Rhoda's Blog. Connecting with people. Since 2005.
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label education. Show all posts
March 28, 2013
Birds of Paradise
God's Winged Jewels. That's what someone called them. Recently I watched and marvelled at these beautiful birds of paradise with extraordinary plumage, in their natural habitat in the forests of New Guinea.
November 03, 2011
Faces to Names
When you study economics, you become familiar with the names of famous economists - those associated with a specific theory, those who are authorities on a particular subject. In short, influential economists.
One tries to understand and apply their methods in the work place. One refers to their writings to explain important economic theories to students. I have done both for some years, without bothering about the faces behind the names. Formerly one could see an economist's face only on the covers of his books. Now we have access to unlimited images on the internet. We can easily link faces to names.
Influential Economists
Arrow, Klein, Lucas and Laffer are among the current influential economists whose works I have tried to study and teach. Now I can also recognise their faces!
Lawrence Klein
Nobel laureate. Father of modern econometrics.
Famous for:
Computerised macro models, analysis of business fluctuations, economic forecasting.
Kenneth Arrow
Nobel laureate. Pioneer mathematical economist.
Famous for:
Neo-classical theory, social choice, general equilibrium, imperfect markets and uncertainty.
Robert Lucas
Nobel Laureate. Neo-classical economist.
Famous for:
Rational expectations, micro-economic foundation of macroeconomics, Lucas critique, Lucas paradox, monetary policy.
Arthur Laffer
Supply side economist.
Famous for:
Laffer curve, fiscal policy and taxation, Reagonomics.
As an afterthought, I decided to include Keynes (he died in 1946) in this list of living economists. For two reasons: One, he was arguably the most influential economist of the 20th century and two, because I like his quote "Long run is a misleading guide to current affairs. In the long run we are all dead."
John Maynard Keynes
Founder of modern macroeconomics.
Famous for:
One tries to understand and apply their methods in the work place. One refers to their writings to explain important economic theories to students. I have done both for some years, without bothering about the faces behind the names. Formerly one could see an economist's face only on the covers of his books. Now we have access to unlimited images on the internet. We can easily link faces to names.
Influential Economists
Arrow, Klein, Lucas and Laffer are among the current influential economists whose works I have tried to study and teach. Now I can also recognise their faces!
Nobel laureate. Father of modern econometrics.
Famous for:
Computerised macro models, analysis of business fluctuations, economic forecasting.
Nobel laureate. Pioneer mathematical economist.
Famous for:
Neo-classical theory, social choice, general equilibrium, imperfect markets and uncertainty.
Nobel Laureate. Neo-classical economist.
Famous for:
Rational expectations, micro-economic foundation of macroeconomics, Lucas critique, Lucas paradox, monetary policy.
Supply side economist.
Famous for:
Laffer curve, fiscal policy and taxation, Reagonomics.
As an afterthought, I decided to include Keynes (he died in 1946) in this list of living economists. For two reasons: One, he was arguably the most influential economist of the 20th century and two, because I like his quote "Long run is a misleading guide to current affairs. In the long run we are all dead."
John Maynard KeynesFounder of modern macroeconomics.
Famous for:
- His treatise: The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money.
- Keynesian theory, named after his path-breaking new concepts.
- Influencing the policies of governments.
- Being the wellspring from which many outstanding economists (Hicks, Tobin, Samuelson, Solow, Okun et al) have drawn inspiration.
November 01, 2011
Bullying in School
School is supposed to be filled with learning, fun and games. Bullying can ruin it, leaving painful emotional scars and memories of bitter experiences of one's school days.
Why it Happens
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
Tips to Handle Bullying
October is Anti-bullying Awareness Month. Watch this clip where kids see a bullying episode and talk about it. This was in Australia. But it happens everywhere.
Why it Happens
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
Tips to Handle Bullying
October is Anti-bullying Awareness Month. Watch this clip where kids see a bullying episode and talk about it. This was in Australia. But it happens everywhere.
October 06, 2011
Think Different
Steve Jobs died at the age of 56 yesterday. His biological mother - an unmarried college girl - gave him up for adoption to a working class couple in California. He dropped out of college after just a few months and pursued his interest in electronics. When he co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak, he became an international figure. Read about his life here. Steve Jobs urged people to "Think different".In a famous speech at Stanford in 1995, he told students to "Stay hungry. Stay foolish". I was particularly impressed with his parting advice to them:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
October 03, 2011
What You Learn in School
We send our children to school around the age of three. We fervently hope that they will get a good education. What is a good education? Schools primarily focus on academic excellence in the classroom. In the initial years children are taught the 3 R's. Physical development on the playground and cultural activities are optional add-ons. Some schools throw in an occasional event centered round nature and the environment. But social and emotional learning (SEL) is hardly ever mentioned.
Experts in child development emphasize that pre-school sets the tone for the child’s perception of social interactions. This is often a child’s first experience in a structured social environment among strangers. The pattern of behaviour that a child learns here can persist throughout high school, college and later, in the work place. The impact of these initial experiences on a child's personality cannot be underestimated. If so, shouldn't SEL also be in the school curriculum?
Social and Emotional Skills
In the 'good old days' a household was large and stable. Two or three generations of the extended family and many siblings lived under the same roof. Relatives, neighbours and friends joined in the regular social and religious events. In this informal school a child automatically acquired social skills. Children raised in this environment also learnt emotional skills without the stress of coping with strange or unfamiliar patterns of behaviour.
Nowadays the norm is a nuclear family. Both parents may have careers or there may be a single parent. Daycare centers too may be part of the set up. Perhaps we need a school for social and emotional skills. Or a system that incorporates them in the existing school curriculum. This is not a new concept. Several years ago, educational experts in the US identified a set of non-academic skills that are essential for a child. SEL was introduced so that schoolchildren learn to handle their emotions, deal with bullying and conflicts, develop concern for others and make ethical decisions.
The goal of SEL is to enable a child to form positive relationships both inside and outside of the classroom. The most effective method is through the four E’s of learning – Example, Education, Experience and Encouragement. A recent report discusses whether SEL programs have worked in the school environment.
Whatever the schools may or may not do, the parental role is indispensable. See my post on the tremendous influence that you have on your child's educational prospects.
Bullying is a serious problem among children of all ages. It can happen to your child too. Click here to know more.
Experts in child development emphasize that pre-school sets the tone for the child’s perception of social interactions. This is often a child’s first experience in a structured social environment among strangers. The pattern of behaviour that a child learns here can persist throughout high school, college and later, in the work place. The impact of these initial experiences on a child's personality cannot be underestimated. If so, shouldn't SEL also be in the school curriculum?Social and Emotional Skills
In the 'good old days' a household was large and stable. Two or three generations of the extended family and many siblings lived under the same roof. Relatives, neighbours and friends joined in the regular social and religious events. In this informal school a child automatically acquired social skills. Children raised in this environment also learnt emotional skills without the stress of coping with strange or unfamiliar patterns of behaviour.
Nowadays the norm is a nuclear family. Both parents may have careers or there may be a single parent. Daycare centers too may be part of the set up. Perhaps we need a school for social and emotional skills. Or a system that incorporates them in the existing school curriculum. This is not a new concept. Several years ago, educational experts in the US identified a set of non-academic skills that are essential for a child. SEL was introduced so that schoolchildren learn to handle their emotions, deal with bullying and conflicts, develop concern for others and make ethical decisions.
The goal of SEL is to enable a child to form positive relationships both inside and outside of the classroom. The most effective method is through the four E’s of learning – Example, Education, Experience and Encouragement. A recent report discusses whether SEL programs have worked in the school environment.
Whatever the schools may or may not do, the parental role is indispensable. See my post on the tremendous influence that you have on your child's educational prospects.
Bullying is a serious problem among children of all ages. It can happen to your child too. Click here to know more.
September 15, 2011
Your Child's Education
If you are a parent, I bet you have spent considerable time on your child's future - thinking, planning, working, dreaming, worrying, hoping, praying. Has it helped? To what extent? If you have wondered, as I have, then read on.
The question is easy: How can a parent ensure that the child realises its full potential while growing into an adult? The answer varies, depending on who is giving it and why. Which raises more difficult questions.
Which School?
Imagine that you are a parent who wants to choose the *best* possible school for your child. One school (motivated by commercial considerations) suggests that the more expensive the fee structure, the better the education. Another school (elitist) says that its exclusive brand (old school tie) and individual attention (low teacher:student ratio) is what counts. A third one waves the social class flag (allegiance to community/religion). A fourth school (academic performance) flaunts the high scores and ranks of its past students in competitive exams. Let us assume that all these schools are willing to admit your child. On what basis will you choose?
Learning
Having admitted the child to school, a parent has to help him to study and equally important, to develop study skills. Parents look for private tuition and coaching classes,
driven by peer pressure and the desire to gain competitive advantage. Is this good for a child's development and success in life? Have you ever wondered about those who crammed hard and scored the top ranks in the school Board examinations? Ten years later, I am not sure that they all turned out tops in terms of success or happiness. This raises the question whether success and happiness correlated. Does one guarantee the other?
We know that there is more to learn in school than the three R's. The current trend is to send children to various classes - dancing, music, dramatics, elocution, painting, sports and martial arts. The more, the merrier. How much do extra-curricular activities contribute to a child's education? It is better than sitting in front of the TV, say the busy parents.
Then we have the huge under-explored area of SEL. A child needs to learn social and emotional skills in order to cope with the real world out there. Read about it here.
Parents' Role
Some experts think that the biggest factor which determines a child's academic performance is genetic.
In plain-speak it means that the genes of the two parents have, more or less, set the level of the child's future academic performance. So parents, before you reproduce make sure that you are intelligent and well-educated; then sit back and wait for your child to become as great as you are ... just kidding :)
We shall not jump to the (fatal) conclusion that diligent training and good parenting are not important. The latter is, imho, absolutely vital. A child learns best through the Four E's.
Success and Happiness
Read sociologist Christine Carter for thought-provoking insights on parenting for academic success. According to her, a happy child is more likely to be successful than an unhappy one. Shawn Achor in his book The Happiness Advantage writes “Happiness fuels success, not the other way around. When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work.”
Let us get back to our first question. How can parents influence their children towards greater academic success? We have some key pointers: genetics, good schooling, hard work, exposure to multiple activities, the happiness factor. Now what?
Before you throw a virtual brickbat at me, I'll stop further questions and confess that I do not have the answers. My purpose is served if you have begun to doubt conventional wisdom and to reject facile answers. Read, ponder, discuss, observe and draw your own conclusions. Tell those noisy kids to pipe down and think some more!
The question is easy: How can a parent ensure that the child realises its full potential while growing into an adult? The answer varies, depending on who is giving it and why. Which raises more difficult questions.
Which School?
Imagine that you are a parent who wants to choose the *best* possible school for your child. One school (motivated by commercial considerations) suggests that the more expensive the fee structure, the better the education. Another school (elitist) says that its exclusive brand (old school tie) and individual attention (low teacher:student ratio) is what counts. A third one waves the social class flag (allegiance to community/religion). A fourth school (academic performance) flaunts the high scores and ranks of its past students in competitive exams. Let us assume that all these schools are willing to admit your child. On what basis will you choose?
Learning
Having admitted the child to school, a parent has to help him to study and equally important, to develop study skills. Parents look for private tuition and coaching classes,
driven by peer pressure and the desire to gain competitive advantage. Is this good for a child's development and success in life? Have you ever wondered about those who crammed hard and scored the top ranks in the school Board examinations? Ten years later, I am not sure that they all turned out tops in terms of success or happiness. This raises the question whether success and happiness correlated. Does one guarantee the other?We know that there is more to learn in school than the three R's. The current trend is to send children to various classes - dancing, music, dramatics, elocution, painting, sports and martial arts. The more, the merrier. How much do extra-curricular activities contribute to a child's education? It is better than sitting in front of the TV, say the busy parents.
Then we have the huge under-explored area of SEL. A child needs to learn social and emotional skills in order to cope with the real world out there. Read about it here.
Parents' Role
Some experts think that the biggest factor which determines a child's academic performance is genetic.
In plain-speak it means that the genes of the two parents have, more or less, set the level of the child's future academic performance. So parents, before you reproduce make sure that you are intelligent and well-educated; then sit back and wait for your child to become as great as you are ... just kidding :)We shall not jump to the (fatal) conclusion that diligent training and good parenting are not important. The latter is, imho, absolutely vital. A child learns best through the Four E's.
Success and Happiness
Read sociologist Christine Carter for thought-provoking insights on parenting for academic success. According to her, a happy child is more likely to be successful than an unhappy one. Shawn Achor in his book The Happiness Advantage writes “Happiness fuels success, not the other way around. When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work.”
Let us get back to our first question. How can parents influence their children towards greater academic success? We have some key pointers: genetics, good schooling, hard work, exposure to multiple activities, the happiness factor. Now what?
Before you throw a virtual brickbat at me, I'll stop further questions and confess that I do not have the answers. My purpose is served if you have begun to doubt conventional wisdom and to reject facile answers. Read, ponder, discuss, observe and draw your own conclusions. Tell those noisy kids to pipe down and think some more!
August 19, 2011
Golbully and the Cupcake
A short visual story for my grandkids
August 13, 2009
Blogging Grandmom
Now that i've taken a break from being visiting prof at St Joseph's, i'm trying to pursue some of my other interests. Blogging is one of them - a little knowledge of visuals, music, writing & basic s/w skills come in handy. The comments from family n friends are encouraging. So I intend to keep the blog going.
There's a personal angle too. With NRI children and foreign grandkids, this is one way for a grandmom to keep in touch.
Did you notice Ashadeep in the credits of Zoya's 5th birthday video? Their schoolgirls are talented singers and dancers. I enjoy helping them with their studies as much as they enjoy spending time with me.
I like to knit/crochet. It is relaxing!
The pink vest on the right was crocheted for Zoya.
I knitted Vardaan's red-n-blue hoodie (left) in Auckland.
There's a personal angle too. With NRI children and foreign grandkids, this is one way for a grandmom to keep in touch.
Did you notice Ashadeep in the credits of Zoya's 5th birthday video? Their schoolgirls are talented singers and dancers. I enjoy helping them with their studies as much as they enjoy spending time with me.
I like to knit/crochet. It is relaxing!The pink vest on the right was crocheted for Zoya.
I knitted Vardaan's red-n-blue hoodie (left) in Auckland.
Amaya's woollens are under production...
April 03, 2009
Teachers
After family, teachers wield the most imfluence on a child. I've been reflecting on this. Who are the teachers that come to mind when I look back on my own childhood? I shall try to list them as they pop into my head...
Today, what popped into my head is Plutarch's brilliant observation - "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." I realise the truth of this when I think of my college teachers. One who stands out vividly is a professor of astronomy who loved his subject. Regretfully, his name escapes me. One day, so engrosssed was he in describing a problem of the celestial sphere that he took a piece of chalk and drew curves on his coat sleeve ! Is it any wonder that he succeeded in firing my imagination? In the same year, we had another professor who was concerned more about his appearance than anything he taught. All that I remember of his classes is that he used a big handkerchief to dab his face and a tiny comb to preen his hair ever so often.
Today, what popped into my head is Plutarch's brilliant observation - "The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." I realise the truth of this when I think of my college teachers. One who stands out vividly is a professor of astronomy who loved his subject. Regretfully, his name escapes me. One day, so engrosssed was he in describing a problem of the celestial sphere that he took a piece of chalk and drew curves on his coat sleeve ! Is it any wonder that he succeeded in firing my imagination? In the same year, we had another professor who was concerned more about his appearance than anything he taught. All that I remember of his classes is that he used a big handkerchief to dab his face and a tiny comb to preen his hair ever so often.
December 20, 2008
Aunt Mary
My father's sister, Aunt Mary (Sr Concepta) lived in retirement at the Jeppu convent for many years. She passed on at the age of 94. Click here to see her pictures. Here is the farewell message that I gave Uncle Austen to read out at her funeral.
For Dear Rev Sr Concepta A farewell message from her loving niece and nephews Dear Sr Concepta, Long before any of us were born, you were already in the service of the Lord with the Sisters of Charity. As children we met you often in Mangalore and came to admire and love you for your gentle ways, smiling face and kind words. At that time, little did we know that you were a wonderful teacher, headmistress and able administrator in different schools run by the Sisters of Charity. Your warmth and pleasure invariably welcomed us when we visited you in Brahmavar, Sakleshpur and other places. We have wonderful memories of the times when you came home to spend precious moments with the family. Looking back now, we realise what a tremendous ministry you fulfilled, working tirelessly in the vineyard of the Lord for seven decades. Truly, yours was a life of total dedication. Goodbye, Aunt Mary. As you go to enjoy your Heavenly reward, please continue to pray for us, as you have always done. Today, scattered in different parts of the world, we bow our heads in prayer and thanksgiving. We feel blest and grateful to God for the gift of an aunt like Sr Concepta. She is the last of our father Appie D'Sa's siblings to make the transition to Heaven. May her soul rest in peace. Amen. Ronald, Derek, Rhoda and Ryan Dec 12th, 2006 |
Aunt Mary's Education Fund
The first girl whose studies we are supporting is appearing for her II PUC in Apr 2009. I called the sister-in-charge in Jeppu and told her that we wish to continue the annual scholarship for the academic year 2009-10. She indicated that there is a likely candidate who is currently appearing for her Matriculation (Xth std) Board examination.
Fellow donors, please post your comments here.
The first girl whose studies we are supporting is appearing for her II PUC in Apr 2009. I called the sister-in-charge in Jeppu and told her that we wish to continue the annual scholarship for the academic year 2009-10. She indicated that there is a likely candidate who is currently appearing for her Matriculation (Xth std) Board examination.
Fellow donors, please post your comments here.
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