The Famous Headmaster of Rugby
“Thomas Arnold, headmaster of the Rugby school and founder of modern public school system saw team sport like cricket and rugby not just outdoor play, but an organized way of teaching English boys the discipline, the importance of hierarchy, the skills, the codes of honour and leadership qualities that helped them build and run British empire.” ( Textbook in History for IX)
Thomas Arnold
Thomas Arnold (1795-1842), Mathew Arnold's father, served as headmaster of Rugby School from 1828 until 1841. During his superintendence Rugby attained a widespread reputation as a place of intellectual, moral, and religious discipline, where healthy characters were formed, and young men were trained for the duties, struggles, and responsibilities of life.
He was convinced of the necessity for reform. It was important to teach boys something more than the bleak rigidities of the ancient tongues; but how much more important to instill into them the elements of character and the principles of conduct! His great object, throughout his career at Rugby, was, as he repeatedly said, to "What we must look for here is, first, religious and moral principle; secondly, gentlemanly conduct; thirdly, intellectual ability."
Rugby School
Arnold took much broader view of the objects of education realized that the great end and aim of education was to build character; learning was only a subservient. In the public school system at Rugby he found an instrument which was capable of serving his ends. He, however, did not attempt to revolutionize but accepted the system as whole, rejecting some parts and developing others with the object of creating conditions under which a boy’s character could grow on right lines. Like any other reformer he faced stiff resistance from the trustees and there were moments which could have occasioned his resignation.
He allowed liberty to the boys but with caution that freedom given to them must be exercised for good. He sacked many boys from school who had misappropriated their liberty. He brought about changes in the status of masters and warranted their undivided interest in their duty. He raised school fees to increase salaries of the teachers.
Arnold laboured strenuously to make direct religious teaching effective for stimulating in them quality of moral thoughtfulness which he valued so much. He was inflexible in what he thought was right. He could succeed with the better support of boys who could not resist influence of a man so transparently sincere, a man who was afraid of nobody.
The game of Rugby owes its name to the school. The story has been known to be a myth since it was first investigated by the Rugbeian Society in 1895. There were no standard rules for football during Webb Ellis's time at Rugby (1816–1825) and most varieties involved carrying the ball (a forerunner of what is currently known as "American Football"). The games played at Rugby were organized by the students and not the masters, the rules of the game played at Rugby and elsewhere were a matter of custom and were not written down.
Former pupils of Rugby include Lord King and Lord Lang (ex-MPs); A N Wilson and Salman Rushdie (novelists);
Marmaduke Hussey (former Chairman of BBC Governors); David Croft (TV scriptwriter); Sir Ewen Fergusson (former UK Ambassador, Paris); Robert Hardy, Francesca Hunt (actors); Sir Campbell Adamson (former Director of the CBI); Chris Brasher; Zia Mahmood (World Bridge Champion); Andrew Rawnsley, Richard Addis, Tim Butcher and Isabel Wolff (journalists); Alison Campbell (1st female RAF fast jet pilot).
In 1841, one year before his death, he was appointed Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford, a place he really deserved.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Fatal Beauty
Karmen Horvat and Antonija Zbiljski
Plants seduce us with their beauty and scents, we ornament gardens and spaces we live in with them, but sometimes they should be enjoyed from afar with visual perception because any intimate socialization might be fatal. Take a look at a preview of poisonous plants you can find in parks, as well as your own garden or plot.
Daffodil is a spring flower that originates from Europe, North Africa and Asia. Still, some experts claim the flower actually comes from China and that it arrived in Europe via traders who travelled the Silk Road.
Daffodil
There are several types of daffodils that bloom in the autumn. Daffodils include 26 wild and several hundreds of cultivated species. Daffodil petals can be white or yellow. The plant is popular and often decorates gardens because it is easily grown. Its truffle is poisonous; especially since it is not a rare occurrence for people to mistaken it for regular onions. Consuming the bulb, you will experience cramps, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea.
Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants around. It contains a large number of toxic chemical compounds that can be lethal for children, as well as adults. The plant is native to Mediterranean areas like evergreen shrubs, but is a common ornament of many gardens and plots due to the beauty of its flowers.
Oleander
Small dosages of oleander poison proved to be sufficient to have fatal consequences. The plant is famous for having poisonous compounds even after it is dried out. Figures from 2002 show 847 oleander poisonings in the USA. The plant is often used for suicide. Even accidental breathing in fumes of a burning oleander bush can be lethal. Most common symptoms of poisoning are changes in heart beat pace.
Lily of the valley is a beautiful white plant of intense scent, often planted in gardens as an ornament, while it is native to lighter deciduous forests. Lily of the valley’s flowers are poisonous because they contain heterozoids, which effect heart beat.
Lily of the valley
The poison causes nausea, dizziness, vomiting, pain in the mouth, stomach-ache, diarrhoea and cramps. Lily of the valley has red fruits that mature in September and are also poisonous. If you have this flower of stunning scent in your garden, make sure small children are not poisoned by it and it is necessary to wash hands after touching its flower, stem or root.
Hydrangea is a genus that includes 75 types of shrubbery plants and is native to south and East Asia, as well as North and South America. These shrubs are most often planted next to house walls or lawns. Even though hydrangea flowers look like large sweets, they are poisonous and cause stomach-ache, sweating, weakness and vomiting. Cases of hydrangea poisoning with people ending in a coma have been recorded.
Chrysanthemum is a genus or about 30 species native to Asia. It was first cultivated by the Chinese in the 15th ct B.C. and the flowers were introduced to Japan in the 8th century A.D. when the emperor took them as his official seal. There is a “Festival of Happiness” in Japan that celebrates the flower.
Chrysanthemum
It arrived in Europe in the 17th century. A garden that contains chrysanthemums will not be visited by rabbits, but they can cause rash and swelling.
Plants seduce us with their beauty and scents, we ornament gardens and spaces we live in with them, but sometimes they should be enjoyed from afar with visual perception because any intimate socialization might be fatal. Take a look at a preview of poisonous plants you can find in parks, as well as your own garden or plot.
Daffodil is a spring flower that originates from Europe, North Africa and Asia. Still, some experts claim the flower actually comes from China and that it arrived in Europe via traders who travelled the Silk Road.
Daffodil
There are several types of daffodils that bloom in the autumn. Daffodils include 26 wild and several hundreds of cultivated species. Daffodil petals can be white or yellow. The plant is popular and often decorates gardens because it is easily grown. Its truffle is poisonous; especially since it is not a rare occurrence for people to mistaken it for regular onions. Consuming the bulb, you will experience cramps, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea.
Oleander is one of the most poisonous plants around. It contains a large number of toxic chemical compounds that can be lethal for children, as well as adults. The plant is native to Mediterranean areas like evergreen shrubs, but is a common ornament of many gardens and plots due to the beauty of its flowers.
Oleander
Small dosages of oleander poison proved to be sufficient to have fatal consequences. The plant is famous for having poisonous compounds even after it is dried out. Figures from 2002 show 847 oleander poisonings in the USA. The plant is often used for suicide. Even accidental breathing in fumes of a burning oleander bush can be lethal. Most common symptoms of poisoning are changes in heart beat pace.
Lily of the valley is a beautiful white plant of intense scent, often planted in gardens as an ornament, while it is native to lighter deciduous forests. Lily of the valley’s flowers are poisonous because they contain heterozoids, which effect heart beat.
Lily of the valley
The poison causes nausea, dizziness, vomiting, pain in the mouth, stomach-ache, diarrhoea and cramps. Lily of the valley has red fruits that mature in September and are also poisonous. If you have this flower of stunning scent in your garden, make sure small children are not poisoned by it and it is necessary to wash hands after touching its flower, stem or root.
Hydrangea is a genus that includes 75 types of shrubbery plants and is native to south and East Asia, as well as North and South America. These shrubs are most often planted next to house walls or lawns. Even though hydrangea flowers look like large sweets, they are poisonous and cause stomach-ache, sweating, weakness and vomiting. Cases of hydrangea poisoning with people ending in a coma have been recorded.
Chrysanthemum is a genus or about 30 species native to Asia. It was first cultivated by the Chinese in the 15th ct B.C. and the flowers were introduced to Japan in the 8th century A.D. when the emperor took them as his official seal. There is a “Festival of Happiness” in Japan that celebrates the flower.
Chrysanthemum
It arrived in Europe in the 17th century. A garden that contains chrysanthemums will not be visited by rabbits, but they can cause rash and swelling.
Indians Excel in Hell
Indians Excel in Hell
A man dies and goes to hell. There he finds that there is a different hell for each country.He goes to the German hell and asks, "What do they do here?" He told, "First they put you in an electric chair for An hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. Then The German devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day."
The man does not like the sound of that at all,so he moves on. He checks out the USA hell as well as the Russian hell and many more. He discovers that they are all more or less the same as the German hell.Then he comes to the Indian hell and finds that there is a long line of people waiting to get in.Amazed, he asks, "What do they do here?" He told, "First they put you in an electric chair for an hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. Then the Indian devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day."
"But that is exactly the same as all the other hells - why are there so many people waiting to get in?" "Because maintenance is so bad that the electric chair does not work,someone has stolen all the nails from the bed, and the devil is a former Govt servant, so he comes in, signs the register and then goes to the canteen!!!!!!
Contributed by: Ngwang dorje
A man dies and goes to hell. There he finds that there is a different hell for each country.He goes to the German hell and asks, "What do they do here?" He told, "First they put you in an electric chair for An hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. Then The German devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day."
The man does not like the sound of that at all,so he moves on. He checks out the USA hell as well as the Russian hell and many more. He discovers that they are all more or less the same as the German hell.Then he comes to the Indian hell and finds that there is a long line of people waiting to get in.Amazed, he asks, "What do they do here?" He told, "First they put you in an electric chair for an hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for another hour. Then the Indian devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day."
"But that is exactly the same as all the other hells - why are there so many people waiting to get in?" "Because maintenance is so bad that the electric chair does not work,someone has stolen all the nails from the bed, and the devil is a former Govt servant, so he comes in, signs the register and then goes to the canteen!!!!!!
Contributed by: Ngwang dorje
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Murder of Mahatma
Nathu Ram Godse, who shot Mahatma Gandhi from point blank range on 30th January 1948, touched his feet to pay respect to the Father of Nation prior to shooting him.
Nathu Ram Godse was a shy, non-violent by nature and a learned person. He was agitated over partition of India which Mahatma had agreed. Moreover, Gandhi was adamant to give Pakistan a sum of Rs 550 Million as compensation. Prime Minister Nehru and his cabinet had passed a resolution not to give Pakistan the said amount as the latter has waged tribal war against India in Kashmir. Gandhi went on fast to oppose this and ultimately cabinet had to revert its decision. This agitated Godse more.
The final remains (ashes) of Godse are still kept in his house according to his will which he wrote prior to being hanged. He evenly distributed his money among his brothers, freedom workers and part of it to charities.
Godse presented historic arguments during his case though he refused to defend himself. The judge was moved by his knowledge and extraordinary command over English language; commented "Though he was bound by the provisions of law to write death sentence for Godse, but if the public present in the court room was to pass a judgement, the decision would probably have gone in favor of the accused".
According to the will of Godse, his ashes to be flown into Sindhu river, if ever India and Pakistan become one nation again. Until then they are to be preserved.
Nathu Ram Godse was a shy, non-violent by nature and a learned person. He was agitated over partition of India which Mahatma had agreed. Moreover, Gandhi was adamant to give Pakistan a sum of Rs 550 Million as compensation. Prime Minister Nehru and his cabinet had passed a resolution not to give Pakistan the said amount as the latter has waged tribal war against India in Kashmir. Gandhi went on fast to oppose this and ultimately cabinet had to revert its decision. This agitated Godse more.
The final remains (ashes) of Godse are still kept in his house according to his will which he wrote prior to being hanged. He evenly distributed his money among his brothers, freedom workers and part of it to charities.
Godse presented historic arguments during his case though he refused to defend himself. The judge was moved by his knowledge and extraordinary command over English language; commented "Though he was bound by the provisions of law to write death sentence for Godse, but if the public present in the court room was to pass a judgement, the decision would probably have gone in favor of the accused".
According to the will of Godse, his ashes to be flown into Sindhu river, if ever India and Pakistan become one nation again. Until then they are to be preserved.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Online Earning: Academic Writing
If you command your subject and have good writing skills, you can easily make as much as $500 a month by academic writing. Earning is rate per page ranging from $4 to $12, depending on urgency.
That means if you can write three pages average a day, you make $500. These sites pay on a fifteen days cycle through Paypal. You can register on paypal for $2 one time and money can be transferred from anywhere to your Paypal account. It can be delivered by cheque or direct transfer to your account.
There is no registration fee for academic writing sites. These are-
www.essaywriters.com
www.academia-research.com
www.academicexperts.us
www.freelancewritingcenter.com
www.bestessays.com
www.masterpapers.com
You may go straight to the site, fill in details and you are registered. Some sites ask for sample work which you can write in advance. You may choose subjects of your writing like History, Psychology, Sociology, Physics, English Literature, Economics, Chemistry, Biology – whatever.
There is lot of work during September-March period. Otherwise it is available throughout the year.
You need to study academic writing styles like MLA, APA, Oxford, Harvard or ASA. There is lot of material on the internet. What you need to be careful about is plagiarism, that is; you can’t copy from others’ work and if you do, there are citing guidelines. You will know after little practice.
There are penalties for plagiarism. Even your account may be terminated if violation is found.
So after registration, before you start taking orders you must thoroughly study site rules.
There are deadlines for assignment submission by minute.
So you should take an assignment only after being sure that you have enough material available and can submit in time. The earning may not come easy but it is sure for the work done. I have earned from all above mentioned sites.
Online earning
If you get enough time to spend at home after work or a student or housewife you may like to earn online few extra dollars.
When you search online earning sites, you will find hundreds of them giving clues about making $100 a day without doing anything. Beware that 99% of such allurements are frauds. There is nothing like easy money. Read carefully such ads and if they are vague and just want you to sign up without giving satisfying clues about the mechanism, just walk away.
Then there are freelance sites like iFreelance, elance, Gofreelance, Writerlance etc. which give opportunities to freelancers but I advise not to become a paid member in the beginning. You may check craglist which is free. It takes lot of patience to establish yourself as a good writer. If you are not paid in the beginning and write some content you can use it as samples to build your portfolio.
There are also opportunities in blogging. One is to start your own blog and sign up with adsense. Topic of your blog may vary from pets to furniture, home decoration, recipes, journal, gardening, natural therapy – anything that interests you.If you are a photographer and have a good collection, you may start a photo or video blog. You will be paid when people click on ads posted on your blog by google.
If you can write articles, you may sign up with www.associatedcontent.com which is free. They pay something between $3 to $20 if your article is selected.
You may also start a website and publish content which is better option than blog if you know computer. You may place referral ads of companies like amazon.com on your site. If any one buyers stuff through that ad, you earn referral bonus.
If you have anything to sell, you may register on www.ebay.com. Registration is free but you will have to give your details and credit card number to become an affiliate.
Another way of earning online is sign up with www.blogit.com which is a blogging site. Sign up fee is $10 per month. You may write stuff and read others’ blogs. If you write persistently ( on anything including news and politics, journal, photographs, parenting, spirituality, opinion……). There are people who earn from $100 to $1000 on this site. It may not be intelligent stuff. Read others so that in turn you are read.
The site shares $5 out of your 10$ among other writers whom you read and you get share of their contribution when they read you. Again, it takes time to build a loyal readership and enjoyable income.
When you search online earning sites, you will find hundreds of them giving clues about making $100 a day without doing anything. Beware that 99% of such allurements are frauds. There is nothing like easy money. Read carefully such ads and if they are vague and just want you to sign up without giving satisfying clues about the mechanism, just walk away.
Then there are freelance sites like iFreelance, elance, Gofreelance, Writerlance etc. which give opportunities to freelancers but I advise not to become a paid member in the beginning. You may check craglist which is free. It takes lot of patience to establish yourself as a good writer. If you are not paid in the beginning and write some content you can use it as samples to build your portfolio.
There are also opportunities in blogging. One is to start your own blog and sign up with adsense. Topic of your blog may vary from pets to furniture, home decoration, recipes, journal, gardening, natural therapy – anything that interests you.If you are a photographer and have a good collection, you may start a photo or video blog. You will be paid when people click on ads posted on your blog by google.
If you can write articles, you may sign up with www.associatedcontent.com which is free. They pay something between $3 to $20 if your article is selected.
You may also start a website and publish content which is better option than blog if you know computer. You may place referral ads of companies like amazon.com on your site. If any one buyers stuff through that ad, you earn referral bonus.
If you have anything to sell, you may register on www.ebay.com. Registration is free but you will have to give your details and credit card number to become an affiliate.
Another way of earning online is sign up with www.blogit.com which is a blogging site. Sign up fee is $10 per month. You may write stuff and read others’ blogs. If you write persistently ( on anything including news and politics, journal, photographs, parenting, spirituality, opinion……). There are people who earn from $100 to $1000 on this site. It may not be intelligent stuff. Read others so that in turn you are read.
The site shares $5 out of your 10$ among other writers whom you read and you get share of their contribution when they read you. Again, it takes time to build a loyal readership and enjoyable income.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Gautam Budha's Horoscope
When Guatam Budha was born his father king Sudodhan called in the royal priest to make his horoscope.
After checking the date and time of his birth, the priest told that either this child is going to be an emperor or a monk.
We respect spiritually elevated human souls but no parent wants his child to become a monk, however great.
King made the arrangements to ensure that no circumstance was ever allowed around Sidharth( Budha, the child) that led to make him even think of being a monk. All arrangements of princely entertainment were made. Horse riding, teaching of royal ethics a and public duty, beautiful dancers, flower valleys, friends, food and fun.Nobody even will have a sad face in his presence or talk of sorrow.
That made him fed up with the material joys which didn’t offer inner happiness.
As luck would have it, one day he chanced upon to see a dead body being carried for funeral. He asked his teacher who in turn clarified that the death was inevitable.
Why death can’t be avoided? Who gives us birth? What is the source of misery? Can we avoid suffering by praying God? Where do we go after death? – the questions never ended and answers of his teacher hardly satisfied Sidharth.
Sidharth was married in hurry so that he would be absorbed in worldly business. One day he left the palace in the wee hours of night, while his son and wife were asleep – never to come back.
Gautam Budha became a great monk.
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After checking the date and time of his birth, the priest told that either this child is going to be an emperor or a monk.
We respect spiritually elevated human souls but no parent wants his child to become a monk, however great.
King made the arrangements to ensure that no circumstance was ever allowed around Sidharth( Budha, the child) that led to make him even think of being a monk. All arrangements of princely entertainment were made. Horse riding, teaching of royal ethics a and public duty, beautiful dancers, flower valleys, friends, food and fun.Nobody even will have a sad face in his presence or talk of sorrow.
That made him fed up with the material joys which didn’t offer inner happiness.
As luck would have it, one day he chanced upon to see a dead body being carried for funeral. He asked his teacher who in turn clarified that the death was inevitable.
Why death can’t be avoided? Who gives us birth? What is the source of misery? Can we avoid suffering by praying God? Where do we go after death? – the questions never ended and answers of his teacher hardly satisfied Sidharth.
Sidharth was married in hurry so that he would be absorbed in worldly business. One day he left the palace in the wee hours of night, while his son and wife were asleep – never to come back.
Gautam Budha became a great monk.
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
googlecashcow - did I earn ?
Earn up to Rs 40,000 a month from home- good idea.Who doesn’t want to go an extra mile as far as earning concerned if there was an opportunity? I purchased googlecashcow for Rs 1400/-. I paid the amount through credit card and a CD arrived in three days.
I rushed to insert the CD in the drive to not to delay a moment. I found two detailed PDF files.
The content begins with a disclaimer that earning is not guaranteed from the program.
You will earn depending on the people visiting your site and when someone clicks on the ad placed on it.
To optimize search engine ranking get services of SEO ( search engine optimization) to get an upper rank. Because most searchers do not go beyond second page.
The whole concept is well conceived but it is not easy to do all the things if you are a novice in computer use. I have been using computer and internet for over ten years. I could get a domain name.
But building a website even if it is free, to find and place content, make people visit was never my cup of tea. There are no easy to follow steps. I think the company should offer some assistance to those who want to set up a site. Not bad even if it is for a fee. Even most of the acclaimed free sites ultimately lead you to make a payment.
And even if you want to opt out at this stage you have already filled your personal details because the payment form is generally the second one. You never know how safe is that.
Optimization companies charge heavily.
I found it safe to start a blog which is simple to set up. Earnings have yet to come by.
I rushed to insert the CD in the drive to not to delay a moment. I found two detailed PDF files.
The content begins with a disclaimer that earning is not guaranteed from the program.
The whole idea is –
Register a domain name – paid/free
Build your website and submit to a host search engine-paid/free
Get content for the site-paid/free
Sign up with google dsense which will place relevant ads on the site
You will earn depending on the people visiting your site and when someone clicks on the ad placed on it.
To optimize search engine ranking get services of SEO ( search engine optimization) to get an upper rank. Because most searchers do not go beyond second page.
The whole concept is well conceived but it is not easy to do all the things if you are a novice in computer use. I have been using computer and internet for over ten years. I could get a domain name.
But building a website even if it is free, to find and place content, make people visit was never my cup of tea. There are no easy to follow steps. I think the company should offer some assistance to those who want to set up a site. Not bad even if it is for a fee. Even most of the acclaimed free sites ultimately lead you to make a payment.
And even if you want to opt out at this stage you have already filled your personal details because the payment form is generally the second one. You never know how safe is that.
Optimization companies charge heavily.
I found it safe to start a blog which is simple to set up. Earnings have yet to come by.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Steven Rudolph : His Laws of Learning
Lawsoflearning is the extract of the best learning of East and West. by Steven Rudolph, a dedicated American educationist now settled in India( Faridabad) for the past fourteen years. Steve had his graduation from US and M.Ed. from Temple University, Japan.Steve is a seasoned educator.
Thoroughly studied Steve still devotes most of his day studying and devising new methods to make learning a joyful experience. He has authored about fifty titles for primary students using constructive, collaborative approach under ICOT, a Jiva publication initiative. I don’t think anybody else in India has worked harder to improve our teacher centered education system.
Steve has simplified the whole concept through easy to follow lawsoflearning on his blog with the same title. It is an intellectual feast to teachers. The laws are a result of his incessant work in studying the Indian and Western education scenario from close. The laws are practical, effective and easy to follow. Steve also gives workshops to school teachers on request.
Steve's blog can be accessed at-
http://stevenrudolph.typepad.com/lawsoflearning/2007/01/a_teacher_i_rem.html
Thoroughly studied Steve still devotes most of his day studying and devising new methods to make learning a joyful experience. He has authored about fifty titles for primary students using constructive, collaborative approach under ICOT, a Jiva publication initiative. I don’t think anybody else in India has worked harder to improve our teacher centered education system.
Steve has simplified the whole concept through easy to follow lawsoflearning on his blog with the same title. It is an intellectual feast to teachers. The laws are a result of his incessant work in studying the Indian and Western education scenario from close. The laws are practical, effective and easy to follow. Steve also gives workshops to school teachers on request.
Steve's blog can be accessed at-
http://stevenrudolph.typepad.com/lawsoflearning/2007/01/a_teacher_i_rem.html
Is Your Credit Card Safe?
Credit card fraud is a million dollar industry today. In today’s time it is not an option to not to have a credit card for new generation. You can’t be carrying a pocketful of notes if you are in business or otherwise going for shopping.
The Times of India reports that Credit Card safety is at perils with the new device called skimmer. When you offer your card for swipe on a petrol pump, a restaurant, shop or any other outlet, a bystander may be copying your card with a skimmer in his pocket. The person may use your details for online shopping or may sell it to a bigger racket.
So, next time be careful while shopping with a credit card lest the monthly statement takes you by surprise.
See that nobody is present in cabin when you are drawing cash from your debit/credit card. Read http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Fake_credit_card_racket_busted/articleshow/2140363.cms
The Times of India reports that Credit Card safety is at perils with the new device called skimmer. When you offer your card for swipe on a petrol pump, a restaurant, shop or any other outlet, a bystander may be copying your card with a skimmer in his pocket. The person may use your details for online shopping or may sell it to a bigger racket.
So, next time be careful while shopping with a credit card lest the monthly statement takes you by surprise.
See that nobody is present in cabin when you are drawing cash from your debit/credit card. Read http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Fake_credit_card_racket_busted/articleshow/2140363.cms
Lighter Side of Hitler
Most people hate Hitler for his mass genocide during WWII. I want to tell you the other side of his life.
When Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, German mark was not worth the paper. It was so devaluated that people used to decorate walls with currency notes. He took only nine years ( 1931-39) to make Germany a super power. Country’s economy was totally transformed.
Hitler was an artist by choice. His father forced him a lot to take interest in studies to get a job but he did not buzz. His father expired when he was in High school. Mother was always soft on him.
Hitler found his history teacher very interesting. The latter would teach subject in such a manner that it seemed as if things were happening live. Hitler became inspired to read rest of the subject in detail. He studied social and economic conditions of neighboring countries. This led to his interest in active politics. Except for his last few years when he became overambitious and growingly cruel, his rule and vision was largely commendable.
He makes an interesting comment about intelligentsia. He said intellectual people were of little use to bring about any social change. They come together, discuss, have coffee and go home. It is the common man who advances to make sacrifice for a cause.
Hitler became more infamous; probably because following his suicide, his concentration camps were captured by opposite forces and they had access to picturing the torture scenes which were used for publicity. Otherwise all politicians who have waged wars would be found equally cruel.
When Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, German mark was not worth the paper. It was so devaluated that people used to decorate walls with currency notes. He took only nine years ( 1931-39) to make Germany a super power. Country’s economy was totally transformed.
Hitler was an artist by choice. His father forced him a lot to take interest in studies to get a job but he did not buzz. His father expired when he was in High school. Mother was always soft on him.
Hitler found his history teacher very interesting. The latter would teach subject in such a manner that it seemed as if things were happening live. Hitler became inspired to read rest of the subject in detail. He studied social and economic conditions of neighboring countries. This led to his interest in active politics. Except for his last few years when he became overambitious and growingly cruel, his rule and vision was largely commendable.
He makes an interesting comment about intelligentsia. He said intellectual people were of little use to bring about any social change. They come together, discuss, have coffee and go home. It is the common man who advances to make sacrifice for a cause.
Hitler became more infamous; probably because following his suicide, his concentration camps were captured by opposite forces and they had access to picturing the torture scenes which were used for publicity. Otherwise all politicians who have waged wars would be found equally cruel.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Ashok Pandey : A Principal with Difference
Ahlcon Internatoinal School, situated in Mayur Vihar makes a difference to the visitor. There is conspicuous creativity every where, a creative brainwork of Principal Ashok Pandey.
Ashok is a principal with difference. You can spot smile and content on the faces of his team and kids. That is what I look for whenever I have a chance to visit a school. He mentors his teachers, giving lot of opportunity to polish teaching skills through sustained friendly approach.
No pride of position or learning has touched him. Though his learning and experience is hard to find among this community. Most principals wear a terrifying, learned look once they get the position. He has a Master’s in Physics and continues to learn incessantly. Ashok has taught in prestigious Mayo College, Ajmer and abroad as well. He was also principal at DPS, Jammu. Above his scholarship and administrative acumen, one finds a loving and caring human being in him.
If anybody intends to set up a school or wants to improve his institution, a look through the Ahlcon will be a great advantage. The space in the school has been judiciously used to create host of learning facilities for students. Juniors have a separate library. Teacher resource room is a novel addition which makes possible for teacher to search net and other material to enrich instruction in the school itself.
The School has not given enviable academic results but students have brought in laurels in sports, cultural and literary activities as well.
Ashok is a principal with difference. You can spot smile and content on the faces of his team and kids. That is what I look for whenever I have a chance to visit a school. He mentors his teachers, giving lot of opportunity to polish teaching skills through sustained friendly approach.
No pride of position or learning has touched him. Though his learning and experience is hard to find among this community. Most principals wear a terrifying, learned look once they get the position. He has a Master’s in Physics and continues to learn incessantly. Ashok has taught in prestigious Mayo College, Ajmer and abroad as well. He was also principal at DPS, Jammu. Above his scholarship and administrative acumen, one finds a loving and caring human being in him.
If anybody intends to set up a school or wants to improve his institution, a look through the Ahlcon will be a great advantage. The space in the school has been judiciously used to create host of learning facilities for students. Juniors have a separate library. Teacher resource room is a novel addition which makes possible for teacher to search net and other material to enrich instruction in the school itself.
The School has not given enviable academic results but students have brought in laurels in sports, cultural and literary activities as well.
Liberty in Schools
http://www.mytimesmyvoice.com/ , Delhi Times blog has sparked off a debate about physical touch by opposite sex in schools.Being a teacher and principal, I agree with modifications.
The society has changed so rapidly in past decade which never did in last hundred years. We elders will have to learn to come to terms with the present. There is little choice left.
But every generation owes a responsibility to the younger ones. We can’t just be onlookers and just let go everything. What happened in America is even difficult to believe for an Indian parent. According to a study 49% of the school going children have smoked marijuana (ganja) before class 12th. Some schools have started hiring snuffer dogs in the schools to check on students. There are metal detectors installed in most educational institutions to check guns.
That is a wealthy country but things seem to be going out of hands for parents and schools. We should learn lessons from them.
Think of a student who is not so attractive and has no girl friend to kiss him or jug. He would be mentally disturbed and may become a criminal to avenge his negligence. I think it is ok up to hand shakes.
The society has changed so rapidly in past decade which never did in last hundred years. We elders will have to learn to come to terms with the present. There is little choice left.
But every generation owes a responsibility to the younger ones. We can’t just be onlookers and just let go everything. What happened in America is even difficult to believe for an Indian parent. According to a study 49% of the school going children have smoked marijuana (ganja) before class 12th. Some schools have started hiring snuffer dogs in the schools to check on students. There are metal detectors installed in most educational institutions to check guns.
That is a wealthy country but things seem to be going out of hands for parents and schools. We should learn lessons from them.
Think of a student who is not so attractive and has no girl friend to kiss him or jug. He would be mentally disturbed and may become a criminal to avenge his negligence. I think it is ok up to hand shakes.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
I too had a dream
Kurien Vergese, the pioneer of Indian dairy industry started his career on a very interesting note.
While in London, he read following lines in a newspaper: " In terms of presence of bacteria, sewer water of London was safer than Indian milk."
Kurien was disturbed by it and returned to his country. He started small milk collection centers in rural Gujarat. Villagers will collect milk at one place which will then be sent to cities. This gave a source of income to poor people. The movement expanded gradually and in time bigger milk processing centers were opened. Rest is detail.Vergese has summed up his story in his autobiography 'I Too Had a Dream'.
Today India is among top ten milk and milk product exporting countries of the world. Lacs of people has got employment.
That is a good example we can react to things. A quotation in the book, a comment by a neighbor, a movie scene or a deceiving friend may turn out to be a teacher. We need to keep the windows of mind to learn from every situation.
While in London, he read following lines in a newspaper: " In terms of presence of bacteria, sewer water of London was safer than Indian milk."
Kurien was disturbed by it and returned to his country. He started small milk collection centers in rural Gujarat. Villagers will collect milk at one place which will then be sent to cities. This gave a source of income to poor people. The movement expanded gradually and in time bigger milk processing centers were opened. Rest is detail.Vergese has summed up his story in his autobiography 'I Too Had a Dream'.
Today India is among top ten milk and milk product exporting countries of the world. Lacs of people has got employment.
That is a good example we can react to things. A quotation in the book, a comment by a neighbor, a movie scene or a deceiving friend may turn out to be a teacher. We need to keep the windows of mind to learn from every situation.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Making your teaching interesting
We consistently stuff children with knowledge and information which results in most children hating studies. There is little content in course books which prepares children to face challenges of modern life. There are situations in life when you face crises, cheated by selfish friends and face threat.
Three Indian ancient books teach about the art of living. These are Panchtantra, Hitopdesh and Vikram Betal. These books are a gift to world from India and have been translated into most world languages. However, I have seen we give little importance to them in our schools. These can be used in assembly talks by principals, individual teachers in their classes or through role play. These books are for all age groups, even there is enough teaching for the adults.
Panchtantra teaches to deal with different life situations. This world is full of robbers, cheats, faithful friends. There are stories about relationships. Vikram Betal challenges your sense of justice and wit. Hitopdesh teaches about the art of dealing with people and how to meet threatening situations by using your intelligence. I suggest parents gift these books to their kids. These can also be given as prizes in the schools.
Indian mythological stories is another treasure house of moral education.
The best time to tell these tales is at an early age. Initial interest can be developed by telling these stories. This also leads children develop reading habit.
Three Indian ancient books teach about the art of living. These are Panchtantra, Hitopdesh and Vikram Betal. These books are a gift to world from India and have been translated into most world languages. However, I have seen we give little importance to them in our schools. These can be used in assembly talks by principals, individual teachers in their classes or through role play. These books are for all age groups, even there is enough teaching for the adults.
Panchtantra teaches to deal with different life situations. This world is full of robbers, cheats, faithful friends. There are stories about relationships. Vikram Betal challenges your sense of justice and wit. Hitopdesh teaches about the art of dealing with people and how to meet threatening situations by using your intelligence. I suggest parents gift these books to their kids. These can also be given as prizes in the schools.
Indian mythological stories is another treasure house of moral education.
The best time to tell these tales is at an early age. Initial interest can be developed by telling these stories. This also leads children develop reading habit.
Humour
A Sardarji had a fourth child in his family. When they were about to leave the hospital, the nurse wanted to write down some information in the register for government records. She would ask and Sardar will answer.
Nurse:"Father"?
Sardar:"Banta Singh"
Nurse: "Mother"?
Sardar: "Manpreet Kaur"
Nurse : "Religion?"
Sardar: "Sikh"
Nurse: "Sex"?
Sardar: "No sex for the past three months".
Nurse: "Nationality"?
Sardar: "Chinese".
Nurse: "Chinese! How do you mean?"
Sardar: "I had read in a book that every fourth child born in the world is a Chinese".
Nurse:"Father"?
Sardar:"Banta Singh"
Nurse: "Mother"?
Sardar: "Manpreet Kaur"
Nurse : "Religion?"
Sardar: "Sikh"
Nurse: "Sex"?
Sardar: "No sex for the past three months".
Nurse: "Nationality"?
Sardar: "Chinese".
Nurse: "Chinese! How do you mean?"
Sardar: "I had read in a book that every fourth child born in the world is a Chinese".
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Gandhi as Father
Here are some little known facts about the father of Nation. He was inspired by an insult to pursue a great mission.
Mahatma( great soul, a name given by Rabindranath Togore, a Nobel laureate) was not good at studies. After graduation he tried for a teaching job in Bombay but was rejected. Then he went to England to study law. His practice did not take off in India so he was advised to go to South Africa because a good number of traders of his community lived there. Did not click. He opened a school in Phoenix but was closed down.
One fine day, while travelling a first class railway coach, he was thrown out by the guard as blacks were not supposed to travel in first class. Then and there he vowed to overthrow the British rule in India which he ultimately did. India became the first liberated colony of the British in 1947. Six months after independence, he was shot by Nathu Ram Godse. Why, this is another story I will share with you later. Godse touched Gandhi’s feet as a mark of respect before shooting at him.
Gandhi lived a balanced life. Prayer, morning walk, cleaning toilet, feeding goats, meeting journalists and politicians, reading, publishing newspaper, travelling and meeting people, writing books and weaving cotton yarn for own clothes made his routine.
But in the whole life his children were ignored. So much so that eldest son disowned him as Father.
So fathers, never forget this obligation of giving time to children however great you are or going to be.
Mahatma( great soul, a name given by Rabindranath Togore, a Nobel laureate) was not good at studies. After graduation he tried for a teaching job in Bombay but was rejected. Then he went to England to study law. His practice did not take off in India so he was advised to go to South Africa because a good number of traders of his community lived there. Did not click. He opened a school in Phoenix but was closed down.
One fine day, while travelling a first class railway coach, he was thrown out by the guard as blacks were not supposed to travel in first class. Then and there he vowed to overthrow the British rule in India which he ultimately did. India became the first liberated colony of the British in 1947. Six months after independence, he was shot by Nathu Ram Godse. Why, this is another story I will share with you later. Godse touched Gandhi’s feet as a mark of respect before shooting at him.
Gandhi lived a balanced life. Prayer, morning walk, cleaning toilet, feeding goats, meeting journalists and politicians, reading, publishing newspaper, travelling and meeting people, writing books and weaving cotton yarn for own clothes made his routine.
But in the whole life his children were ignored. So much so that eldest son disowned him as Father.
So fathers, never forget this obligation of giving time to children however great you are or going to be.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Help Children Dream
This piece I had read in ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’ by Mark Victor Hansen and others. Good work. I apologize for using my own words as I don’t have the book now.
A speaker is addressing an audience in a cozy hall of a farm house. Once a teacher gave an assignment to children to write about there dream. One boy had always thought of a dream farm house spread over two hundred acres along with a ranch and few dozen horses. The boy worked planning meticulously the drawings of lawns, drawing room, recreation room, guest rooms, conference hall- everything. He submitted his dream to the teacher who reacted sharply to the proposal.
"Be realistic. You are a middle class boy and quite aware of your capabilities. I hadn’t asked you to fantasize." She wrote ‘F’ with a red pen on the papers. The boy got disappointed.
"Well, I can reconsider the grade if you review it to make practical." Said the teacher handing over sheets to the boy.
The boy took home and consulted his father if he should make another plan. "It is up to you. If you believe this is your dream, don’t change it", said father.
Next day the boy presented the same paper to the teacher.
"This is the 4000 square yard house you are sitting in and I am that boy. The drawings are the same as I made for the first time. And there hangs the framed project on the wall with ‘F’ imprinted on it", continued the speaker.
"Don’t steal anybody’s dream, particularly I say to the teachers. The same teacher now visits this farm every year along with her children. She has stopped crushing dreams."
A speaker is addressing an audience in a cozy hall of a farm house. Once a teacher gave an assignment to children to write about there dream. One boy had always thought of a dream farm house spread over two hundred acres along with a ranch and few dozen horses. The boy worked planning meticulously the drawings of lawns, drawing room, recreation room, guest rooms, conference hall- everything. He submitted his dream to the teacher who reacted sharply to the proposal.
"Be realistic. You are a middle class boy and quite aware of your capabilities. I hadn’t asked you to fantasize." She wrote ‘F’ with a red pen on the papers. The boy got disappointed.
"Well, I can reconsider the grade if you review it to make practical." Said the teacher handing over sheets to the boy.
The boy took home and consulted his father if he should make another plan. "It is up to you. If you believe this is your dream, don’t change it", said father.
Next day the boy presented the same paper to the teacher.
"This is the 4000 square yard house you are sitting in and I am that boy. The drawings are the same as I made for the first time. And there hangs the framed project on the wall with ‘F’ imprinted on it", continued the speaker.
"Don’t steal anybody’s dream, particularly I say to the teachers. The same teacher now visits this farm every year along with her children. She has stopped crushing dreams."
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Joke
An Indian farmer received a telegram from his son who was in the Army. The telegram read: "PLEASE SEND MY FAMILY. URGENT. STOP"
Nobody in the village knew English. He went to the government school teacher, the postmaster and everywhere to know what his son had asked for. Nobody could exactly decipher the word family.( Indian soldiers officially use the word ‘family’ for wife).
Disappointed, the farmer came home. Everybody thoroughly searched each corner of the house if his son had forgotten anything valuable when on annual leave vacation.
After lot of search a child found an old army blanket.
"This must be the family!", I think. Papa forgot it here.
After heated discussion everybody arrived at the conclusion that the ‘family’ was nothing but the Blanket.
Next day father went to the head post office and sent this reply.
"GET ANOTHER. WE HAVE SPOILED THIS ONE. STOP
Nobody in the village knew English. He went to the government school teacher, the postmaster and everywhere to know what his son had asked for. Nobody could exactly decipher the word family.( Indian soldiers officially use the word ‘family’ for wife).
Disappointed, the farmer came home. Everybody thoroughly searched each corner of the house if his son had forgotten anything valuable when on annual leave vacation.
After lot of search a child found an old army blanket.
"This must be the family!", I think. Papa forgot it here.
After heated discussion everybody arrived at the conclusion that the ‘family’ was nothing but the Blanket.
Next day father went to the head post office and sent this reply.
"GET ANOTHER. WE HAVE SPOILED THIS ONE. STOP
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Technology in Schools
Few months back I had the opportunity to visit a newly opened school in order to deliver a workshop. I saw, air conditioned, carpeted class rooms and large plasma TVs hanging on walls. Some rooms were fitted with LCD projectors. What surprised me was that all the teachers didn’t know when, how and where to use these gadgets.
And what will happen a year after? These TVs would look awkward as thinner, more advanced sets will arrive. Similarly LCD projectors will also have newer models. Can these things replace traditional classroom teaching?
Secondly, air conditioners are not run in India throughout the seasons. If they are kept off during winter, what about the contaminated air inside sealed rooms? Won’t I make the children sick? Carpets too will become worn and dirty in two years. No school can afford to change all these fittings every year.
Technology is changing so fast that we need to think for while before making heavy investments. This cost is passed on to parents which has no direct relevance to quality of instruction. The monthly fee each student pays counts more than the salary paid to the teacher. School managements are not ready to invest in hiring high quality teachers and in service training.
What matters most is the knowledge level of the teacher and intensive advance planning and practice of lessons which are to be delivered through electronic media. Books and teaching material is not being prepared as fast as the apparatus. I think these gadgets served more to amuse the parents than for their practical use. Blatant application all wonderful applications will result in the loss of primary objective of a school system.
Use of computers in applications like creating unique electronic profiles of the students with online access to the parents makes sense. Similarly, it can be used for speedy in-house communication system to increase efficiency. Schools need to invest in creating R&D facilities to study, select, classify and use the vast information on the net and other software.
As a thumb rule, I feel the spending on creating and maintaining physical facilities should never exceed the budget proportion spent on teacher hiring and imparting knowledge. Primary objective of a school is different from a hotel, where the customer pays primarily for food, comfort and environment.
And what will happen a year after? These TVs would look awkward as thinner, more advanced sets will arrive. Similarly LCD projectors will also have newer models. Can these things replace traditional classroom teaching?
Secondly, air conditioners are not run in India throughout the seasons. If they are kept off during winter, what about the contaminated air inside sealed rooms? Won’t I make the children sick? Carpets too will become worn and dirty in two years. No school can afford to change all these fittings every year.
Technology is changing so fast that we need to think for while before making heavy investments. This cost is passed on to parents which has no direct relevance to quality of instruction. The monthly fee each student pays counts more than the salary paid to the teacher. School managements are not ready to invest in hiring high quality teachers and in service training.
What matters most is the knowledge level of the teacher and intensive advance planning and practice of lessons which are to be delivered through electronic media. Books and teaching material is not being prepared as fast as the apparatus. I think these gadgets served more to amuse the parents than for their practical use. Blatant application all wonderful applications will result in the loss of primary objective of a school system.
Use of computers in applications like creating unique electronic profiles of the students with online access to the parents makes sense. Similarly, it can be used for speedy in-house communication system to increase efficiency. Schools need to invest in creating R&D facilities to study, select, classify and use the vast information on the net and other software.
As a thumb rule, I feel the spending on creating and maintaining physical facilities should never exceed the budget proportion spent on teacher hiring and imparting knowledge. Primary objective of a school is different from a hotel, where the customer pays primarily for food, comfort and environment.
How to be a Popular Teacher
Some teachers are more popular than others. Students don’t forget them for life time and even emulate them as role models. That is the real harvest of teaching profession. It is such a nice feeling when some old student locates you in the middle of crowd and touches your feet.
You may be having a list of your favorite teachers. So do I. Being a teacher myself I closely observed what made teachers so likeable. Here are some qualities:
You may be having a list of your favorite teachers. So do I. Being a teacher myself I closely observed what made teachers so likeable. Here are some qualities:
1. Command their subject.
2. Always willing to help students.
3. Give very reasonable homework and finish most drills in class itself.
4. Do not punish, threat or insult children for mistakes.
5. Regular in checking homework and returning tests.
6. Maintain a reasonable distance from students. Don’t mix up too much.
7. Don’t criticize other subjects or teachers.
8. Don’t idle in the class.
9. Meticulously check homework notebooks.
10.Don’t always complain to parents about the child.
11. Help resolving problems of their students.
12. Spend their time in library or look working in the staff room.
13. Don’t use students for doing their work.
14. Teach at the speed of slowest learning child in the class. Don’t rush to finish syllabus.
15. Draw conclusions from own work and keep improving year by year.
16. Don’t look tough and dry. Come properly dressed and be careful about your looks. I don’t mean looking beautiful by face and dress only.
These are the time tested tips. Try and reside in the hearts of your students. You are welcome to contribute more.
Better English for Teachers
Indian people are crazy about writing and speaking good English. I have checked lots of books on the subject but ‘How to Write and Speak Better’ by Reader’s Digest is teacher’s best pal.
Comprising 650 pages and priced at Rs 1000/- it is much more than worth the money.The book deals in detail with topics like ‘Style of Writing’, ‘Vocabulary building’, ‘Mastering Grammar’, ‘Using Dictionaries’, ‘Letter Writing’, ‘Minutes Writing’, ‘Invitations’, ‘Essay Writing’ and ‘Reports Writing’.
If you want to impress your colleagues and students by your crisp writing or planning to come in educational administration, this book is a great help. Intricacies of grammar have been explained in simple manner. I have read it a number of times and still keep at hand.
If you want plan some extra earning through online writing assignments and blogs, it will help refine your expression. As for letter writing, lots of examples have been given to precisely teach you the art of letter writing.
In teaching profession, more you learn is less. You are investing in generations. You never know which student is drawing inspiration from you. A knowledgeable mind absorbs the attention of the students. Language is key to success in any profession. You may invent modern gadgets, but somebody has to explain how to use them. This book is precious possession indeed.
Comprising 650 pages and priced at Rs 1000/- it is much more than worth the money.The book deals in detail with topics like ‘Style of Writing’, ‘Vocabulary building’, ‘Mastering Grammar’, ‘Using Dictionaries’, ‘Letter Writing’, ‘Minutes Writing’, ‘Invitations’, ‘Essay Writing’ and ‘Reports Writing’.
If you want to impress your colleagues and students by your crisp writing or planning to come in educational administration, this book is a great help. Intricacies of grammar have been explained in simple manner. I have read it a number of times and still keep at hand.
If you want plan some extra earning through online writing assignments and blogs, it will help refine your expression. As for letter writing, lots of examples have been given to precisely teach you the art of letter writing.
In teaching profession, more you learn is less. You are investing in generations. You never know which student is drawing inspiration from you. A knowledgeable mind absorbs the attention of the students. Language is key to success in any profession. You may invent modern gadgets, but somebody has to explain how to use them. This book is precious possession indeed.
Future Schools of India
Fifteen percent of Earth’s human resource belongs to India. This is a great truth that can make this country a leader.
Our education system is devoid of a holistic vision. Government spends thousands of crores of taxpayers money for school education creating lacs of educated youth wandering about unemployed though there is no dearth of opportunities. Teachers lack vision and methodology and we have no national plan as to what to do with army of graduates.
In the first place, our kids study to obtain jobs. The purpose of education is to prepare citizens for life, not living. A fresh pass out doesn’t know where to go for work. He chooses a stream of study which is not of his/her interest but promises a job where naturally one is unlikely to make great success.
For instance, a student is a very good artist but spends his precious years studying hard to make entrance into engineering. He will be a dump as an engineer because he has went against nature. Another student has good selling skills but pushed into teaching. A would be script writer becomes a doctor. Result- lots of right people placed wrongly.
Instead, I would suggest we have a national job bank and talent profile maintained by schools and colleges. No student should have to strive searching the job. Let him pursue what he loves to do. On passing out he shouldn’t have to struggle finding a suitable placement. Agencies can help making a match that is best suited to youth’s talent and skills. Unless such student finds a job, he should be compensated with a living allowance.
If somebody is ready to invest I can for sure create such a model. There will be a rush for admissions and students would love coming to school.
Our education system is devoid of a holistic vision. Government spends thousands of crores of taxpayers money for school education creating lacs of educated youth wandering about unemployed though there is no dearth of opportunities. Teachers lack vision and methodology and we have no national plan as to what to do with army of graduates.
In the first place, our kids study to obtain jobs. The purpose of education is to prepare citizens for life, not living. A fresh pass out doesn’t know where to go for work. He chooses a stream of study which is not of his/her interest but promises a job where naturally one is unlikely to make great success.
For instance, a student is a very good artist but spends his precious years studying hard to make entrance into engineering. He will be a dump as an engineer because he has went against nature. Another student has good selling skills but pushed into teaching. A would be script writer becomes a doctor. Result- lots of right people placed wrongly.
Instead, I would suggest we have a national job bank and talent profile maintained by schools and colleges. No student should have to strive searching the job. Let him pursue what he loves to do. On passing out he shouldn’t have to struggle finding a suitable placement. Agencies can help making a match that is best suited to youth’s talent and skills. Unless such student finds a job, he should be compensated with a living allowance.
If somebody is ready to invest I can for sure create such a model. There will be a rush for admissions and students would love coming to school.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Gita for Teacher
I could never have interest in this book until the age of forty though I have read hundreds of books including mythology. Arjun feeling dejected in the battlefield and Krishna preaching him to get to His shelter. Forget the fruit of the action and all that. But one fact bewildered me why these hundreds of scholars and sages for centuries been advocating Gita? There must be some substance in these 700 stanzas that makes the book live for five thousand years. Now I believe Gita has solutions for life problems irrespective of the age in which we live.
The best course would be to have a copy of it and read one chapter a day. If you prefer Hindi, Gita press large font edition is good. If you are comfortable with English, there are commentaries by K.M. Munshi ( Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan), Swami Chidbhavanand, Mahatma Gandhi, C Rajgopalachari, Tilak or Sri Aurbindo.
If you can’t read the whole book, Mahatma Gandhi suggests daily reading of second chapter would suffice. It has seventy two stanzas. I have drawn three important lessons for the modern teacher.
The best course would be to have a copy of it and read one chapter a day. If you prefer Hindi, Gita press large font edition is good. If you are comfortable with English, there are commentaries by K.M. Munshi ( Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan), Swami Chidbhavanand, Mahatma Gandhi, C Rajgopalachari, Tilak or Sri Aurbindo.
If you can’t read the whole book, Mahatma Gandhi suggests daily reading of second chapter would suffice. It has seventy two stanzas. I have drawn three important lessons for the modern teacher.
- Keep Your Cool – Your inner peace is most important to live life of significance. Never be a victim of circumstances. This world is made up of all type of people – robbers, thieves, cheats, murderers, exploiters and divine souls in proportion. You can’t change that. Cycles of sufferings and triumphs, death and birth, profit and loss, health and disease are inevitable. Come what may, never lose your inner calm and composition. When you are agitated or angry, you are most likely to take wrong decisions.
- Be Non-judgemental – We start our day with analyzing everything as good or bad, right or wrong and thereby becoming a party to happenings. Just be a witness of what happens. Let people think the way they do. The idea of changing the world is foolish. Don’t judge. Start practicing non-judgement for one hour to start with and increase the period gradually.
- Detachment- Attachment and hope become the source of frustration. Never be too attached to a place, person, possession or even an idea. This applies to your job as well. This principle relates to Lord Krishna’s advice to detach oneself from the fruit of action. Do your duty and proceed.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Relations with the School Head
Your relationship with the school Head affects your feelings of job security and satisfaction. Getting too close to boss may breed your critics within the organization and being in seclusion may deprive you of the benefits and recognition for hard work. A middle path is always advantageous.
Here are few tried tips you may follow for a win-win relationship with the Head.
Here are few tried tips you may follow for a win-win relationship with the Head.
- Always volunteer to take responsibilities and make plans of your Head successful.
- Be assertive in making your point if you are unable to undertake a responsibility. Assertiveness is not a point blank refusal but politely explaining your situation and suggesting an alternate if possible.
- If you have to criticize management policies, do it in private. Public opposition will reach your boss and may be much more than what you actually said.
- Always be in time in submitting papers and work flawlessly.
- Never take advantage of your good relation with the boss. Treat yourself at par with any other teacher.
- Take active part in the staff meetings and forward your best suggestions. Keep in mind that turning down of your suggestion should not hurt you emotionally.
- Don’t try to judge your superiors. This is not your job.
- Win the confidence of parents and new teachers by extending help.
- Keep away from the gossip club. Have advance plans to utilize your free periods.
- Do a little extra bit of work than expected of you. Little extra is a powerful success principle. When you go to buy vegetables, how good you feel when the shopkeeper drops one small potato extra after weighing the vegetables. We like to go to a shop which gives attractive polythene bag with your garments whatever size is your shopping bill. This principle holds valid in work place as well.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Two Teachers to Remember
It is sheer by luck that you come across people who live a life of significance and create value by their work. I joined a leadership course at idiscoveri in 2006. The only thing I could draw from the course was a rendezvous with good principals and wonderful coaches.
I would mention Tarun ( TC Tough) and Vishnu. Tarun taught us at the wonderful environs of Shitlakhet in Uttarakhand. I have never seen such bright sky ever before. Idiscoveri leaders have mastered the art of selecting most inspiring sites for their teaching programs.
Tarun would deeply involve himself with the task at hand. He would make sure every participant was coming along. He was reasonably informal and wonderfully caring. He made use of every opportunity to learn and teach whether we were walking, dining or in class. He held his leader Ashish Rajpal in high esteem that we developed respect for the man without ever meeting him.
When we left Sheetlakhet at the end of the course, he arranged for us local sweets to be bought en route to make the sojourn much more memorable. I forgot my shawl in the tent. Tarun came rushing to my compartment in the train to hand over the shawl. This gesture of him really touched me. Now he has moved to Kerala. Tarun is a master of outdoor learning.
In the module B of the course at Gurgaon Vishnu took over. He is intactly housed in his youthful body case looking much younger than his age. Vishnu is thoroughly read and can teach 18 hours in a day without looking tired. He is miserly of smiling and wears smile only when extremely necessitated. We were lucky enough to have been coached by him because now he has proceeded to Bangalore and occasionally visits Gurgaon.
Vishnu types at amazingly fast speed.On conclusion of the course we were gifted a wonderful book ‘Trees of Delhi’ by idiscoveri. What made it invaluable were the personal comments written by Vishnu about every participant. Vishnu is very punctual and makes sure his mobile is off when he is teaching. A wonderful man to know.
I would mention Tarun ( TC Tough) and Vishnu. Tarun taught us at the wonderful environs of Shitlakhet in Uttarakhand. I have never seen such bright sky ever before. Idiscoveri leaders have mastered the art of selecting most inspiring sites for their teaching programs.
Tarun would deeply involve himself with the task at hand. He would make sure every participant was coming along. He was reasonably informal and wonderfully caring. He made use of every opportunity to learn and teach whether we were walking, dining or in class. He held his leader Ashish Rajpal in high esteem that we developed respect for the man without ever meeting him.
When we left Sheetlakhet at the end of the course, he arranged for us local sweets to be bought en route to make the sojourn much more memorable. I forgot my shawl in the tent. Tarun came rushing to my compartment in the train to hand over the shawl. This gesture of him really touched me. Now he has moved to Kerala. Tarun is a master of outdoor learning.
In the module B of the course at Gurgaon Vishnu took over. He is intactly housed in his youthful body case looking much younger than his age. Vishnu is thoroughly read and can teach 18 hours in a day without looking tired. He is miserly of smiling and wears smile only when extremely necessitated. We were lucky enough to have been coached by him because now he has proceeded to Bangalore and occasionally visits Gurgaon.
Vishnu types at amazingly fast speed.On conclusion of the course we were gifted a wonderful book ‘Trees of Delhi’ by idiscoveri. What made it invaluable were the personal comments written by Vishnu about every participant. Vishnu is very punctual and makes sure his mobile is off when he is teaching. A wonderful man to know.
Teaching Jobs in Boarding Schools
Teaching in a boarding school needs a different mindset. One advantage you have in these schools is highly competitive environment. Teachers are well paid and offered lodging and boarding facilities for free.
If you are a peace loving creature and enjoy with your own self this job is ideal. You get enough time for self study in order to enhance your professional skills. It is rather easier to click a job here because many teachers don’t like the 24X7 routine of these schools. Of course there is an element of monotony in boarding schools. If you enjoy being with kids then it is all fun.
If you are starting your career and have no family obligations it is a nice career. You almost save your entire salary because food and accommodation incurs no cost. You may work there for 2-5 years and having accumulated sufficient funds, move to a day school job. The administrative and management training you get in boarding schools pays you throughout life.
It is nice place for working couples plus you get free education for kids. For teachers who have no interest in tuition this is a good career. If you want to move up to become principal of such a school, this training is valuable and opportunities are abundant.
If you are a peace loving creature and enjoy with your own self this job is ideal. You get enough time for self study in order to enhance your professional skills. It is rather easier to click a job here because many teachers don’t like the 24X7 routine of these schools. Of course there is an element of monotony in boarding schools. If you enjoy being with kids then it is all fun.
If you are starting your career and have no family obligations it is a nice career. You almost save your entire salary because food and accommodation incurs no cost. You may work there for 2-5 years and having accumulated sufficient funds, move to a day school job. The administrative and management training you get in boarding schools pays you throughout life.
It is nice place for working couples plus you get free education for kids. For teachers who have no interest in tuition this is a good career. If you want to move up to become principal of such a school, this training is valuable and opportunities are abundant.
High Paying Jobs in IB Schools
Teaching job was never so rewarding as it is now. If you want to build a highly rewarding teaching job, look out for IB schools. The advantage with the IB school teaching is that you become eligible to teach anywhere in the world. These schools pay teachers much more than principals of most private schools in India.
IB school teaching jobs are advertised on its website http://www.ibo.org/. IBO also conducts periodical workshops for subject teachers. The schedule can be accessed from the above website in the events link.
IBO schools are fast becoming popular world wide. More schools are likely to open in the coming years in India. The existing high profile schools are also switching over to this system. IB system is learner friendly and does not subject students to exam stress. The syllabus is customized according to local requirements. IB headquarters are located in Geneva and question papers are prepared in UK. You can study details of the courses and affiliated schools on the given website.
IB school teaching jobs are advertised on its website http://www.ibo.org/. IBO also conducts periodical workshops for subject teachers. The schedule can be accessed from the above website in the events link.
IBO schools are fast becoming popular world wide. More schools are likely to open in the coming years in India. The existing high profile schools are also switching over to this system. IB system is learner friendly and does not subject students to exam stress. The syllabus is customized according to local requirements. IB headquarters are located in Geneva and question papers are prepared in UK. You can study details of the courses and affiliated schools on the given website.
Teacing Jobs in B.Ed. Colleges
Last year as many as 300 new B.Ed. colleges opened in Haryana, Uttarakhand and U.P. alone. There was massive demand of teachers and college principals. Most colleges advertised throughout the year but posts remained vacant as there were not enough qualified teachers available.
Requisite qualification for teacher in B.Ed. college is Master degree in subject with minimum 50% marks plus M.Ed. degree. You must have 55% marks either in one degree at least – M.A. or M.Ed. To be eligible for principal you must have Ph.D. degree and M.Ed. These vacancies will continue for 2-3 years to come as more colleges are likely to be approved.
If you are doing B.Ed. and aspire to be a college teacher, it is advisable to complete M.Ed. this year. Those who are already M.Ed. working in schools are eligible for college job.NET ( National Eligibility Test) clearance is an advantage if you are postgraduate with B.Ed.
The interview committee comprises Management, Principal of a local B.Ed. college and a university nominee. You must go through your B.Ed./M.Ed. books thoroughly before you appear.
When you apply for the post and are selected, do inquire about salary structure and other service benefits as private colleges may not be paying at par with govt. colleges. However, some good colleges prefer to pay well to maintain quality.
To know about B.Ed. colleges and their locations you may visit National Council of Teacher Education [NCTE] website.
Requisite qualification for teacher in B.Ed. college is Master degree in subject with minimum 50% marks plus M.Ed. degree. You must have 55% marks either in one degree at least – M.A. or M.Ed. To be eligible for principal you must have Ph.D. degree and M.Ed. These vacancies will continue for 2-3 years to come as more colleges are likely to be approved.
If you are doing B.Ed. and aspire to be a college teacher, it is advisable to complete M.Ed. this year. Those who are already M.Ed. working in schools are eligible for college job.NET ( National Eligibility Test) clearance is an advantage if you are postgraduate with B.Ed.
The interview committee comprises Management, Principal of a local B.Ed. college and a university nominee. You must go through your B.Ed./M.Ed. books thoroughly before you appear.
When you apply for the post and are selected, do inquire about salary structure and other service benefits as private colleges may not be paying at par with govt. colleges. However, some good colleges prefer to pay well to maintain quality.
To know about B.Ed. colleges and their locations you may visit National Council of Teacher Education [NCTE] website.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Teachers to Earn More
It has become possible for teachers to enhance their income through home based businesses. Teaching is the best profession because it gives one the satisfaction of cultivating human minds and gives opportunity to play a role in the process of social transformation.
Apart from 52 Sundays in a year, teachers get over hundred other holidays in India. That is why this profession particularly suits women who have multiple responsibilities to take.
Internet has offered excellent opportunities to individuals who want to supplement their income in the way they like, at the time they like and as long as they like.
Online Tuition- If you have a computer and Internet connection, you may take tuition not from within India but across the world. The rates are from $ 10-15 per hour depending on your expertise. It is better to tie up with reputed companies instead of individuals because Internet is equally good opportunity for frauds as well. If you are ready to work late night, you may get lot of work from UK and USA.
Online tutoring business is coming up in India as well. To be more effective, you may add a web cam and microphone with the computer.
I will advise you not to pay any registration fee to companies. You may be tempted to pay few hundred rupees to earn thousands and eager to know what is inside the registered tutor area. There is nothing. I have tried. They are full of hollow promises.
There are lots of free sites. You may try tutor@gmail.com
Watch out for upcoming posts on lot more options to earn online. If you have specific queries or additional information, you are welcome to add comments. You may send your contributions through mail at exchange.singh@gmail.com ; I will post in your name. Let’s make the teaching community happy and prosperous.
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Sunday, June 3, 2007
Applying for a Teaching Job
If you aspire for a teaching job because you have nothing else to do; or as a pastime because kids have grown up and you are in search of some occupation, this article may not be for you. But if you are committed to earn both money and name, following tips should help you.
As a principal I have interviewed hundreds of teachers. Some good teachers are unable to click because they become too nervous. This nervousness comes from lack of preparedness.
When you apply for a job prepare your two page resume giving maximum information about yourself. The resume should be accompanied by a passport size photo and hand written application. The application body should address the issue as to why should the employer hire you. Attach testimonials only if you have been asked to. You may show them at the time of interview.
If you have decided to find a job, it will be useful to keep ten copies of fine printed resume, photographs and copies of testimonials standby. Thoroughly prepare at least for topics in your subject keeping in mind the highest class you want to teach. If possible make comprehensive lesson plans so that you look methodical. If sorted out, in most likelihood you will be requested for a class demo. If you are experienced one you may ask the employer to give a class and topic of their choice. Otherwise, there is no harm in choosing a topic yourself.
During the class demo, first introduce yourself and tell the students why you are there. Make your students comfortable and proceed without worrying if anybody is observing you. Don’t talk when you write on the blackboard. And don’t write when you talk. Pay attention to class discipline while teaching.
In case you are not selected, don’t be let down. It is always not your incapability. Sometimes schools have gender preferences, or they don’t want an outstation candidate. There are many reasons which are not disclosed to aspirants. Just do your job and leave the rest to employer. Use the time between two interviews to polish your subject. Also accept that there may be better candidates than you. Never beg a job by telling your compelling situation. And never try a recommendation by an influential person.
When you are offered job, it is time to inquire about gross salary, PF benefit and mode of payment. Don’t inquire about working hours or leaves etc. It is better to find out this information outside principal’s office.
Feel confident during the interview and look into the eyes of the persons talking to you. If you feel that they are asking silly questions instead of your subject or profession, this may be an indication that they are trying to reject you or already have selected a candidate. The process is only a formality.
In future posts I will discuss other issues vital to your success as a teacher. If you have any experiences regarding interview or job success, you are welcome to share.
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Noble Teacher
I joined teaching profession by compulsion to earn. I discovered there was not much money or social recognition compared to other professions. But value added returns were far more satisfying.
Helen Keller, whose name makes every American feel proud, was problem child of her parents. Meningitis attack in her childhood left her dumb and blind. It was impossible to handle her. But as the saying goes, when disciple is ready, the teacher arrives. In Helen’s case disciple wasn’t ready but the teacher was.
Her teacher, Annie devised ways to teach her alphabets by a unique method of writing then on hands and feeling the breath of the sound. Helen made hell of her life. Parents were fed up. The teacher didn’t give up. Helen had to learn alphabets and words.
Helen Keller became first dumb and blind person to complete her graduation. She learned music. Her autobiography became bestseller. She wrote twelve more books and numerous articles. Every American president during her lifetime met her. Annie lived with Helen life long. She died at the age of 88.The money Helen Keller earned from her books was converted into a foundation which still works for the welfare of the deaf and blind world over.
Has any emperor on this earth achieved greater victory than her teacher. She made a celebrity out of a notorious, undesirable child. That is the might of a teacher’s intentions. Let all teachers be like that. Hats off to teachers.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Teacher
The teaching profession is growing more rewarding and challenging.The days of poor master status are flying past.
New IB affiliated schools are paying up to 40,000 p.m. to a teacher.Though at this moment India is having only 14 International Baccalureate affiliated schools, but the number is growing. IB is expanding and becoming everywhere.International Baccalaureate started with diploma program but now they have curriculum for primary and middle classes as well.Doon School has become an IB affiliate w.e.f. 2007.Other schools in India are Dhirubhai Ambani international School, Bombay and Pathways and GD Goenka in Delhi.
Secondly, If you work hard to master your subject for five years and gain administrative experience over another 3 years, you are eligible to become a principal. According to CBSE byelaws, 8 years of experience as teacher is essential to become Principal.Principals in India start from 25,000 a month and top ones are getting 2.5 lacs per month plus accomodation and other benefits extra.
If you want to expand your income, online tuition and other online jobs are available which you can do part time.One point you cannot compromise on is your mastery over subject and effective communication skills.All the Bset.
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