Kaplan Singapore’s Post

Contemplating Lee Kuan Yew's timeless wisdom, "Having an education is one thing, being educated is another," strikes a chord deep within me. It transcends mere grammar intricacies, unfolding into a rich tapestry of cultural and ethical values that mold our essence. It immediately brings to mind my baba's witty observation, "Some people are educated but not civilized," a saying I once dismissed with a childhood chuckle, now revealing its profound significance. This insight serves as a gentle nudge, prompting us to recognize that genuine education extends beyond textbooks, reaching into the realms of empathy and respect. Baba's once-light-hearted remark now echoes as a call to nurture compassion. It encourages us not only to bear degrees but to warmly embrace civility in our interactions. In a world where information abounds, let's actively pursue wisdom and handle it with the utmost grace. As we approach the year's end, I find myself meandering through the labyrinth of memories, viewing them through the lens of positivity. Amidst this introspection, one truth emerges: education is not merely an accumulation of knowledge; it's an artistry of kindness and understanding. So, in the spirit of my midweek takeaway and as we bid farewell to this year, let's celebrate the notion that education is a journey of cultivating not just the mind but the heart. Let's strive, not only to possess an education, but to be educated in the gentle grace of kindness. Cheers to a year well-lived, and to the unwritten chapters ahead, filled with the artistry of compassion and civility. #ReflectingWisdom #YearEndMusings #EducatedInKindness #linkedinqoute #LeeKuanYew

Good progress in connecting our life stories by finding the similar challenges and struggles we have. Looking forward to the next session!!

Learning AND wellbeing - an integrated concept The importance of always connecting "learning AND wellbeing" in speaking with students, teachers and families in our schools cannot be underestimated. Studies continue to demonstrate the beneficial impact on learning that a whole of school approach to wellbeing provides (Cipriano et al 2023). In a crowded curriculum and a challenging external environment, this focus can be questioned unless the explicit and indivisible relationship between the two is "walked and talked". Kirkham (2024) summarises the whole school approach to wellbeing from a systems informed perspective and links it to multi-tiered system of supports. ACARA’s 2023 Curriculum Connections resource is a great place to start a conversation at your school, and consider a whole of school mapping exercise to ensure a developmentally appropriate and scaffolded approach to learning and wellbeing is in place. https://lnkd.in/gqcZemGd Peoplework Psychology – linking the art and practice of education with the science of organisational psychology https://lnkd.in/g9p3_A_C #learning and wellbeing # whole school approach #multi-tiered system of supports #peopleworkpsychology

"What I Wanted to Convey" (XV) written by Hayao Kawai (Psychoanalyst, University Professor) Uniform Ranking (1) When parents consider what kind of child they have, in Japan, they might find the most satisfaction in knowing their child's rank in terms of school grades. I used to be a high school teacher, and during discussions with parents, even after listing various characteristics of their child, many parents were eager to know, "In the end, what rank is my child?" I've wondered why this is the case. However, upon reflection, assigning a rank, one after another, to members of a group is something Japanese people greatly enjoy. The starting point for this obsession with uniform ranking is absolute egalitarianism. When a group is formed, its members are supposed to be inherently equal in Japan. This premise is very strong in Japan. However, to make decisions or determinations, it's inconvenient not to have a ranking for the members. Therefore, in the past, it was applied as a fatefully determined concept, known as seniority. In other words, those born even slightly earlier would be superior. Or those who belonged to the group for a longer period would be superior. The strict distinction between seniors and juniors also stems from this. Although Japan has adopted meritocracy against this completely fateful decision, since it doesn't start from the concept of individuality like in the West, it's typically Japanese to not evaluate diversity based on individuality but to insist on ranking uniformly. Instead of considering one's own abilities or characteristics, one's identity is determined by their position within the group. Therefore, not knowing one's rank leaves one unsettled. Japanese children are truly pitiful. Instead of trusting their children's individuality and considering them to live autonomously, parents, assuming that all children are equal and will be the best if they just make an effort, base their evaluation solely on the rank within the class. Consequently, those with poor grades receive evaluations like "lazy" or "lack of effort." They are forced to continue feeling inferior. (Continue to next paragraph)

Insights from Experienced Parents - "Nord Anglia International School Hong Kong (NAIS)" The student graduated from ABC Pathways International Kindergarten at the Whampoa campus and successfully enrolled in NAIS, where his older sister and brother currently study. We invited Kong Kong's parents to share their experiences, they discussed the feelings and perspectives of their three children after enrolling in NAIS. The topics covered were: - Why did they insist on enrolling their children in an international school despite the higher tuition fees compared to regular schools? - What preparations did they make before admission? - How can one increase the chances of getting an interview opportunity? You may able to understand more about the school in the video. #NordAngliaInternationalSchool #NAIS #ABCPathways #Togetherwewalk https://lnkd.in/gdRBrnbU

🌟 Celebrating International School Counsellors Week! 🌟 As I reflect on my 7-month journey as a guidance counselor at The City School Official, Joharabad Campus, I'm thrilled to share seven key takeaways that have shaped my approach to supporting students: 🔹Positive Aura: Students can sense your energy, so strive to create a positive atmosphere. 🔹Simplify Rules: Avoid adding unnecessary rules; clarity eases students' confusion. 🔹Empathy & Active Listening: Practice empathy and active listening to understand students' perspectives and needs. 🔹Give Voice: Empower students by providing opportunities for expression and ensuring they feel heard. 🔹Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve students in decision-making processes to foster ownership and collaboration. 🔹Fulfill Little Wishes: Pay attention to their small desires; fulfilling them shows care and appreciation. 🔹Monthly breakfast/brunch Sessions: If feasible, organize monthly breakfast/brunch sessions to create a relaxed space for open communication and bonding. Here's to all the dedicated school counselors worldwide, making a profound difference in students' lives every day! 🌍💼 #InternationalSchoolCounsellorsWeek #GuidanceCounselor #Education #StudentSupport #Empowerment

Life opportunity. With its many possibilities and paths, #life is an expanse of opportunity waiting to be embraced. Choice Theory, developed by renowned psychiatrist William Glasser, emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the power of choice in shaping one's destiny. In the realm of life opportunities, this theory becomes a guiding beacon, illuminating the path toward a fulfilled and purpose-driven existence. At the heart of Choice Theory is the notion that every individual has the power to make #choices that impact their life's course. Opportunities are not merely chance occurrences but reflections of the decisions we make. Semuanya atas kita sebenarnya 👍 . Glasser posits that our behavior is driven by our innate needs for love and belonging, power, freedom, fun, and survival. How we choose to meet these needs determines the opportunities that unfold before us. One of the central tenets of #choice #theory is taking responsibility for one's actions. Opportunities arise when individuals recognize the power they hold in shaping their lives. Rather than seeing oneself as a victim of circumstances, embracing responsibility opens the door to a wealth of possibilities. So embracing responsibility is one of it. Again, it is all on us to shape our own journey. ............................................................................................................... #kaunselor bukan lah individu yang akan menyuruh anda melakukan itu atau ini. Tugas kaunselor ialah membantu anda untuk lebih celik akal mengenai apa yang akan anda pilih bagi apa yang anda inginkan dalam kehidupan. Kaunselor membantu dalam melihat potensi diri anda, dan memberikan sokongan emosi kepada yang bersedia untuk menerima bantuan. Bila melihat ke luar jendela, mata dihidang dengan ribuan peluang dalam kehidupan. Melangkah keluar berdampingan dengan peluang yang ada. Atau tetap sahaja di pembaringan mahu pun kejap dalam diam hanya melihat. #counselor #leadership #career #academia #lecturer #tutor #socialsciences #education #humanities #academician #researcher #motivation #opportunities

Update from Usrah 2 I have taken subject Usrah 2 and I can say that this subject is really enjoyable as we can interact with students of different majors. I do enjoy taking this subject thanks to my naqibah as she makes the subject fun to learn and it doesn't feel burdensome at all. As I am an introverted person, all of the students are very friendly and I do not feel awkward at all. This subject can facilitate personal growth, intellectual development, and the building of meaningful connections with others where I can enhance my communication skills. Overall, I can say that this subject should be provided at all universities so that we as a student can strengthen our relationships with other students who have differents cultural and social Awareness where interacting with students from diverse backgrounds exposes students to different cultures, traditions, and social norms. This exposure can enrich their understanding of the world, promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity.

This article examines the Japanese historical concept of nature in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Through modernisation, Japan was infused with Anglo-European philosophy. However, Japan’s pre-modern concept of nature differed from that of the West or modern Japan and latently affected the Japanese modern educational system. The concept of nature comprised two modes: mizukara, meaning “voluntarily” or indicating the mode of the voluntary self or “I,” and onozukara, referring to what is “spontaneously or naturally so” or indicating modes of transcendence beyond the self that permeate Japanese pre-modern reading education and apprenticeship as well as contemporary Japanese society. This study investigates Japanese modern texts by representative educator Sozo Kurahashi and philosopher Kitaro Nishida on education and philosophy to describe the latent and underlying connection between the concept of nature and Japanese ECEC as well as to depict the configuration of educational discourse focused on nature.

The Evolution of Perspective: Why so many cultural references in my posts. My undergraduate days studying English writers of the First World War seem a lifetime ago. Yet the seeds of insight planted then continue to shape my worldview. The image below shows the book that my tutor had published. Back then, I was captivated by Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves - how the war impacted their psyche and inspired searing protest against established injustice. I saw complexity in Sassoon's internal war between conformity and rebellion. Studying Graves and Sassoon's mental struggles with PTSD and disillusionment deepened my appreciation for their works as windows into the wartime mind. Their experiences illuminated dehumanising aspects of institutions supposedly built on honour. I graduated planning to teach, but retrained as a psychiatric nurse and joined the Army instead. Throughout my military service, I developed first-hand understanding of how combat ravages minds and breeds institutional failings. My awareness of injustice within dysfunctional systems intensified. The study of history and literature imparted indelible lessons about the human condition. It revealed how social forces shape both individuals and institutions for good or ill. Now when I encounter flaws in organisations, I am driven to remedy them. My path has wandered far from early dreams of teaching. But the wisdom gained through exploring literature and history guides me still. Past studies planted seeds, life experience cultivated understanding. Together they nourish an ongoing quest for truth. #workplacebullying #abuse #mentalhealthmatters #employmentlaw #executivecoaching