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Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wolfram Alpha
Sensational speech by Wolfram, the founder of Wolfram Mathematica. Unrevealing the mysteries of the universe...
Sensational speech by Wolfram, the founder of Wolfram Mathematica. Unrevealing the mysteries of the universe...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Interesting Excerpts from the Teacher's Handbook
Reading through the little teacher's handbook that I received this morning and found some stuff pretty interesting.
1. Teacher have NO leave because they have school holidays! However, they are only allowed to go on holiday if the school have nothing for them. Well, recall the number of remedial lessons we had? Poor teachers.
2. Male teachers have up to 3 (consecutive) days of paternity leave for his first 4 children.
3. Teachers may apply up to 3 days of leave for this/her first marriage.
Anyway, regarding the above 3 points, lets just not bother. Lets' face it. There is no way a teacher can "take leave". Teachers are known to endure complains from parents for not turning up in school because he/she was on MC!! I do not want to be sneezing at my wedding. Nvm...
4. NIE will sponsor the training for teachers. In return, there would be a 3 year bond. Kudos to 100% employment after graduation from NIE (refer Straits Times article some time back).
5. Dress Code. Among all the no-no in NIE Lts, tutorial rooms, labs and library, it includes: revealing attire, short skirts, attire with offensive wordings, sandals. Whats wrong with short skirts? Whats offending? How about a tshirt that says "unleash the dragon" and points downward? whats wrong with sandals in library??? Teachers are saints aint they?
6. Career Advancement. In the teacher track, only Senior and Master teacher is printed (CAA June 2009). A Lead teacher and Principal Master Teacher role was just created. I really envision a Senior Principal Master Mentor Teacher soon.
I gave up reading... Oh well...
Reading through the little teacher's handbook that I received this morning and found some stuff pretty interesting.
1. Teacher have NO leave because they have school holidays! However, they are only allowed to go on holiday if the school have nothing for them. Well, recall the number of remedial lessons we had? Poor teachers.
2. Male teachers have up to 3 (consecutive) days of paternity leave for his first 4 children.
3. Teachers may apply up to 3 days of leave for this/her first marriage.
Anyway, regarding the above 3 points, lets just not bother. Lets' face it. There is no way a teacher can "take leave". Teachers are known to endure complains from parents for not turning up in school because he/she was on MC!! I do not want to be sneezing at my wedding. Nvm...
4. NIE will sponsor the training for teachers. In return, there would be a 3 year bond. Kudos to 100% employment after graduation from NIE (refer Straits Times article some time back).
5. Dress Code. Among all the no-no in NIE Lts, tutorial rooms, labs and library, it includes: revealing attire, short skirts, attire with offensive wordings, sandals. Whats wrong with short skirts? Whats offending? How about a tshirt that says "unleash the dragon" and points downward? whats wrong with sandals in library??? Teachers are saints aint they?
6. Career Advancement. In the teacher track, only Senior and Master teacher is printed (CAA June 2009). A Lead teacher and Principal Master Teacher role was just created. I really envision a Senior Principal Master Mentor Teacher soon.
I gave up reading... Oh well...
JC or Poly?
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100412-209755.html
There is this debate going on recently about diploma holders being really capable and more of them should be allowed access to the varsities in Singapore.
Here is some statistics that I picked up from the article I read. For a cohort of about 30,000 students, about 30% goes to JC, 60% goes to Poly and 10% to ITE. Out of the students that goes to JC, 70% of them would be able to enter a local university. However, this figure for the Poly students is only about 15-20%. "In all, 34,500 O-level school leavers were posted this year to post-secondary institutions. Of the JCs, polys and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), the five polys had the largest share - just over 20,000 students, while the JCs received 11,000 students and the ITE 2,800.... Every year, 70 per cent of JC students get into one of the three local universities, compared with only 15 per cent of polytechnic students who manage it."
Taking a look at the picture on a whole, this means that out of a cohort of 30k, about 6000 (0.7 x 0.3 x 30k) would make it to university through JC and 3000 (0.2 x 0.6 x 30k) would make it to the varsities through Poly. There have been calls made to increase the number of Poly entrance to 50% of the Poly cohort, which means pushing the numbers of Poly graduates in university to double the current figure.
First of all, I believe there is a need to look into the difference between a JC and a Poly. I believe the JC is indeed (as what the papers have been saying) a place where the basics of academic progress is driven into the students. It is a preparatory course for students who want to go into the frontline of research in the university. Well, at least this applies to the Science stream. Rigorous mathematics and derivations behind great theories are taught and emphasized in classes, research methodologies are introduced into exam components etc. After completing JC, the students look forward to a university education where their skills picked up in the 2 years of college are put to test. (Well, they do not have much choice anyway as an A level cert is worth almost NOTHING otherwise.)
As for Poly, I believe the focus is more of the practicality of the skills learnt at work and not really into the research frontier. Theoretical work is not in the main course package, therefore leading to the need for "advance maths classes" for the students to be on par with the JC peers. At the end of the 3 years, they graduate with a diploma which can be a ticket into the working world. I am all for students who heads to Poly with great O level grades. They really do know what they want to do and opts for a more specialised course. If they are able to pull through as the top students of the Poly and wishes to pursue further studies in universities, that's even better! I have known of really good Poly students excelling in university.
I am pretty skeptical about the request to increase the number of Poly students in local universities. I guess we have to look at a couple of issues. Firstly, having completed a skilled diploma, why do the students want to push onto university? Is it because its the Singaporean mentality of the need for paper-chase or is it for the pursuit of interest or just because it would fetch more pay eventually? Secondly, what is the capacity of our local universities? A level graduates with decent grades are reported to have been REJECTED by local universities due to high competition , leaving them with 2 choices: self sponsor an overseas education or be stuck with a piece of useless paper (not much of a choice aint it).
I believe it is definitely reasonable that the university maintains a high percentage of A level graduates gaining entry to the varsity due to the nature of the coursework that A level syllabus prepares the student for. Students that took the Poly path with outstanding O level grades, and eventually shining in the Poly should also be given a go at the local university, which accounts for the 20% of the Poly graduates gaining entry into the local universities.
Both parties definitely want a bigger share of the pie but it is important to strike a delicate balance in the figures. While reading the touching stories of parents of diploma holders wiping out their entire saving to sponsor a overseas education, we have to keep in mind that there are MANY such stories revolving around A level graduates as well. The main difference is that the diploma is a pretty useful piece of paper while the A level certificate is a useless piece of crap in this case (it's meant for university entrance, but you have been rejected!).
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100412-209755.html
There is this debate going on recently about diploma holders being really capable and more of them should be allowed access to the varsities in Singapore.
Here is some statistics that I picked up from the article I read. For a cohort of about 30,000 students, about 30% goes to JC, 60% goes to Poly and 10% to ITE. Out of the students that goes to JC, 70% of them would be able to enter a local university. However, this figure for the Poly students is only about 15-20%. "In all, 34,500 O-level school leavers were posted this year to post-secondary institutions. Of the JCs, polys and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), the five polys had the largest share - just over 20,000 students, while the JCs received 11,000 students and the ITE 2,800.... Every year, 70 per cent of JC students get into one of the three local universities, compared with only 15 per cent of polytechnic students who manage it."
Taking a look at the picture on a whole, this means that out of a cohort of 30k, about 6000 (0.7 x 0.3 x 30k) would make it to university through JC and 3000 (0.2 x 0.6 x 30k) would make it to the varsities through Poly. There have been calls made to increase the number of Poly entrance to 50% of the Poly cohort, which means pushing the numbers of Poly graduates in university to double the current figure.
First of all, I believe there is a need to look into the difference between a JC and a Poly. I believe the JC is indeed (as what the papers have been saying) a place where the basics of academic progress is driven into the students. It is a preparatory course for students who want to go into the frontline of research in the university. Well, at least this applies to the Science stream. Rigorous mathematics and derivations behind great theories are taught and emphasized in classes, research methodologies are introduced into exam components etc. After completing JC, the students look forward to a university education where their skills picked up in the 2 years of college are put to test. (Well, they do not have much choice anyway as an A level cert is worth almost NOTHING otherwise.)
As for Poly, I believe the focus is more of the practicality of the skills learnt at work and not really into the research frontier. Theoretical work is not in the main course package, therefore leading to the need for "advance maths classes" for the students to be on par with the JC peers. At the end of the 3 years, they graduate with a diploma which can be a ticket into the working world. I am all for students who heads to Poly with great O level grades. They really do know what they want to do and opts for a more specialised course. If they are able to pull through as the top students of the Poly and wishes to pursue further studies in universities, that's even better! I have known of really good Poly students excelling in university.
I am pretty skeptical about the request to increase the number of Poly students in local universities. I guess we have to look at a couple of issues. Firstly, having completed a skilled diploma, why do the students want to push onto university? Is it because its the Singaporean mentality of the need for paper-chase or is it for the pursuit of interest or just because it would fetch more pay eventually? Secondly, what is the capacity of our local universities? A level graduates with decent grades are reported to have been REJECTED by local universities due to high competition , leaving them with 2 choices: self sponsor an overseas education or be stuck with a piece of useless paper (not much of a choice aint it).
I believe it is definitely reasonable that the university maintains a high percentage of A level graduates gaining entry to the varsity due to the nature of the coursework that A level syllabus prepares the student for. Students that took the Poly path with outstanding O level grades, and eventually shining in the Poly should also be given a go at the local university, which accounts for the 20% of the Poly graduates gaining entry into the local universities.
Both parties definitely want a bigger share of the pie but it is important to strike a delicate balance in the figures. While reading the touching stories of parents of diploma holders wiping out their entire saving to sponsor a overseas education, we have to keep in mind that there are MANY such stories revolving around A level graduates as well. The main difference is that the diploma is a pretty useful piece of paper while the A level certificate is a useless piece of crap in this case (it's meant for university entrance, but you have been rejected!).
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Emotions behind inventions
A story about the emotions of a medical scientist in his course to create something for the people out there in need.
Something struck my mind after watching. No matter what difficulties I would encounter in future, I have to be strong and push on in my work, to provide the best to those who deserve it. Ignore the red tape, ignore the people whining about policies and stuff. I will have to deliver my service over these obstacles. It's not easy, but I believe I can do it.
A story about the emotions of a medical scientist in his course to create something for the people out there in need.
Something struck my mind after watching. No matter what difficulties I would encounter in future, I have to be strong and push on in my work, to provide the best to those who deserve it. Ignore the red tape, ignore the people whining about policies and stuff. I will have to deliver my service over these obstacles. It's not easy, but I believe I can do it.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Quotas
http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyResaleFlatEthnicIntegrationPolicy_EIP?OpenDocument
I was just wondering what was the idea behind all these HDB quotas stuff and decided to find out more. In short, there are two types of quotas and they work independently, i.e you have to satisfy BOTH. The basic idea behind all these quotas are said to prevent enclaves and improve integration.
Firstly, there is ethnic quota. We cannot have too many of a race in a block. Singapore is a mosaic and we have to maintain the harmony.
Secondly, there is the citizen versus PR quota. There cannot be too many non-Malaysian PRs in a block, so that the PRs will be integrated into the culture of Singapore (lets not question what's the culture). Foreigners are NOT allowed to purchase HDB property.
These quotas take place when anyone wants to secure a HDB flat, i.e. BUY one, be it resale or first hand.
However, there still seems to be quite significant enclaves in certain areas in Singapore, such as the areas near certain schools. One question that popped up to me would be, "are these guys owners of the flats?" The answer is almost certainly "NO!" For one, they probably aren't PR yet (if they become one eventually), secondly they are probably renting the flat and staying together!
This thought is in fact pretty worrying for me. Assume that I know that the location of my flat is highly sought after due to its great location, i.e. proximity to train stations and "institutions of education" etc, and I have stayed in the flat for quite some years, I can very well rent out my flat to the foreigners since there is a demand. Very soon, the estate will be full of these foreigners! Will these foreigners ever integrate into the society?
Perhaps a question posed would be where would I stay then? Well, that could be worked out quite easily. I am not good with such maths but I believe that if I am to secure another property, take a bank loan, the amount of money milked from the rental can cover the repayment of loans. Otherwise, just move in with your parents!! Be a filial child.
It puzzles me sometimes why is there no QUOTA for rental (I tried searching online but didn't find any restrictions). I believe that when there is eventually sufficiently high concentration of foreigners in some areas, the locals (I define locals as Pink ICs) would slowly shun those areas. There are two methods to shun the area. Firstly, they can find another flat elsewhere, treat it as an upgrade. Secondly, they can rent their flat out!! If either fails, they would just complain and swear at their four walls everyday (probably). I call this some avalanche effect. In chemistry terms, rate of diffusion OUT of estate is inversely proportional to concentration of locals.
Perhaps there is a need to limit how many flats can be rented out in a block. Maybe there is a need to put a check on how many foreigners are staying within a block. Note that we are talking about HDB here, which is public housing for locals and PRs. I feel that the statistics of us having a well balanced ratio of house ownership which promotes integration is total bullshit for this reason. It is not reflecting what is on the ground for the simple reason that the Singaporean-Chinese-owned-flat in the block actually houses (maybe) 4 foreigners! Speak about enclaves.
Another thought that came to me would be foreigners that rent flats would always choose the flats to be somewhere that is "convenient" to them. Flats near train stations and perhaps Woodlands/ Jurong/ central would be high in demand due to various reasons. Would you find foreigners that applies for flats in some hdb heartlands that are "not that near train stations"? Yes, but hardly any. Sometimes as a home-seeker, I feel slightly agitated that these foreigners are able to secure rental flats near such train stations while I have resigned to looking at those far away from such amenities. Ah, this is just a random thought. Heck.
Enough of ramblings. Perhaps I should go to REACH and throw some suggestions. Well, personally I do not see any good solutions off-hand. Due to the large number of foreigners here, of which I do not think many are here to stay, we would need these "rented flats" to house them. Perhaps the quota on the number of flats rented to foreigners per block can be implemented to smash the enclaves. Hmmm, wonders how might that affect market prices for rental...
I hate looking at hdb website. sigh. still full of regret. 不听老人言... Damnit.
http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyResaleFlatEthnicIntegrationPolicy_EIP?OpenDocument
I was just wondering what was the idea behind all these HDB quotas stuff and decided to find out more. In short, there are two types of quotas and they work independently, i.e you have to satisfy BOTH. The basic idea behind all these quotas are said to prevent enclaves and improve integration.
Firstly, there is ethnic quota. We cannot have too many of a race in a block. Singapore is a mosaic and we have to maintain the harmony.
Secondly, there is the citizen versus PR quota. There cannot be too many non-Malaysian PRs in a block, so that the PRs will be integrated into the culture of Singapore (lets not question what's the culture). Foreigners are NOT allowed to purchase HDB property.
These quotas take place when anyone wants to secure a HDB flat, i.e. BUY one, be it resale or first hand.
However, there still seems to be quite significant enclaves in certain areas in Singapore, such as the areas near certain schools. One question that popped up to me would be, "are these guys owners of the flats?" The answer is almost certainly "NO!" For one, they probably aren't PR yet (if they become one eventually), secondly they are probably renting the flat and staying together!
This thought is in fact pretty worrying for me. Assume that I know that the location of my flat is highly sought after due to its great location, i.e. proximity to train stations and "institutions of education" etc, and I have stayed in the flat for quite some years, I can very well rent out my flat to the foreigners since there is a demand. Very soon, the estate will be full of these foreigners! Will these foreigners ever integrate into the society?
Perhaps a question posed would be where would I stay then? Well, that could be worked out quite easily. I am not good with such maths but I believe that if I am to secure another property, take a bank loan, the amount of money milked from the rental can cover the repayment of loans. Otherwise, just move in with your parents!! Be a filial child.
It puzzles me sometimes why is there no QUOTA for rental (I tried searching online but didn't find any restrictions). I believe that when there is eventually sufficiently high concentration of foreigners in some areas, the locals (I define locals as Pink ICs) would slowly shun those areas. There are two methods to shun the area. Firstly, they can find another flat elsewhere, treat it as an upgrade. Secondly, they can rent their flat out!! If either fails, they would just complain and swear at their four walls everyday (probably). I call this some avalanche effect. In chemistry terms, rate of diffusion OUT of estate is inversely proportional to concentration of locals.
Perhaps there is a need to limit how many flats can be rented out in a block. Maybe there is a need to put a check on how many foreigners are staying within a block. Note that we are talking about HDB here, which is public housing for locals and PRs. I feel that the statistics of us having a well balanced ratio of house ownership which promotes integration is total bullshit for this reason. It is not reflecting what is on the ground for the simple reason that the Singaporean-Chinese-owned-flat in the block actually houses (maybe) 4 foreigners! Speak about enclaves.
Another thought that came to me would be foreigners that rent flats would always choose the flats to be somewhere that is "convenient" to them. Flats near train stations and perhaps Woodlands/ Jurong/ central would be high in demand due to various reasons. Would you find foreigners that applies for flats in some hdb heartlands that are "not that near train stations"? Yes, but hardly any. Sometimes as a home-seeker, I feel slightly agitated that these foreigners are able to secure rental flats near such train stations while I have resigned to looking at those far away from such amenities. Ah, this is just a random thought. Heck.
Enough of ramblings. Perhaps I should go to REACH and throw some suggestions. Well, personally I do not see any good solutions off-hand. Due to the large number of foreigners here, of which I do not think many are here to stay, we would need these "rented flats" to house them. Perhaps the quota on the number of flats rented to foreigners per block can be implemented to smash the enclaves. Hmmm, wonders how might that affect market prices for rental...
I hate looking at hdb website. sigh. still full of regret. 不听老人言... Damnit.