Finally, we have come to the end of the semester. This shows that we have come to the end of this course too. After 14 weeks taking up this course, I felt that I have learned a lot and experienced a lot of what is called a drama and what is called a theater. It is not only about doing pure reading for this course but I have also gained a lot of real life experience from watching the play 4:48 Psychosis at KLPac. Through this course I get to watch this modern theater and get to be in a place named KLPac. If it is not because of this course, I would had not been in KLPac and get to watch a nice modern theater. Besides, the trip to KLPac taught me a lot about life.
In this course, we have studied five plays. First was the Antigone by Sophocles, second was Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw, third was Anike by Wong Pui Nam, fourth was King Lear by William Shakespeare and lastly was the play A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. All the five plays were interesting and fun to read. We were also exposed different types of plays as these five plays ranges from traditional theater to modern theater.
Besides that, in this course, we have watched a number of 4 movies in the class that are the movie of Pymalion, Shakespearewallah, Macbeth and A Streetcar Named Desire. Most of these movies were in black and white and although the colour of the movies made them dull but at least all of us gain a clearer view and idea on what the plays are about as watching movie provides us with visual aids.
In my opinion, Edu 3217, Teaching the Language of Drama is an interesting and exciting course as we are always exposed to new things and new elements of drama. Our lecturer, Dr Edwin is always there to help and guide us in our assignments, tests, exercises and simulated teaching to ensure that we understand his class and we can produce standard and good works for this course. Dr Edwin is also there to cracks jokes so that we won’t feel lost in his class.
Lastly, I am glad that I have taken this course for this semester and managed to finish this course for this semester. Truthfully, I have really gained a lot through this course, not only in education wise but also in real life. I learned that there are many different types of people in our lives from the plays, just like in real life. I feel that I have become more matured in the process of taking this course (it’s true, I am not joking!) as I learned about human life a lot through the assignments, tests and simulated teachings given by Dr Edwin.
As I have done a lot and learned a lot and also gone through a lot of things in this course, I could not have mentioned it all. Although these experiences could have not to be put into words and papers as they are truck load of them but they will be stored in my heart forever and grow old with me. What I have gone through in this course will not be forgotten as I cherish all of them. I would like to say thank you to my lecturer, Dr Edwin and all my friends that had helped me in this course and also provide me the scenario of learning and growing up in the class. Thank you!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Comment on Premalatha’s Pygmalion The Movie
Yes, Pygmalion is really an interesting story. I like the movie very much. Although the movie really does not suits today’s era like what Premalatha said but the movie was not bad as the language they used was really clear and easy to understand. One more surprising thing is that the dialogue of the actors and actresses in the movie is exactly what we have read from our texts! The director did not make adaptation to the text and therefore, we can understand the story very well. Undeniably, I agree with Premalatha that the acting and facial expression of the actors and actresses were absolutely excellent! They acted so well and can see that they had put effort in their acting. Although the story was simple, it is really hard work to bring out the wanted effect of the story. Most of course mates and I had an enjoyable evening watching Pygmalion, the movie, in the Bilik Tayangan.
Comment on Punitha’s Watching Shakespearewallah
It was really not an interesting experience to watch Shakespearewallah as I could not really catch what they were saying just like what said by Punitha. The restricted plot really made the movie seems boring and unorganized. Although many of us tried to pay attention to the movie but none of us could not really understand the whole story. What makes it worse is the colour of the movie. It was in black and white. Oh, black and white in the morning! What a way to start a new day! Compared to Pygmalion, although Pygmalion is in black and white also, I would prefer to watch Pygmalion as I can understand the movie well. Yes, I do agree with Punitha that the main attraction that keeps us watching the movie till the end is Sashi Kapoor, the well known and good looking Hindi star. Anyway, the movie was a good blend of Indian and English culture. It was worth watching as we can see the blend of culture in this movie.
It's very well done and....GOOD!
We had our second session on micro-teaching on Friday, 19th of October, 2007 in Dkap B2-06. As half of the class had presented their micro-teaching on last Wednesday, so the rest of the class was very anxious waiting for their names to be called out to present their micro-teaching on Friday. Everyone was attentive and fully prepared to present their presentation. And so, around 8 pairs presented on that day.
Those who presented on Friday did well in their micro-teaching, what and how they present are what wanted by the lecturer. Bravo to all of them! Their worksheets were good and appropriate for their target students. As the Friday class was only an hour class, only 8 pairs are managed to present their micro-teachings. There are still around 5 pairs who are yet to present their micro-teachings, including my partner and I. My partner and I will try our best to make our micro-teaching a perfect one although we know that nothing is perfect but since we were given more time to prepare (our names have not been called out yet), so we decided that we should make our micro-teaching a perfect one. Yes, we can do it! Just like the “Malaysia boleh!” spirit.
Those who presented on Friday did well in their micro-teaching, what and how they present are what wanted by the lecturer. Bravo to all of them! Their worksheets were good and appropriate for their target students. As the Friday class was only an hour class, only 8 pairs are managed to present their micro-teachings. There are still around 5 pairs who are yet to present their micro-teachings, including my partner and I. My partner and I will try our best to make our micro-teaching a perfect one although we know that nothing is perfect but since we were given more time to prepare (our names have not been called out yet), so we decided that we should make our micro-teaching a perfect one. Yes, we can do it! Just like the “Malaysia boleh!” spirit.
A Streetcar Named Desire is on the way!
On Friday, 19th of October, 2007, we started off the class by reading the last play that have been assigned to study in this course that is “The Streetcar Named Desire”. At first, I did not know what this play is all about, I thought this play was something about a car. Shame on me, it was not. After being briefed by Dr Edwin, only then did I realized that this play is about a woman named Blanche who had an affair with a younger man and had her reputation gone down in the society that she decided to move and stay with her sister, Stella and her brother-in-law, Stanley. Her decision turned her life into a disaster. As we read on further, we will know that Stanley will be the cause that turns her life into a disaster.
Dr Edwin started the class by giving us a brief introduction on this play. Several important elements in the play had been emphasized by Dr Edwin so that we can pay more attention or focus on the elements such as the animal imagery, the causes of Blanche’s reversal of fortune, the differences between Stella and Blanche, the men that are mentioned in this play and the men that appear in this play. Dr Edwin would like us to pay more attention on these several elements which was said to be potentially coming out in the final examination.
First and foremost, this play is a modern tragedy and revolves around the reversal of fortune from agricultural society to the industrial society. It is also about the relationship between men and women. At Scene 1, it exposed to us the atmosphere of the setting that included the five senses such as the sense of smell, taste, touch, sight and auditory. It sets to us an atmosphere that is so real to us. It makes us feel as if we were at the scene. This is very different compared to other play as in the other play the setting won’t be described as such like a scene play.
The beginning of the dialogue is also very much different compared to other play as in this play, the beginning of the play is like as if we have walk other people’s life as the actress is already talking before the play started. This makes the play looks and sounds real and not artificial.
Moreover, the minor characters are first shown in the play before the appearance of the major characters. There are also no references of what will happen in the play later. It is something so real in our daily lives.
When the major characters come in, the age, the way the characters dressed and the way they behave are introduced to us. This is to imply to us the social background of the major characters and play very important role later in the play.
From the Stanley’s way of dressing, we know that Stanley is from a lower social society where he behaves roughly, even towards his wife. He also indicates to us that his works are rough works as he dresses informally. The way he handles the meat also tells us that he is not a careful person. Very obvious to us that he is from the lower class of society, very different from his wife, Stella.
From this first few pages of Scene 1, we get to examine the different behavior of the characters in this play will further leads us to understand the development of the play.
Although we had only read three pages of this play on the Friday class, it attracts my interests to read the play further as it is very interesting to read as the descriptions are vivid and real. The way the characters speak in this play attracts my interest to read this play. I am hoping to read something different from what I have read in the other plays, hopefully it will be something more unique and exciting.
Dr Edwin started the class by giving us a brief introduction on this play. Several important elements in the play had been emphasized by Dr Edwin so that we can pay more attention or focus on the elements such as the animal imagery, the causes of Blanche’s reversal of fortune, the differences between Stella and Blanche, the men that are mentioned in this play and the men that appear in this play. Dr Edwin would like us to pay more attention on these several elements which was said to be potentially coming out in the final examination.
First and foremost, this play is a modern tragedy and revolves around the reversal of fortune from agricultural society to the industrial society. It is also about the relationship between men and women. At Scene 1, it exposed to us the atmosphere of the setting that included the five senses such as the sense of smell, taste, touch, sight and auditory. It sets to us an atmosphere that is so real to us. It makes us feel as if we were at the scene. This is very different compared to other play as in the other play the setting won’t be described as such like a scene play.
The beginning of the dialogue is also very much different compared to other play as in this play, the beginning of the play is like as if we have walk other people’s life as the actress is already talking before the play started. This makes the play looks and sounds real and not artificial.
Moreover, the minor characters are first shown in the play before the appearance of the major characters. There are also no references of what will happen in the play later. It is something so real in our daily lives.
When the major characters come in, the age, the way the characters dressed and the way they behave are introduced to us. This is to imply to us the social background of the major characters and play very important role later in the play.
From the Stanley’s way of dressing, we know that Stanley is from a lower social society where he behaves roughly, even towards his wife. He also indicates to us that his works are rough works as he dresses informally. The way he handles the meat also tells us that he is not a careful person. Very obvious to us that he is from the lower class of society, very different from his wife, Stella.
From this first few pages of Scene 1, we get to examine the different behavior of the characters in this play will further leads us to understand the development of the play.
Although we had only read three pages of this play on the Friday class, it attracts my interests to read the play further as it is very interesting to read as the descriptions are vivid and real. The way the characters speak in this play attracts my interest to read this play. I am hoping to read something different from what I have read in the other plays, hopefully it will be something more unique and exciting.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Micro Teaching begins on 17th of October,2007 , 3:00 pm in B1-03.
The micro-teaching for pre, while and post activity had just started on Wednesday, 17th of October, 2007, right after the Hari Raya’s break. Many of my course mates still have not come back from their hometown yet and therefore, those who could not make it to the class on Wednesday to present their micro-teaching will not be given the chance to present on Friday according to my lecturer. I saw many frustrated faces in the class as this micro-teaching is a pair work. Some of them who turned up lost their chance to present as their partner did not turn up on that day. Fortunately, Dr Edwin did not penalize them and gave them zero for their presentation as Dr Edwin said that they will still be given their marks based on their first micro-teaching. Thank god!
So, the micro-teaching started by the lecturer calling out names of presenters who are going to present their micro-teaching on that day. Micro-teaching started with the first pair- Harveen and Amri. As usual, our micro-teachings are not the perfect ones as everyone is just in the learning stage, so their micro-teaching was corrected by Dr Edwin many times and they are accepting and learning from their mistakes. And so do I. I tried to jot down what we are supposed to do in the micro-teaching as what request by the lecturer. Everyone was paying full attention to our friends’ micro-teaching as to absorb the right way to teach so that we can do better in our micro-teaching on Friday.
Lecturer also told us and gave us the example how a good worksheet should looks like so that we can get a clear view on how we should design a standard worksheet to teach. There are about 15 pairs who presented on Wednesday and most of them did well, at least they were not bad. I can see that they had put in a lot of effort in preparing their worksheets and their presentation. Most of them were nervous when they were presenting but this is common as everyone is afraid when they are being observed.
All the presenters accepted the lecturer’s comments with an open heart. Out of all the 15 micro-teachings, only 1 group did the teaching on the play “Pygmalion” while the rest did on “Antigone” and “King Lear”. Out of these 15 pairs also, only one pair taught the element of theme while the rest taught characters and traits.
There are varieties of exercises given to us as different groups designed different worksheets. One that was considered good by the lecturer is the one done by Syamimi’s group. Although Mimi could not present their micro-teaching as her partner could not make it to the class but their worksheets were distributed as lecturer wants us to have a copy of good worksheets. Luckily, we were managed to get an example of good worksheets.
According to Dr Edwin, those who are going to present the teaching on the play “Pygmalion” will be facing the most difficulties as they will have problem in reading the extract that they have chosen in pre activity as it is hard to pronoun and sound the words that are in the play.
Alex’s group was good too but Dr Edwin emphasized that play was meant to be read by advanced students, therefore, the exercises should not be too easy to be attempted. Technically, Alex’s group produced a good worksheet but it is not suitable for the advanced students as the exercises are too easy and direct.
Mei Hui and Eleen did and prepared the most number of worksheet for this session of micro-teaching. Somehow, according to the lecturer they were repeating their questions. So, we just learned that we should not repeat our questions, should put it together in the same part.
As for Diana and Alicia, they did very well in their pre activity, lecturer hardly comments anything on their pre activity but their while activity gave them problem. It is not so appropriate as the while activity asked the students to summarize the traits of the characters they did as it is too easy as students just need to rewrite what they did in their previous exercise. But after all, they taught very well in the class especially the pre activity part. They were very sure and confident in their teaching.
One of the most important things that Dr Edwin put into emphasis is that no one uses the technology in their teaching as no one uses the Over Head Projecter, Computer or any teaching aids in their teaching. Some group even did not use the white board in their teaching. Only Mei Hui and Eleen used the transparency for the while activity. From what Dr Edwin have said, I am sure those who have not presented on Wednesday will prepare themselves to use the technology in their teaching.
To put it in a nutshell, everyone did their best in their session of micro-teaching but they still can be improved as what said by Dr Edwin. Hopefully those who had not presented will get the idea on the best way to carry out their micro-teaching. I just keep my fingers crossed as I am going to present my micro-teaching on Friday alongside with my partner, Soon Mun. Good luck to everyone!
So, the micro-teaching started by the lecturer calling out names of presenters who are going to present their micro-teaching on that day. Micro-teaching started with the first pair- Harveen and Amri. As usual, our micro-teachings are not the perfect ones as everyone is just in the learning stage, so their micro-teaching was corrected by Dr Edwin many times and they are accepting and learning from their mistakes. And so do I. I tried to jot down what we are supposed to do in the micro-teaching as what request by the lecturer. Everyone was paying full attention to our friends’ micro-teaching as to absorb the right way to teach so that we can do better in our micro-teaching on Friday.
Lecturer also told us and gave us the example how a good worksheet should looks like so that we can get a clear view on how we should design a standard worksheet to teach. There are about 15 pairs who presented on Wednesday and most of them did well, at least they were not bad. I can see that they had put in a lot of effort in preparing their worksheets and their presentation. Most of them were nervous when they were presenting but this is common as everyone is afraid when they are being observed.
All the presenters accepted the lecturer’s comments with an open heart. Out of all the 15 micro-teachings, only 1 group did the teaching on the play “Pygmalion” while the rest did on “Antigone” and “King Lear”. Out of these 15 pairs also, only one pair taught the element of theme while the rest taught characters and traits.
There are varieties of exercises given to us as different groups designed different worksheets. One that was considered good by the lecturer is the one done by Syamimi’s group. Although Mimi could not present their micro-teaching as her partner could not make it to the class but their worksheets were distributed as lecturer wants us to have a copy of good worksheets. Luckily, we were managed to get an example of good worksheets.
According to Dr Edwin, those who are going to present the teaching on the play “Pygmalion” will be facing the most difficulties as they will have problem in reading the extract that they have chosen in pre activity as it is hard to pronoun and sound the words that are in the play.
Alex’s group was good too but Dr Edwin emphasized that play was meant to be read by advanced students, therefore, the exercises should not be too easy to be attempted. Technically, Alex’s group produced a good worksheet but it is not suitable for the advanced students as the exercises are too easy and direct.
Mei Hui and Eleen did and prepared the most number of worksheet for this session of micro-teaching. Somehow, according to the lecturer they were repeating their questions. So, we just learned that we should not repeat our questions, should put it together in the same part.
As for Diana and Alicia, they did very well in their pre activity, lecturer hardly comments anything on their pre activity but their while activity gave them problem. It is not so appropriate as the while activity asked the students to summarize the traits of the characters they did as it is too easy as students just need to rewrite what they did in their previous exercise. But after all, they taught very well in the class especially the pre activity part. They were very sure and confident in their teaching.
One of the most important things that Dr Edwin put into emphasis is that no one uses the technology in their teaching as no one uses the Over Head Projecter, Computer or any teaching aids in their teaching. Some group even did not use the white board in their teaching. Only Mei Hui and Eleen used the transparency for the while activity. From what Dr Edwin have said, I am sure those who have not presented on Wednesday will prepare themselves to use the technology in their teaching.
To put it in a nutshell, everyone did their best in their session of micro-teaching but they still can be improved as what said by Dr Edwin. Hopefully those who had not presented will get the idea on the best way to carry out their micro-teaching. I just keep my fingers crossed as I am going to present my micro-teaching on Friday alongside with my partner, Soon Mun. Good luck to everyone!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
We were at the KLPac for 4.48 Psychosis...a memorable night!
From left to right : Soon Mun, Elizabeth and I, posing in front of the big banner of the Black Box Festival 2007
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