LOST IN MORE THAN TRANSLATION

Filipinos Kill the Time

Time is gold. It has never been silver nor bronze. It has always been gold. That is how people before value every ticking seconds of time. The absence of accurate and fast technology to tell time could have been a cause why people of the olden times put so much premium on time. Today, the value of time is as golden as before. Ride an airplane that brings you to your destination late, and you may miss great business opportunities. A doctor on the operating table always will say that every second counts for the patient under a knife. But wait...! Do not ever mention time to most government officials. Most of them with time suffer mast cell overload with histamines.

I did not know that some important government officials and politicians would grace the opening of the Agri-Business Fair situated in front of UV. Our students were there, I thought, to look and see what the fair was all about. When I walked out the gate, I saw that they were still outside. They were not allowed to get inside because the ribbon has not been cut yet - the fair has not been declared open to public. But how long they have been standing outside, I did not bother check the time. The government official to cut the ribbon has not arrived on time (read as late). I heard that the fair was supposed to open at 9a.m. Sadly, time has never been gold at all this morning. I want to be fair though. Maybe the government officials to cut the ribbon had something more important to do than manipulate a pair of scissors to cut a rafia declaring the key chains inside to be devoured by the all-eager grade school pupils.

Well, what is new? I was asked to be one of the masters of ceremony in a fiesta event way back time. The program was scheduled to start at 9p.m. We were able to sing the national anthem at past 12 midnight. Sorely, the invited guests to crown the less-happier queen started his campaign trail inside the house of the mayor. I remembered to be wearing a blue suit then. I thought it turned black with sweat waiting for the old politicians to crawl their way to the cultural complex. Why invite politicians from outside town to grace affairs that our people have labored so much to perfect? They were a shining and golden example of Filipino time - the time that does not just stand still but kill. I was really lost in time.

WRACKING BRAINS, BREAKING BACKS

Writing UBD Units all for Enduring Understanding

For four days, eight of us teachers together with our Directress embark on an epic journey of a life time - we have been ubidized challenging our gray matter in writing UBD units for all subjects for the next school year. Worse, because there were so many English teachers, I got to write for Grade III Computer. One of the evidences is as follows:

Sample UBD Unit
First Quarter: The Computer
Unit 2
Topics: Elements of the Computer and How the Computer Works
No. of Meeting: 10 days

Stage 1
Goals
1. To distinguish the important elements of the computer
2. To analyze how the computer works

Essential Questions
1. Why should different parts of a system function as one?
2. How does the computer function?

Essential Understanding
The pupils will understand that…
1. Every part has an important role in a system.
2. The hardware, software and people ware support each other for the computer to function.

Transfer
The pupils, in the long term and on their own, will be able to…
• Participate actively as members of the family, the Church and the community by fulfilling duties and responsibilities (Communion)

Knowledge
The pupils will know…
1. Classification of the basic elements of the computer
2. Sequence of the data processing cycle
3. Different elements of the data processing cycle

Skills
The pupils will be able to…
1. Analyze the function of the elements of the computer system
2. Trace the data processing cycle
3. Investigate the cause when the computer fails to function as expected

Stage 2
Performance Task
The pupils will need to show their learning by …
G – Demonstrating the functions of the different elements of the computer and tracing the data processing cycle
R – Demonstrator /lecturer during the Science and Technology Fair
A – Grade III pupils from public schools
S – The school planned for a Science and Technology Fair. The Grade III class was grouped and assigned to demonstrate the functions of the different components of the computer. Afterwards, the group will trace the data processing cycle.Each group has to prepare visual aids and necessary materials and equipment for the demonstration.
P – Lecture-demonstration of the elements of the computer and the sequence of the data processing cycle

Wholistic Rubrics
Where performance is judged in terms of …
Content of the demo – 35%
Manner of presentation – 35%
Effective use of visual aids – 15%
Use of appropriate computer realias – 15%

Other Evidence
Short quizzes
Draw and tell
Unit test
Academic prompts
Situation analysis

Stage 3
Learning Activities

DAY 1 – Introduction to the Elements of the Computer. Show the students a short clip either from The Matrix I, The Rising Sun or Enemy of the State. The short clip should be able to show the three basic elements of the computer – hardware, software and people ware.

Ask the following academic prompts and process the answer of the pupils:
1. What capabilities of the computer were shown in the movie clip?
2. Why do you think were the computers capable of doing so?
• Deepen answer to this second prompt and lead the class to reflect on the two topical questions:
a. How does the computer function?
b. How are the elements of the computer classified?

Assign the pupils to research on the answer of the foregoing topical questions. In a creative manner, introduce where the unit is heading and what are the topics to be taken up for the next 10 days. (H,W)

DAY 2 – Meaning-making: Computer Elements and Functions. Start pupil interaction by asking again the two topical questions. Facilitate pupil to pupil interaction based on the different answers given. Note prior knowledge and misconceptions about the topics to be taken up. End the day’s activity by making clear to the class the performance task to be accomplished at the end of the unit. (H,E1,E2,R,T)

DAY 3 – Computer Elements and Component Devices. Run the movie clip again showing the three basic elements of the computer. Using drawing materials, the pupils will illustrate the different component devices of each element of the computer. Facilitated interaction and discussion follow using the output of the drawing activity. Short quiz may be given to assess understanding of concepts taught. (H,E1,E2,R,T)

DAY 4 – Data Processing Cycle. Review the elements of the computer system. Through a cartoon drawing, ask the class to analyze the sequence of processes that take place in most of our daily routine activities. Introduce the data processing cycle. Have the pupils compare the data processing cycle to the sequence of activities we usually do every day. Assign each pupil to think of one more human activity that follows similarly the steps of the data processing cycle. This is to be submitted the next day, illustrated and captioned. (E2, E1, R)

DAYS 5 and 6 – Transfer: Data Processing Cycle. Small group reporting on the identified human activity that follows the steps similar to the data processing cycle. After the group interaction (Day 6), the class summarizes the concept of the data processing cycle by presenting it using various graphic organizers. Ask the pupils to be creative and colorful. (E1,E2,R,T)

DAY 7 – Computer System Breakdown. Making meaning of the elements of the computer, the pupils will analyze which elements and devices go with which step of the data processing cycle. Create scenarios of computer system breakdown and ask pupils to explain which element or device is responsible for the computer failure. Let the students reflect on the role of each part or member for the success of the group. (E1,E2,R)

DAY 8 – Administer a unit test covering all the topics discussed. Evaluate result, check understanding and correct misconceptions. Ask the class to prepare for the rehearsal of their performance task the next day. (E2,R)

DAY 9 – Feedback: Performance Task. Go through the performance of the assigned task of each group. Affirm obvious signs of understanding and give constructive feedbacks to improve weak areas in the performance of the assigned task. Be clear with the procedure and order of the presentation of the performance task demanded. (E2,R,T)

DAY 10 – Performance Task. (E2,R,T)

SUMMER UbD SEMINAR-WORKSHOPS 3

Bukidnon Highlights

I went also to Bukidnon and shared UbD to teachers in Holy Cross and Sacred Heart HS. In both schools, the teachers were appreciative of my effort to incorporate their respective school vision to the curriculum. I also highlighted the core values to the delight of the administrators.

Doing my work...delivering what was expected

Makabayan teachers doing "media bias"

English teachers doing the different stages of UbD

Consultation with the coordinators

Was appreciated with a certificate given by S. Lucy

Quite a big group but very participative

I AM SO PISSED OFF TODAY

...And My Patience Has Worn Out Thin

Patience is a virtue. Only a few men are gifted with this. I am not one but I know how to be patient. This is because each one of us is different from each other. One’s abilities and strengths may not be another’s. I may be capable of teaching, so everything about education I know much better than an engineer, for example. The latter may be good with strengths of materials and how to build structures which unfortunately I am not. I can talk and talk and talk without stopping. Others may not be able to do this, but they may be good in carpentry which sadly I am not. With these things in mind, I have taught myself how to be patient. My patience, therefore, is born from necessity and not inborn. Because my work requires me to deal with people from all ages and all walks of life, I have to be civil, keep my calm and be patient as my wits can hold me sane.

I was able to sleep well last night so I woke up this morning feeling good as well. Although I woke up quite late, I was all ready to face the new day. I had spaghetti for brunch and toasted bread. I ate contentedly as I watched some news on TV. The US serviceman who open fired to some of his comrades inside a mind wellness clinic in Iraq did not surprise me at all. He could be suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome which is very common to military men in the battlefield. I just hope he was not so impatient to wait for his turn and kill all those before him. My patience was tested to the same stress level as my day progressed. When I was in the middle of my workout, some people were looking for me. They were the same people whose favor I politely turned down a week ago. They were asking for a monetary contribution to hire a band for the fiesta procession. I could have been very generous if I have something to give; however, for now I am just flat broke. Every penny I have has been budgeted for me to last until the middle of June when I will have received my first pay for the next school year as a principal. Surely, I was irritated but I still promised to give something tomorrow.

After taking my shower, I saw somebody outside. I asked my mom who the person was looking for. She was my student in the local college where I am a part time teacher. She was the third to be asking for grades in College Writing today. I blew my top but I did not show it for I am only scantily clad in a bath towel. I was not able to compute for their final grades because they were so late (by two months) in submitting their term paper. I was only able to compute four of the 21 students I had. Clearly, it was not my fault that they do not have the grades until today. They just submitted their respective papers online and I still have to read them. Because it is vacation time, I refused to do any work related with school. I am so feed up with ten months of working diligently in school. I believed that I more than deserved this break. I did not talk with my student. I asked my mom to tell her I could not give them their grades for now. I will personally hand their grades to the registrar as soon as the new academic year starts.

I have no enough cash on hand today. This is why I was so irritated with the fiesta contribution they asked from me. To add more stress to my brewing top, my mom told me that the toilet cleaning set (of dubious chemicals) was due today. This just did it and I let out a loud sigh of frustration. My mother got a hell of scolding from me. I asked her not to patronize anymore those bogus products. We can by the same at half the price from the local supermarket. I am literally broke and so much stressed. My stress level reached an all time high when the oven ran out of precious LPG. My mom was in the middle of cooking something, I had no money to buy a replacement tank and I was so much stressed already, I decided not to eat. Suddenly I lost all my appetite. I can be very angry but I do not want to do it in front of my mom. I ran out of patience today that I locked myself in the room and fell asleep as late as 5 this afternoon.

Patience is a virtue. Born out of necessity, I taught myself how to be patient. I may have succeeded in some occasions but today I dismally failed. As I reflected on what took place today, I would like to believe that I was not responsible for all the bad luck that befell us all. I had no money to give because last week I already told the chapel officials that I was not donating. I did not have anything extra to give, simple. All cash I have has been budgeted already. I could not give grades because the students submitted late, and I hate very much people who cannot understand what a deadline is. My fourth year English students knew this by heart. My mom did not tell me ahead of time that a payment was due today. I had no money and we could not even cook a decent meal without sweating a lot inside the dirty kitchen. What a life! I would have liked to shout and break things whatever I can get hold of. These are my ugly and violent ways to release pent up anger. However, my saner self prevailed. I am stressed. My patience has been worn out thin. I will definitely sleep with a heavy heart tonight.

KISSING MY LOVE HANDLES GOOD BYE

All I Need is a Little Patience

I cannot talk bad to others personally. This is one of my worse traits. I consider this bad because people tend to take advantage of this weakness. Because they know I do not ever reprimand people and subordinates personally, they continue on doing what they want to do, and this is to my dismay. I do call attention of erring colleagues but I never write memos. I talk to people whose actions and decisions are not align with the goals and objectives of the institution where we all belong. However, I always do it in a civil manner without at all raising my voice or showing disappointment. I always treat people professionally, but I do not usually get the same treatment in return. I consider this as one of my weaknesses although some of my close friends tell me that indeed how I treat my colleagues is proper and correct. I do not know. This may be true only if my co-workers feel the same way as I do.

Well in good that two of my strengths are patience and perseverance. Working with people, I tend to be very patient. Different people have different abilities, so I cannot expect people to be thinking the same, doing the same and accomplishing the same. Because of this patience, I persevere and allow room for mistakes as long as not a single soul or purpose is compromised. This unfortunately has been misconstrued as leniency by some of my colleagues, which to me is not and actually are two different things – patience and leniency. I know I am patient and persevering to others, but am I to my own self? This brings me to what happened today. I woke up again in the wrong side of the bed today. Worse, our cat woke me up by meowing all over the bed as if taunting me to get up. Still not contended, he started rubbing his behind on my face. I am patient but not this morning. I did not hurt the cat but I gave it a good spank on his behind.

I woke up prematurely and felt so tired to exercise. I was to do my biceps today – a lot of upper body workouts actually. However, because our good cat woke me up earlier than I usually did, I did not feel exercising anymore. I felt weak and seemed not to have any drive at all to move. Despite this, I took my breakfast, viewed some newscast and went out to breathe fresh air. I got wind instead because two tropical typhoons visited earlier cutting short everyone’s summer fun. As I stayed outside by the veranda, I thought that if I missed my workout today, this could be the end of what I have just started two weeks ago. I put on my shoes, prepared the CD player and the dumbbell plates. I ended up doing 30 minutes of mid-impact cardio and another 30 minutes for my upper body workout. I also did three sets of eight wide push ups. I still had difficulty with my pecs. No, I rested my abs today. What went inside my mind was I should be patient about my desire to lose some weight and persevere through it all despite me being tired. This is not good, but I had to do it this morning or else what I have started would be wasted.

Exercising when even I am tired, I know is not healthy. I promise, however, that this morning would be the only and the last one. I am not happy that our cat woke me up, but the drive to be patient and persevere with what I have started definitely made my day. I always know that I am capable of losing weight. I always have the drive to do it with good and healthy life as my new motivation. I have been into several weight loses, but because of work pressure I always ended up big again. I tend to eat when I have problems. This has been what I am working on to prevent from happening again this year. Why is it that what troubles me so much in my work place is what helps me most with myself. My patience and perseverance have been my problem in work. When pressured in work, I ate more but the same patience and perseverance helped me lose weight. What the heck! I think life is just full of ironies.

MATH AND THAT RIDICULOUS GOLF SHIRT

Why Hate Math, It's Not Even Golf?

I went to school yesterday though it was already Holy Wednesday. I have to sign some report cards of one junior section. This section is under me in computer programming. The group is a heterogeneous bunch of students - from the most intelligent of the batch to the least. The students, however, are jovial, easier to deal with and quite respectful. As I was going through their final average grades, I found out that Computer III (my subject), Chemistry and Geometry grades are not as high as the other non-number subjects. Computer programming, Chemistry and Geometry are subjects that demand highly of the students' mathematical and logical reasoning skills. Sadly, students today are not able to develop well their higher order thinking skills which include analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

If a rough survey will be done, majority of high school students do not love Mathematics as they do for English and Science. When has this seeming abhorrence for numbers started? It must have started very early in one's life. When we were born, our brains contain only minimal traces of learning. Since knowledge acquisition is mostly experiential, learning therefore is much dictated by what life experiences one has - realistic, contrived and dramatized. Solving problems early in life, even while still a toddler, helps in developing math/logic skills. Our greatest problem, however, is we tend to pamper so much our children when they were still young. We gave them almost anything without the children doing any in return to compensate the favor. Children as early as one year old should be given simple tasks to do and simple commands to follow. These two are just some of the ways of jump-starting their eagerness to embrace numbers later on in life.

Mathematics is reflected in nature. Wherever one looks, the laws governing numbers-their position in space-are very apparent. Everything beautiful around us in fact is governed by geometric symmetry. Flower blooms, sea shells, bee hives and even ridiculous shirt designs follow patterns that are obviously mathematics in origin. Decisions to be made in life are governed by logic and logical reasoning. Logical reasoning has its basis in mathematics. Everything around us, therefore, is governed by the laws of numbers. When a child has been pervertedly and unconsciously taught to loath numbers, this poor creature is doomed to extinction. To survive life, one needs intelligence for both numbers and logical reasoning. This is obviously because everything around is touched by numbers.

The poor showing of students in high school subjects related to Mathematics is complex in origin, hence, demands a complex solution. There is just no simple solution to it. However, anybody's first concern is to undo the damage that has been done long before the child enters the school. It is imperative that students should be motivated back to love numbers and embrace solving problems with numbers. They should made to realize that there is nothing difficult with numbers, but it takes time to deal with numbers and with problems involving numbers. When the students were still young, they were made to understand that everything in life is easy. Thus today students don't like to spend so much time thinking and doing things such as solving mathematical problems. Analysis needs time to concentrate. This is what teenagers today do not have. They were not taught patience and perseverance, both of which are attitudes needed not only in solving math but real life problems.

Because Chemistry, Geometry and Computer programming all demand precious time and perseverance, students do not like these subjects. Obviously, though, they do not have any option but to take them in third year. The role both teachers and parents should play alike is to support these students. Make them understand that numbers are not the problem but their attitude about hard work. Though education is needed in life, it is not however needed to get rich. Mathematics is badly needed to get rich. Top US billionaires have parents who have high math IQ. Most of them have not gone to college, but most of them have one way or the other work with numbers. Successful people in sports know their mathematics. Efren the Magician knows very well his Trigonometry and Physics. Manny the Pacman thinks logically. Even Chris Tiu must have been good with math; however, according to him it was discipline and perseverance that made him succeed in basketball. Tiger Woods should be good in Physics, or how else is he able to sink those tiny balls in their holes - even if how ridiculous golf attire may be?