Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Student Teaching Tips

2:39 PM  Robi Marapao  15 comments

Student teaching is a very good way to train future teachers into the field they are destined to plunge their vocation as educators and molders of brains. The experience during internship is however the greatest weapon to actually start the process of knowledge stimulation to students. 

Listening to Details

In every session, listening is one of the keys to a better understanding. It’s really necessary to grasp all the details or ideas and even insights from your mentors. No matter how good you are if you don’t listen to discussions, new ideas will never come to your way. Be a good listener. Listen to what your professors advise to you. Be attentive as you can.

Speaking Ability

This is a crucial and critical part. Every educator should develop this skill. It starts from talking to your friends or even to family members. How hard for you to convey information? If it takes so long to express your thoughts, then it’s time for you to unleash your potential. Live out expressing your insights even in a small issue or topic. Discuss things or news during meal time at home or during recess at school. Also, don’t forget to assess yourself and try to mull over the room for improvement. Practice talking alone in your room in front of the mirror and of course, look at yourself while talking. As you know, public speaking is powerful. 

Reading Habit

Reading is one of the ways to entertain yourself. The book you read can bring you the place where you haven’t been yet.  It helps your brain squeeze and work out of the idle point in time and it’s a powerful way to condition your mind. But be careful of what kind of book you read. As much as possible, pick the books that can speak about or be of help in your line of work. Inspirational or motivational books are also good reads.

Social Media Presence

Try to participate education group in social networking sites. This will help your ways the way it should be. I mean, you can get information or ideas through their experiences. There are lots of educators who blog about education and share inputs on social networking sites and extend their networks. Thus, make yourself seen by sharing your stories and whereabouts to social media. I’m talking about exposing your presence as a future educator. You can share about the tiring days yet very educative and fulfilling etc. Your presence will somehow be a good influence to your friends.

Note Taking

Have a quick note of ideas helpful to your teaching. Hey, we can’t save everything in our minds. Overload will only cause you too much stress and will lead to down in the dumps. So it’s better to take note some important ideas so it’s easier for you to look back again and again. Notes also serve as the refresher. If you are a techie one, you can use your tablet or smart phone to document or record necessary information. Isn’t that cool?

Workstation

It is recommended to have a workstation at home and do your thing there. You can make visual aids and prepare other materials to use in class. The teacher that you work with might ask you to do her or his job so get ready for that. Be willing to extend your help so you can eventually learn the basic things and even complicated stuff.

Lesson Planning

Brainstorming is applied in this task and it takes more time to finalize it. First of all, the lesson plan is designed to help you teach students smoothly so it should be worked with psychomotor, cognitive and affective. Of course, it has attainable objectives and its time frame. 

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Friday, January 18, 2013

5 Places Teachers Build Reputations

4:04 AM  Robi Marapao  14 comments

image from channel4.com

Building good reputations is one of the keys to stay longer at school or in a community and it’s a lead to become a successful educator. As teachers, it’s necessary to be good-natured in most aspects. Reputation should start at home.

Home
How do you race your children? How well do you get along with your parents and relatives? If you’re single like me (as of this writing) how do you spend time with your family? Do you have a quality time together? You should get more or should I say full respect from them as it will reflect to the community.

Community
One of the perks if you’re a teacher is that, neighbors respect you the way you want it to be. Yes, you should deserve it first. Now, try to ask yourself. Do your neighbors treat you right? I’m talking about having a mutual respect. Don’t ever give them any reasons to break trust and respect. The logic is simple and easy. You respect them and they’ll give you more respect; in this way, you can gain force to build a good reputation to your workplace.

Workplace
Examine your self-esteem and your connection with your colleagues and students. Do you have a rapport relationship? Do you go out with your colleagues or more often you stay out from the flock? If your answer is yes for the latter question, that’s not a good implication. Do you gain respect from your students? (I hope it’s a yes, of course.) If they make bad jokes on you or mimic you like you feel being disrespected, start your actions by making resolutions to these issues. (You can also ask help from your mentor.) Write those things that you don’t like and haul them up to our most high, Jesus. Pray and go to church.

Church
If you have a religion, then you should also participate with some activities. Don’t just stick yourself in a corner. Go out with them once in a while and gain prayer warriors. It’s better to have many than a few. Believe me, prayers are powerful weapons. Also, you can join some interactions online through social networking sites.

Social Networking Sites

Are you the type of person who often expresses ire, vent difficulties and post them on Facebook and Twitter or Google Plus? You have to be very careful when you post online. In just a quick click, it may lead to a big dilemma – really scary! As educators, we must be aware about the proper usage of social media and its effect. Think before you click! To build a good reputation online, you may post moving or inspiring message. Share your brilliant ideas by the use of the Internet. As much as possible, avoid from posting negative things and too much drama in life. Don’t be too emotional. Teachers are the ones who comfort.  Be an optimistic person when you use social networking sites. Bragging, venting or boosting online is not a good outlet.

Just final words: What you do will become a boomerang that goes back to you. Build a name that contains trust and respect – the reputation. 

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Friday, January 11, 2013

8 Beautiful Habits to Do in the Morning

6:05 AM  Robi Marapao  19 comments

photo from kafeina.net

Doing pleasant things regularly can change bitter to better. Would it be nice to smile and leave everything with a smart and a happy-going lifestyle? If your answer is yes (I know it’s a yes) then you should smile and be happy starting now while reading this article.

Okay, before anything else, look back to your routine in the morning. If it's just an ordinary thing – wake up and prepare for work, or wake up and go to school. Don’t worry. In just a snap of your fingertips and things will change. First of all, reckon that you can do things more than of what you believe and everything will smoothly follow but of course, there should be a gradual change that you have to do.

Eight Beautiful Habits to Do in the Morning

1. When you wake up each day, have a minute to say thank you to our almighty God. Believe me, everything will softly happen or if there are rush and rough things, they’re just leads to improve and a path to becoming a better you. Be grateful and appreciate every little thing you have.

2. Avoid the snooze! Extending a few minutes will only exacerbate your morning and can even  give you a headache and probably may result of why you’re late. Snooze may also skip your bath and breakfast so get some good sleep by sleeping early. Don’t drain your mind and body by dragging yourself to hurry things. Give yourself a favor; don’t abuse your body.

3. Never skip your meal. People say “Yeah I’m aware of that.” But still they tend to skip it. Of by the way, drink a glass of water before breakfast and taking a shower. Research says that drinking a glass of water before taking a bath can help lower blood pressure and drinking before breakfast can help for easy digestion. Be healthy for yourself and the people around you. Don’t forget, the most important meal of all is breakfast as it gives you energy for the whole day.

4. Be optimistic and never look back to your loss. Don’t think of your failures yesterday; they’re already pasts and should be left behind. Don’t be afraid and be an energy taker by having a buoyant spirit because it’s really powerful and more of that is you can bless others. The way you talk can make a difference. When you utter good things, positives are from you circling around the environment.

5. Be confident yet humble at the same time. If you’re just confident, there’s a tendency that you might sound self-boosting and self-centered. “Hey, I don’t brag things.” Okay you don’t but it may be different on how other people decipher it. Always consider that not all times are in the same pattern. Confidence and humbleness are two in one process that can make things right.

6. Smile and greet people. Say hi to your colleagues and greet your boss. It’s not that you do things to impress them but it’s just that you’re simply pleasing and convivial as well. Be nice so people in return will also be nice to you. Have a good karma and gain more friends from your workplace or at school.

7. Have your brilliant thoughts or ideas written in a pad or if you’re a techie person, you can use your smart phone or tablet to save them. Don’t just let your intelligence pass without a good catch for future use. This purpose is to remind yourself and pattern a right way to become a better person. Here’s a hint: Beautiful thoughts usually appear in your travel when you go to work or school and also while you’re in the bathroom taking a shower.

8. Do whatever can help you feel more comfortable. Pamper yourself by listening to music or eat comfort foods. In my case, I listen to music while doing an exercise (stretching my body and lift some weights). So there, I’m a fitness freak. I want to stay healthy by grabbing a minute to exercise. Life is short so cherish it and embrace things that make you happy. 

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Wednesday, January 2, 2013

10 Major Reasons Why I Choose to Teach

10:42 AM  Robi Marapao  20 comments

When I was in high school, I never thought of being a teacher because it would be a long race and I know that a lot of treks on the other end waiting for me and it’s going to be a hard mountain to climb ( well, those were my thoughts before).

Providentially, I've got the guts to conquer fears and vigor to equip myself along the trek. I couldn't imagine the things I've gone through just to finish the climb.

So, what’s it like to be a teacher then? Many have said “You won’t get rich when you’re a teacher.” But why educators still pursue this kind of profession hence they know how and what’s ahead of them? You couldn't get the answer unless you’re already on fire of a bigger change -- a change that will be enough to see your worth in teaching career.

Here are 10 Reasons Why I Choose to Teach:

1. One of the best achievements is when you’re part of every student’s progress. Self-esteem boosts!

2.The moment of being respected by students and their parents makes me feel of an education authority.

3. Teachers teaching may change someone’s life.

4. We pave each way for students’ growth and development.

5. Teachers can see what potential students may have and that we sometimes opt to be a fortune teller (so we have an extraordinary power huh?).

6.The manifestation and its effect of students’ learning and success fill my heart with joy and compassion.

7. Everywhere I go, the heart of being an educator is present and that I often do things deliberately (I’m always aware not to mess things out).

8. Students greet me when we see each other with a smile and sometimes they shout just to get my attention.

9. Students express their gratitude most especially on their graduation (this part is so moving). Even when they become professional ones, still their feelings of gratefulness and thankfulness are engraved. 

10. It’s when the day ends and students carry the knowledge or information and insights that we, teachers bestow to them and they go home full in their minds and hearts. 

May this post inspire more educators and multiply more brains in the education industry. Please share if you care and love education. 

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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Six Keys to Have a Happy Relationship

10:44 AM  Robi Marapao  16 comments

Happiness is ephemeral and subject to change anytime and anywhere. A lot of people tend to stop smiling when they know their bank account is at stake. 

But as far as my observation is concerned, there are several plebes who can smile and laugh despite of the less of things. And few people realize that God wants His people to be happy. Jesus wants to give us a happy relationship because the key to happiness is the life with happy relationships.

Basically, if you don’t have a happy relationship, you will never be happy.

No matter how beautiful you are.

No matter how much you achieve in life.

No matter how religious you are.

At the end of the day, your life is all about relationship and it only means life is all about love.

That’s why the Bible says, Let love be your highest goal. (1 Corinthians 14:1)

I've talked to several people and what they regret about is the failure to love.

They didn't spend more time to their family.

They didn't express more love.

They didn't apologize and fix the broken relationship.

They didn't put people before things.

And do you know, what’s the greatest painful regret?

It’s when we didn't give enough love.

So these things remain; faith, hope and love. But the best one of these is love - 1 Corinthians 13:13:

Life indeed is all about love. Let me share a story with you.

It was dawn, around 4a.m. and I felt somewhat an empty-stomach so I’d decided to buy bread outside.

On my way to bakery, I saw a man laying and sobbing and he looked a little drunk.

Without any fear, thinking that it’s safe to approach him, because all the lights were on and a lot of people were standing every corner.

So I asked the guy, “Are you okay?” he then looked at me and said, “Do I look okay?”

And so I muttered and answered my own question and said “okay, you’re obviously not fine.”

I was stretching my hands and pulled him up. I gave him some bread to eat and a bowl of soup to refresh him.

I didn't let the chance to just go, so I asked him why he wept with convulsive gasping.

He shook his head and said, “ I've lost my wife and she even took our kids with her. I’m deeply in pain. But I couldn't blame them. I didn't do anything at home but just yelling at them. I was too busy at work and I forgot to spend time with my family. I even told them nasty words. 

Sadly, I couldn't take my words back.”

He deeply breathed.

And so I told him, “I’m gonna pray for you to regain what you've lost and for the people you hurt to forgive you.” After that, his feeling of being an oddball slightly went away. I was about to leave when he said to me "thank you very much for being a hand and all ears to me."

I've also had a friend of mine, who used to be a jumper. He transferred from one company to another company after a few months. He’s never stayed in a company for a year for one reason: he’s not happy.

He’s not happy working with people that he doesn't feel good. He's never happy working to many different companies.

Here are the six keys to have a happy relationship: 

1. Learn to be nice.

Show them how the grace of life has fulfilled you as a better person.

2. Let God be your mentor of happiness.

People should see the blessings in you. Despite of circumstances, you still stand for your faith. Ask for the Lord's guidance all the time.

3. Spend more time with them.

Give more extra time to sit down with each other and share stories, may it be pleasant or not as long the proper guidance is there.

4. Appreciate and feel grateful for them.

Be happier in whatever success they have. Commend and help them to be more encouraged.

5. Be bold with your love by expressing it.

Don’t just raise your eye brows -- say your words and be expressive with your love.

6. Be more understanding the way you want to be understood.

Have patience in understanding them. In this way, there will be more obedience in no time and for good. Don’t give up your love.

Friends, God plans a happy relationship for you. Just work for that and you’ll surely have it.

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Saturday, November 3, 2012

10 Tips For Public Speaking

9:33 AM  Robi Marapao  25 comments

When giving a speech, the first question that comes to mind is "Oh, can I do this?" Several people feel the fears and decline to give a speech because they lack confidence and negative thinking bangs the mind. "I'm sorry, I can't do this. Just give it to others." That is supposed to be the time to experience a big break.  Let me share the tips for public speaking and I hope that these will help you.

1. Control Nervousness

It’s normal to feel the butterflies in your stomach that it only means, the challenge is there. But too much nervousness is detrimental. Take control of yourself.  

2. Practice Ahead of Time

There are three effective that you should do before the speech: practice, practice, practice. Rehearse out loud and know your equipment to use. Revise for any improvement as much as possible. Take control of the filler words and imagine yourself doing the speech. Practice, pause and breathe.

3. Know Your Materials

Pick a topic that interests you and the audience in general. Use a conversational language so it’s more engaging and you won’t easily forget what to say. Be humorous and use personal stories and make a thorough research of the topic – don’t be limited to what you have in minds.

4. Know the Audience

Greet some audience so it’ll make you more comfortable when you face them. Point to ponder: it’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers. Speakers need a comfort too.

5. Know the Venue

Make a random visit to the venue and walk around it. To be familiar on how you walk and or express can boost your confidence due to the mindset of territorial manner. “Oh I've been here and I knew it.” On the day of speech, arrive early so you can prepare your materials etc.

6. Relax and Be Enthusiastic

Start by addressing the audience – it buys you time and calms your nerves. Pause, give them your natural smile and ignore the fears (if you’re feeling it). Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm by giving your heart to your speech. 

7. Imagine Yourself Giving a Speech

Visualize yourself speaking to the crowd and your voice is crisp, clear and confident. Imagine the audience clapping – it will help boost your confidence though.

8. Be Optimistic and Presentable

Let all positive energy flow in to your minds. Do a yoga or any self meditation or a simple silent reflection can help free your mind from worries and other obstacles. Also, wear the best attire that you can be.

9. Total Focus

There might be times that hindrance may cut your full attention – never let this happen. Focus on your potentials and not the anxieties. Concentrate to your messages as you deliver it and keep an eye to your audience -- don't lose them.

10. Reload Your Experience

The key to a better public speaking is your gauge to experience. Eventually, your speech represents you as an authority and as a person. Whatever you say will give you a mirror. Gauge from your past experiences and get substantial tips from them. 

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Sunday, October 7, 2012

Pain is Temporary

3:55 AM  Robi Marapao  21 comments

Few years ago, I met someone asking for some money on the street. I gave him my extra coins, but he said that it’s not enough. And so I added some, yet he hissed, it’s not sufficient. With my curiosity, I asked him, why he asked for more. He answered “It’s very hard for me to walk because my right foot is wounded. I want to buy a medicine. But I don’t have adequate money to buy.”

I saw his filthy feet and soiled slippers and his foot was indeed bleeding. I was moved and felt pity on him. So, I hurriedly went to the pharmacy and bought the medicines he needed. I had an antiseptic alcohol to clean the minor cuts and to prevent from infection. I also had betadine and band aid. 

I poured out some alcohol to the affected area on his hindfoot and he was shocked and extremely feeling the pain. I could not imagine his horrified face while gasping. After cleaning, and putting on the betadine and band aid, he felt way better. And, the smile on his face made me relieved.  It’s like I've absorbed all his pain.

My dear brothers and sisters, pain is just temporary. In the last few minutes, or an hour or a year, it will eventually subside and something else will take its place. If your predicament is to quit, it will definitely last forever. Everything will miserably fall. Thus, to counter the pain, you have to endure to the very last. And when you're successful to bear it, the pain becomes soothing.

Friends, everyone feels the pain, including the itsy-bitsy insects. Even the Lord Jesus Christ has experienced the pain."He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Isaiah 53:3-5 

And this pain’s ghastly, that nobody could withstand it. No one in this world can endure the pain of what Jesus Christ has experienced.

In Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Let the Lord comfort you when you're in pain. He would be more than glad to help you overcome the pain.

Brothers and sisters, I pray that you would overcome whatever struggle you have.

Here are the three practical tips on how to bear the pain:

1. Ask the Lord to heal and guide you for the healing process.

2. Patiently and humbly endure the pain to the very last.

3. Be always optimistic and grow your faith.

And the rest, God will do that for you. 

Here's the song of Kari Jobe to inspire you more:

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