Mathematics and more...

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending a workshop on Mathematics.
The presenter, Mr Ron Lancaster from Canada was so passionate about Mathematics that everywhere he goes, he will bring along either a camera or a video recorder.
He showed how Mathematics is used in design, architecture and a different way to look at a Maths problem.
He also shared some interesting observations in Mathematics, especially in numbers and the use of a deck of card.
For example, let's think of a number, of any number of digits.
Let's use the number, 201153129
Count the numbers of even, odd and add up the number of even and odd numbers.
In 201153129, there are 3 even numbers. (0 is considered an even number)
Also, there are 6 odd numbers.
Total number of even and odd numbers is 9.
So we write down, the number 369 where '3' is the number of even numbers, '6' is the number of odd numbers and '9' is the total number of even and odd numbers in the number 201153129.

Then, again, from the number 369, we write down the number of even numbers, number of odd numbers and the total number of even AND odd numbers.

369
E: 1
O: 2
T: 3
So we get, 123

If we repeat the process, we will still get 123.

The conclusion is,
no matter what number we start with, the end result will be 123.
Try it and soon you will love the outcome.
You may start by using a number which is a combination of your birthdate and today's date and time. All the best!

You may want to know about how Mathematics is used to beautify and thrill people in its applications.
The link below will excite you.

http://http//www.kuriositas.com/2010/03/rolling-bridge-that-curls.html


There are many more amazing discoveries using Mathematics in the card tricks.
We can actually discover Mathematics in nature. In fact many architectural structures are 'born' by observing how nature works.

Keep looking around you surrounding and discover how much Mathematics is being used, everyday. Not only in building designs, Mathematics also appear in the systems of work, play and also leisure.

The following link will reveal yet another feat put together to take our breath away.

http://http//www.sydneyarchitecture.com/ROC/QUA01.htm

Have a Maths filled day.

Been a long time....

Wow! Time really flies.
Its been a long, long time since I last blogged.
Today, 11-11-2010, the birthday(2nd one) of my wife's niece, the cute and adorable Abbygail, is also the day before Specialist Mathematics examination, a subject that I have been teaching for at least 12 years, I think. Well, that long, until I lost count of the number of years.

2010 has been a fruitful year, in terms of my personal contribution to others, especially, to the students. Has been a healthy year(fallen sick once). Thank God for this healthy year and all the blessings that He has showered upon myself and my family. Could not ask for more.

This year, my 50th, on this planet earth, also comes with many pleasant and memorable adventures. Celebrated in a moderate scale with close friends. Managed to be in Sitiawan for the Chinese New Year celebration and visited Lumut again with my wife, for a short holiday. Stayed in Marina Cove for 2 nights with brother and sisters. Was a catching up time and relaxing time as well.

Teaching all four January intake makes my life a little easier as I do not need to prepare extra question papers and the pace of teaching is not rushed. The classes, S2, S3(mentees), S4 and S5. Enjoyed every minute of teaching as this is what I like to do. Only during marking times that I will feel a little pressured as this takes time and patience, lots of it.

Explored the use of technology to deliver my lessons, through YouTube and facebook apart from the widely used powerpoint slides. Has been updating and exploring new and effective presentations in classroom delivery.

The latest addition in teaching through technology is the use of facebook. Managed to teach through chat and Questions and Solutions in NOTE. I think I have achieved great success in this. Quite a number of daily responses and participation from the students showed the widely accepted and effective method of teaching. Am gearing towards the new blended model of teaching which is to be implemented next year.

On the downside, my nearly RM2 k handphone broke down just a few days ago. The power button is not functioning well though I can still use it with a little inconvenience. Will sent it for repairs to be done. Hopefully it will be good again.

Its almost 12.10 am on 12-11-2010. A few more hours to the Specialist Mathematics paper. Now I begin to wonder how are they going to perform. Whether I have done enough though deep inside my heart I know that no one can be fully prepared for anything. That's the responsibility that I feel, each time, a cohort of students are entrusted to me. Call it job hazard, care or even love, well, after all, I am only human to be part of what I do.

Alright, shall take my rest. To all taking the exam, again, in the silence of my heart, I would like to wish them the very best.
'Chow' for now.

Half An Hour More To Our 53rd Merdeka Celebration

53 years is a long time. Many achievements have taken place, yet many more could have and should have been achieved for the betterment of all Malaysians. The many efforts to promote the much desired 1Malaysia can be seen on billboards and heard echoing either on radio or from the television.
This morning, during lessons in class, patriotic songs were heard sung by young and old Malaysian of all races. Whether they are one in spirit as they are one physically at the assembly is anyone's guess. Though, much is desired for everybody to be wanted and taken care of in this very rich land of ours where literally honey flows as testified by the presence of so many immigrants from various countries.
With the recent events(months of June and July of 2010) one wonders how long more it will take, though sometime it may seem impossible, for a better place for every Malaysian to enjoy and truly experience the working of a truly democratic country.

Care and concern are everyone's responsibility in all aspects. Let the spirit of togetherness fill us so that whatever we do is for the common good for, history lessons have shown that only misery and disaster will befall on us if there is no unity for properity.

As our leader just reminded us, the shouts of 'Merdeka' is no longer for the victory over colonialism but it should be for more pertinent issues at hand namely corruption, racism and the threat of the ISA. Every citizen should work towards a peaceful and create a harmonious country where investors and other nations look us up to. With sincere and concerted efforts, these are not impossible. A radical change of mind and heart will surely ensure the success of a change for the better.

A record of thankfulness to the Almighty God for all the blessings that He has showered upon us. A country so rich in resources, free of natural disasters, having a perfect climate for agriculture and a multi-cultural society which makes it even more prosperous in attracting tourists.

Its 12 midnight, so here's wishing all Malaysians,

'A PEACEFUL, TRULY A COUNTRY WHICH IS 'MERDEKA' FROM RACISM, POVERTY, CORRUPTION AND THE ISA THREAT'

All About Mathematics

Was thinking about how to reach out to the thousands of students who are taking Mathematics and are wondering why they are doing Mathematics especially those having problems or dislike it.
Mathematics can be fun to some, but to others, it could be a bore.
Mathematics can generally be made easier but not easy, most of the time.
Getting to know more of it will help, especially, understand how it is used in our everyday life, for 'lower' Mathematics and the applications in the field of engineering for 'higher' Mathematics.
Despite more than 20 years of teaching this subject in various levels, I observed that Mathematics is like music and cooking where the combinations to the operations and the number systems are almost limitless. It is the individual's limitations that limit Mathematics. It takes, creativity, aptitude and the list goes on.
So, in the new facebook account, that I have just created, entitled "ALL ABOUT MATHEMATICS', I would like to reaach out to the thousands if not millions of people out there to make Mathematics part of their lives, with them realizing, though Mathematics is definitely already part of their lives whether one knows it or not.
So, I would like to encourage all you people out there, whether you are young or old, school or college going students, even university students, to join as a fan of "ALL ABOUT MATHEMATICS", so that you can share through your opinion or contribution for the benefit of our fellow fans.
Thanking you in advance and please encourage your friends to join as well.

Have a Mahematics filled day!

Come, join us now...

All About Mathematics

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Its a wonder...

Now is 1.47 am, Monday morning and I am still awake, typing this blog. Its a wonder why am I doing this. Should be in bed, sleeping. Well, I guess its okay as tomorrow, work starts at 10 am, so, can afford to wake up later.

Its a wonder...
Its a wonder what is life. More so, if life without God. It will be empty, nothingness, a passing wind, a peck of dust in the universe, a drop of water in the ocean, a sand in the desert and the list goes on.

Its a wonder...
Its a wonder what makes the world goes round. Some go for the money, some crave over love, some chase after fame, some die for religion. My grandfather has a very profound saying, 'a thousand people, a million characters'. How true.

Human relations is one of the most difficult topic to deal with. There are so many parameters to consider and take care of. Its like cooking, if you miss an ingredient or just insufficient amount, the taste will be different.
Its also like music, a different note, then the whole song will be different or just won't be nice to listen to.

Teaching is no different. Many will claim that they can teach, but only a few will teach well. It requires talent, skills and a little of 'magic'. The touch, almost like the magic touch, will make a lot of difference. The body language, the intonation, not to mention, the logical presentation through step by step explanation and sequencing of teaching. The choice of words or phrase, the terminologies and... its a wonder how long this list can go on.

Now its 2.10 am. Its a wonder...
Its a wonder why I am still typing this blog. Do I have something to share or to prove? Its a wonder...


Its a wonder...
Its a wonder...
Its a wonder...

All About Mathematics

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Its nearing...

This time of the year really makes me reminisce. The strong winds which I used to enjoy in my father's farm house in Malacca brings good memories as well as sad ones. Usually at this time of the year, its 'summer' with the hot blazing sun, evidently shown from the cracked laterite road that leads to my house.

For these two years, I have been experiencing mixed feelings since the going of my mom. The feel of Chinese New Year will never be the same since she has gone to meet her Creator. Though happy for her since she is in a better place but the thought of her and missing her presence, usually brings a tear or two. Missing her calls to eat and just to hear her call my name brought joy and love then.

This year, things will be very different for I will be celebrating Chinese New Year out of Malacca town. Will be in Sitiawan, a smaller town but full of traditions and culture. Am looking forward to that day where there will be small scale fireworks from the village homes. Waiting to feel the warmth and simple yet meaningful celebration to welcome the Lunar New Year.

My youngest sister, Sim, her husband Peter Ting and their children are waiting anxiously as well, all prepared to celebrate and enjoy each others' company till the wee hours of the morning.

Thougth it was just 2 days ago when we greeted Happy New Year...

Its 26th Jan 2010 and moving, moving really fast! Before we realise, its the end of January and then comes Feb, CNY and ... another month passed. Really fast when one is busy.

Work has been easy since I have prepared most of the lessons and repetition is a breeze though on-going updating does take up some time. Latest 'craze' is to put the lessons in video format so that they are easily accessible and also available 24/7, anyday of the year.

Still very much would like to learn to create a website. Looking for someone very good at teaching and can teach what I desire to learn. That someone must be willing to design his/her lessons to my pace of learning and not be 'draggy' of the required lessons.

In this cyber world, there are tonnes and tonnes of things that one can and should learn. Of course it is impossible to learn all, but at least the ones which are relevant to one's work or life.
To be 'in' is no more an easy thing to do, unlike those days where one just have to join in a club or two and then life moves around those clubs or the familiar activities. One gets outdated real fast nowadays.

Students are very updated, so to keep them abreast we teachers, must first be a step ahead of them. Not easy though. There is the question of generation gap, which is something very difficult to overcome due to differing interests and likings. Nevertheless, a compromise should be reached.

Was forced to listen to some new songs, played during the ECA recruitment drive in college this afternoon. I cannot help but commented that those songs sounded like 'something was wrong with the player or it was coming from a 'broken' record that was being played. Then came the singing that sounded more of a cry for help. Well, things are different from those days. Yes, the generation gap, so they say.

Looking forward to another day where I can share my mathematical knowledge with my students. Dreading the coming soon test where there will be lots of marking thereafter.

Till then,...

"Phew!"

Phew! Another day of SAM. Teaching Trigonometry is no joke when you see the 'blank' faces after you have tried your best at explaining a certain formula or concept.
Always remind the learners that it wasn't easy for me too. To add 'salt to injury', most students did not have a good grasp of trigo in schools. Do not really know what is the reason.

Thank God that this batch of students learnt Mathematics in ENGLISH! That makes explainations MUCH^3 easier without having to grapple with the Malay terms.
Still working on my project to reach students all over the world by making use of the internet. A very time consuming project, but I think its going to be a very satisfying one.

The raining spells make the sky looks gloomy and that created an atmosphere of sadness due to the dark skies and chill in the air that follows everywhere you go.
Though I don't see much of the sky most of the time, but looking through the window, and on hearing the rain beating on the zinc, makes me feel nostalgic of the farm house we used to stay in Malacca.

Actually looking forward to Chinese New Year break to go up North for a change.

The 'roller coaster' has started...into the second week now.

SAM, the course that I am teaching is liken to a roller coaster due to its nature of progression. It will pick up slowly but surely and then... tenn tennn tennnn.... down it goes without stopping at almost neck breaking speed.
With tests, assignments and ... along the way, life can be very hectic. Sometimes when I leave home, I don't see the sun and when I am back, the sun has gone down.
Time really flies, and before one knows it, its final examination and then the year end holidays.
Today marked the first day of the second week of the course. The cycle has begun, with four hours of teaching everyday though I will teach differently in the 4 classes with one faster than the other sometimes. The pace and the style of teaching, depended much on the feedback from the students. Some classes seem 'stone' with not much reaction to whatever you do or they appear to be a bunch of 'smart alecks' giving you the impression the already know all.
Some classes are just very nice to be in. The warmth, the respect, the attention given to the lessons etc...
Yet some classes are not very predictable. Nevertheless, teaching is really a challenge, given a group of teenagers whom I can mould them to some useful adults in time to come. It's been great teaching them, see them grow mostly with joy and sometimes pains, the inevitable growing pains that we all face to some extent.

One week passed but...

Its been a week since last Friday which was dubbed,
' A sad day for Malaysia' by one,
' 1Malaysia is in jeopardy', observed another and so on.
The situation has not changed much though, in fact it has worsen. The lawyers' office (who handled the court case of you know what) was ransacked and more churches are targeted by narrow minded, irrespectful and irresponsible all over the country. Amidst all these happenings, it is no doubt that the name of our Lord rises above all else to the extend of being feared by people of other faith. Just the name alone, has the power to induce fear and elicit their shallow thoughts of what God is. The wrong perception lies on the invidual. God remains God no matter how we perceive Him.

God and human beings must be a in personal relationship and should not be confused just because different names are used. It is a close relationship build on LOVE and not FEAR.
A lack of knowledge and understanding are the causes of fear which leads to uncessary and thoughtless acts of violence and destruction. Don't even need to mention of faith. For faith conquers all. When one has faith, nothing can shake him/her. A strong faith could overcome many obstacles and problems, dismiss misunderstandings and the like.
So folks, have faith in your religion.

The name of our Lord can be anything, a simple faith is what is asked for.
Please continue to pray for peace and harmony, without which, whatever and however we call our God, we shall live in distress, more so if we live without faith.

...another day...

Today is the first day that I got to see all the 2010 cohort of SAM students.
They come in various shape and sizes(trying to use mathematics to describe).
No real teaching yet, just some 'warming' pep talk about the course, especially, SPECIALIST MATHEMATICS.
Am glad that I have found a song in YouTube which is so apt, as an introduction to the course in Spec Maths.
Wanna hear?
here u are:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0XUqliEnPQ

As usual, I will add some 'cerita' together with some sugar and spice, just to make things look good.(not that things are bad).

Still struggling to get use to the new format of seating although it really does not affect me but I noticed that the students are struggling to concentrate.

Tried to help some seniors to sell their books and calculators but alas, not much of a success.
Well, good luck to you 'fellas' of 2009 intake.

Wah lau!

Suddenly I was thinking about what is in store in 2010
Will it be a year of economic booms all over the world, after the world bank had announced that the world economy is returning to normal.

Will it be a year of uncertainty with the recent uncessary chaos in the country?

How will my students fare, given the new seating position in class. Will they be accustomed to the new setting?

Will 47% of As from the 2009 cohort be maintained or even be higher?

Will I be more God fearing after what had happened and knowing that we are but frail creatures on this planet earth, trying to impress each other with the little that we know about this universe.

I have always reminding myself that we are too small and know too little to be boastful, bossy, proud, high and mighty etc... about oneself.

Wanna feel stupid, very simple, just walk into a library full of books and find out how much that we dont know as compared to that little that we know.

There is a chinese hokkien saying the goes like this:

"chiak ka lau, ork ka lau" = " as we grow older, we still keep on learning"

So folks, always remember that if u think u are good, there is always someone better than you.

That is why I believe in updating, change and so on...

Above picture shows graduating student Lanette and myself at Sunway Hotel in Nov 2009. Everytime after the prom night, I will be in this 'Wah Lau' mood.

First Day of college for the new intake of 2010 - SAM

They are finally here, the 2010 cohort of students for SAM.

Met them in the MPH, dunno any of them as I was far up in the Gallery of the Multi-Purpose Hall.

Heard some of the welcoming speech and the usual rules and regulations regarding college life.

Met up with my mentees, group S3 - the would be IT experts.
There were 21 of them, only 2 girls, the brave ones.

Don't quite like the new seating positions where they are in 'islands' format.
I think those behind the first person find it difficult to see the board and the lecturer.
Well, will give feedback to the office if it is too disadvantages to the students and affecting the teaching and learning.

Mathematics is Life

Mathematics is really life as it covers every aspect of our everyday living, every second of our lives.

It is everywhere, even when we are asleep.

Students perceived me as obsessed with Mathematics, but if you really look around, you can actually see a lot of Mathematics around us. By the way, I am a lecturer in Mathematics.