Out of My Mind.

This entry is dedicated to all the teachers in the world, new & old, experienced & novice.

Sir Ken Robinson, Out of Our Minds

I finally managed to finished the book that was introduced to me 2 weeks ago, Out of Our Mind by Sir Ken Robinson. I would like to start off by saying what a book!

With all the praises for this book, it would never enough as it changed the way I think and the way I perceive creativity.
I always think that I am a creative person. Growing up, I always love dancing, singing, drawing, and all that artistry activities. School never really sharpen my talents as I am always stuffed with homework and 'more important' subjects. If I didn't join my local church, I probably don't think my talents will launch and bloom. As learning takes me to everywhere other than my home, I am always struggling to find a place to express myself through these things that I love doing.
I get discourage or to be precise, bitter with my talents. For sure I have them but I can't benefit from them.

This book make me realise that I don't need a place or organisations to help me bloom - it would be great if there's a place to help me, but in whatever you do, you can always be creative. You doesn't require a clay, dance floor, or music sheets. All you need is interest and passion for whatever you're doing. Be creative in your own way as creative is very individuaistic.

Sir Ken tries to help you understand your very specific self, from how your brain works and why it is the way it is. Then, to your society, school, organisation, country and the world. He'll show you how all of these knit to each other and they can't stand alone though creativity is personal.

Personally, reading this book is like Moses receiving torah from God. It is a bible for someone that wants to be creative and especially it is for people in teaching profession to realise how creativity is the main key to unlock the students' abilities.
Every discussions that I have in my Master class always I quoted Sir Ken's word or his perspective because I am a believer now. If creativity is a religion, I am the follower, and his book is my bible.

He also revealed why we are so in a dogmatic situation towards grade, intelligence, school, teaching, creativity, and everything in between.

I can't help it to highlight every single wisdom words from the book and note down for the future reference, or more likely for my own reference.

In my opinion, this is the book that every single person, especially people who works with students in any level and disciplines, should read before deciding to be a teacher.

If you think teaching is not as professional job or an easy job, try to inspire at least one person and come back to him again in 5 years whether he still even know your name (or even recognise your face.) If they failed to do so, you are basically wrong by saying it is harder to be an engineer or a doctor. The time, the effort, the involvement in a relationship is much demanding for teacher-student relationship.

Go and learn to be creative.

xoxo

Brunel. British. Brixton. & Bullsh*ts.

So I started my course in uni now. Officially done for the first week. That's the reason even the title sounded like a academic paper writing.

Brunel.

Wonderful campus. Mixture of nationalities & background. This is the closest I can get to feel like home. However, the pressure is on! My class is twice a week for 3 hours per session. There are part-time students & full-time students. So you're meeting almost half of a different people every time you enter the class. Back in Malaysia, I thought I am confident & well spoken young man. My classmates are like black hole, sucking anything that pass their way including my light! I used to shine in education classes before but now, I am just invisible & timid little soul trapped with this amazing creatures filled with glowing experiences. Though I acknowledge Dr. Angelo's opinion about get into the field for couple of years & then go for MA to gain some experiences so that you won't be a parasite in the classroom, I still go for MA. I am going to be a parasite for some time. On a better note, with all these experienced teachers surrounding me, I can learn from them & even visit their schools to get a better idea. And a note for me, whatever that I do, being confident is the key. (More news on Brunel in the future blogs)

British.

Can be very annoying at times but they are friendly by nature (mostly). Undeniably, this is one of the greatest country in the world & Malaysian do look up to here. It is funny that they think they are not & think Asian are better. I guess, the grasses are greener on the side of the fence. And oh, haven't mingle around with the Brits that much. Soon I guess.

Brixton.

This is my new neighbourhood. It is so ghetto (not as much as before though) that it makes H&M looks like a corner shop. In the meantime in KL, we lined up to get into the newly build H&M in Lot 10.
The journey to campus from here is a bit long & cold. I have to spend at least 2 hours to/from campus. That's the downside of living here but the city is just 15 minutes away. School is twice a week, and I have 5 days not going to campus, so I guess it's a good bargain to live here.

Bullsh*ts.

I love the chilly weather and sometimes a great sun shows herself for a day or two. Now I know how precious sunshine can be. Back in Malaysia, sunny days should be avoided if you still wish to be sane. I guess it's not the same sun since it gives you a different kind of feeling being under it.

Overall, I am thankful to be here with just a few steps from finding my dreams & everything that is being given to me so far. I'm gonna work harder than I've ever been.

Prayer is what I need from you guys. :)

xoxo

brunelboy