving into this area and exploring as I seek answers to a lot of questions. I feel fortunate that coinciding with my state of mind looking for answers came this great opportunity my way, the SINGAPORE MINDFULNESS CONFERENCE 2020 , Enhancing Resilience and Performance. There is still an opportunity for those looking for post webinar discussions on 29 August 2020. I am thankful to Brahm Centre and A/Prof. Angie Chew for giving an opportunity to attend the webinar. I was fortunate to listen to some of the world's best speakers, neuroscientist, professors, doctors, authors, teachers and psychologist at a common platform. It was of particular ...