21st century skills

 “21st Century Skills” is a term I hear ever so often. Go to any conference, so called educational workshop, session or meet anyone who knows an ounce about education and they go on and on about 21st century skills. I did a random google search and this is what Google threw up on the topic. 21st century skills encompass: - Critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, synthesizing information. Research skills and practices, interrogative questioning. Creativity, artistry, curiosity, imagination, innovation, personal expression. Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, initiative. How different are these from what happened in the 20th century? It is no rocket science – Look at your parents & grandparents if they are still around or find out about them. You will be surprised. They were no country bumkins. They were no rudderless sailors on a choppy sea not knowing where they were headed to. They were focused, smart thinkers, solved problems that they were faced with, reasoned out, analysed, and interpreted with ease. They were curious, artistic, imaginative, and persevering. They were team players to the core. They were self-disciplined, adaptable and always took the initiative. They read, wrote and spoke with a fluency worthy of emulation Supposedly, these 21st-century skills are far more important to students now than ever before because, they not only provide a framework for successful learning in the classroom but ensure students can thrive in a world where change is constant and learning never stops. Seriously? These intrinsic skills have always been useful in the classroom and learning has never slowed down or stopped . Yes – Technology is truly a 21st century skill but we need to remember that Information cannot be equated with knowledge. As for most of the others – I would love a debate. No harm in thinking is there?

21st century skills

 “21st Century Skills” is a term I hear ever so often. Go to any conference, so called educational workshop, session or meet anyone who knows an ounce about education and they go on and on about 21st century skills. I did a random google search and this is what Google threw up on the topic. 21st century skills encompass: - Critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, analysis, interpretation, synthesizing information. Research skills and practices, interrogative questioning. Creativity, artistry, curiosity, imagination, innovation, personal expression. Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, initiative. How different are these from what happened in the 20th century? It is no rocket science – Look at your parents & grandparents if they are still around or find out about them. You will be surprised. They were no country bumkins. They were no rudderless sailors on a choppy sea not knowing where they were headed to. They were focused, smart thinkers, solved problems that they were faced with, reasoned out, analysed, and interpreted with ease. They were curious, artistic, imaginative, and persevering. They were team players to the core. They were self-disciplined, adaptable and always took the initiative. They read, wrote and spoke with a fluency worthy of emulation Supposedly, these 21st-century skills are far more important to students now than ever before because, they not only provide a framework for successful learning in the classroom but ensure students can thrive in a world where change is constant and learning never stops. Seriously? These intrinsic skills have always been useful in the classroom and learning has never slowed down or stopped . Yes – Technology is truly a 21st century skill but we need to remember that Information cannot be equated with knowledge. As for most of the others – I would love a debate. No harm in thinking is there?

The first day of the winter vacation

 So, woke early, despite it being the first day of my winter break! Yes, I love this time of the year in the UAE. It is cool, the air has a nip in it and is crisp, the shops look lovely and then there is family and a few close friends. (This year will be slightly different though) On holidays I tend to wake earlier than usual, so today it was 4 45am. Hate the day to go by while I am lolling in bed – do not understand how people get up at noon and say, ‘it is a holiday’! Toiletries, morning tea and newspapers devoured, I decided to go to the gym and attempt to be the first one there. As it is just about 7 minutes away, I walked out of the front door briskly at 8.15 (the gym opens at 8.30 only to go right down to the basement and realize that I had forgotten my headphones. I hate to have to return for anything. So up I trotted up again mumbling to myself & a trifle annoyed. Back to the car and off I go. No. Back to the house again and this time from the mezzanine – the water bottle was left on the table when I went to get the headphones. The day was starting to annoy me. Dementia? No. Just getting older or whatever! Justified it to myself as I often do – “everything happens for a reason and I could have met with an accident if I had left at the original time”. So- reached the Gym and presto I was the first one there. Loved the feeling to have it all to myself Clicked a snap to prove it. Looked around in case there was someone working out quietly in some corner, and so pleased to just see myself in the mirrors. Logged into the gym Wi-Fi, put on some great music, and managed an hour’s workout. Felt good – looked into the myriad mirrors again- sucked my stomach in to the best of my ability and congratulated myself on the 2 pack! Still a very very long way to go. On the way back I decided to have a haircut as my hair was annoying me . Free parking! There was a new barber who seemed to be pretty good at his job, but rather inquisitive in his approach and manner. By the time he had finished interrogating me – yes it felt like that- I realized that I had been so busy trying to give him some wrong answers to protect my privacy, that I had not noticed what he was doing with my hair. By the time he swung in with an exaggerated flourish and a large smile on his face – large mirror in hand- to show me the back of my head, the deed had been done. Looked good to me and I was pleased as punch. Finally, a great haircut. Walked out of the saloon looking and feeling much lighter – entered the front door and their faces said it all - according to the family, my hair had been cut badly (as usual) – it was far too short, and I would look rather silly at Christmas. I put on a show of bravado and countered with some talk about my personality and how I would shave it bald if they made any more fun etc but it carried no weight and everyone carried on with their life and I with mine. Just had some tasty home-made Chinese noodles for lunch – my favourite. Now to doze. My hair grows quickly.

The first day of the winter vacation

 So, woke early, despite it being the first day of my winter break! Yes, I love this time of the year in the UAE. It is cool, the air has a nip in it and is crisp, the shops look lovely and then there is family and a few close friends. (This year will be slightly different though) On holidays I tend to wake earlier than usual, so today it was 4 45am. Hate the day to go by while I am lolling in bed – do not understand how people get up at noon and say, ‘it is a holiday’! Toiletries, morning tea and newspapers devoured, I decided to go to the gym and attempt to be the first one there. As it is just about 7 minutes away, I walked out of the front door briskly at 8.15 (the gym opens at 8.30 only to go right down to the basement and realize that I had forgotten my headphones. I hate to have to return for anything. So up I trotted up again mumbling to myself & a trifle annoyed. Back to the car and off I go. No. Back to the house again and this time from the mezzanine – the water bottle was left on the table when I went to get the headphones. The day was starting to annoy me. Dementia? No. Just getting older or whatever! Justified it to myself as I often do – “everything happens for a reason and I could have met with an accident if I had left at the original time”. So- reached the Gym and presto I was the first one there. Loved the feeling to have it all to myself Clicked a snap to prove it. Looked around in case there was someone working out quietly in some corner, and so pleased to just see myself in the mirrors. Logged into the gym Wi-Fi, put on some great music, and managed an hour’s workout. Felt good – looked into the myriad mirrors again- sucked my stomach in to the best of my ability and congratulated myself on the 2 pack! Still a very very long way to go. On the way back I decided to have a haircut as my hair was annoying me . Free parking! There was a new barber who seemed to be pretty good at his job, but rather inquisitive in his approach and manner. By the time he had finished interrogating me – yes it felt like that- I realized that I had been so busy trying to give him some wrong answers to protect my privacy, that I had not noticed what he was doing with my hair. By the time he swung in with an exaggerated flourish and a large smile on his face – large mirror in hand- to show me the back of my head, the deed had been done. Looked good to me and I was pleased as punch. Finally, a great haircut. Walked out of the saloon looking and feeling much lighter – entered the front door and their faces said it all - according to the family, my hair had been cut badly (as usual) – it was far too short, and I would look rather silly at Christmas. I put on a show of bravado and countered with some talk about my personality and how I would shave it bald if they made any more fun etc but it carried no weight and everyone carried on with their life and I with mine. Just had some tasty home-made Chinese noodles for lunch – my favourite. Now to doze. My hair grows quickly.

Christmas wishes 2020

 Dear friends , colleagues and former pupils As we come to the end of the year, it is time to pause, ponder a while & reflect on the year that is almost at an end What a year this has been- phew! A year of unprecedented stress, innumerable difficulties, quick decisions, fear & new beginnings – all rolled into one. Above all – a year of realization. At times it was like being on a large Ferris wheel, which suddenly began caving in & falling apart without warning! The very word PANDEMIC is all that is needed to get you to reminisce with utter dismay, on a year gone by and not a day too soon. We have all felt the strain, the anguish, the paralysing anxiety, and the sheer loss – of time, people, resources and opportunities. Many families are grieving the loss of loved ones and we pray that the almighty gives them the courage, strength, and fortitude to endure the pain. 2020 will go down in History, and just imagine – we were part of it! However, I do not intend this to be an article of sadness, despondency, desolation, or despair – that would defeat the very purpose wouldn’t it? Let us look on the brighter side of life. We have been tested to the limits and are emerging wiser & stronger. Life for me has always been about HOPE! I have been tested often, and I would like to believe, that has made me a better person. I am sure so many of you have overcome challenges and adversary too – that is part of life isn’t it? There comes a time, in all our lives, when we realize who and what matters, and if there is just one takeaway from this pandemic, it is this. It has wiped away the cobwebs from our eyes, removed the blinkers and suddenly we are all seeing more clearly- or at least we are beginning to. That is a massive positive for me and I am sure for you as well? So, what have been the other plus points from this pandemic? Keeping it simple- our lives are slower for sure and we have become calmer and more tolerant. We are more open to learn and change. We have become more resilient, caring, confident, committed, courageous, passionate, and patient. Our determination & drive to succeed amidst the turmoil all around, has been sharpened. Simple pleasures and pastimes are more appreciated. Gardens, parks, and hikes have taken the place of malls, clubs, and restaurants. There has been an unprecedented mobilization of scholarly efforts, and we have all been contributors in one way or the other. On one hand we have become more self-reliant and self-contained in so many ways, yet there has, simultaneously been, so much collaboration and innumerable connections on various fronts- that is heart-warming and so good for the world around us. We have also witnessed an all-round change for the better in our personal and professional lives and we cannot deny the fact that despite work and family pressures, most things just feel better. I feel a sense of wellbeing. And oh yes – we have all realized that FAMILY COMES FIRST. In various industries there have been the inevitable salary cuts and job losses – BUT WE ARE ALIVE! For this reason and this reason alone, I feel we should celebrate because there is no denying the fact, that with the positive news of the various vaccines from around the world, we are turning the corner. We are not yet out of the woods, COVID is still lurking, but things are certainly looking up, the world is more upbeat, and we have every reason to smile, be optimistic and thank God. Hopefully, the worst is over. I have been an Educationist for forty years now, and hence I speak on behalf of all my friends in this field - we have proved to all and sundry that we are “Frontline workers too” who need to be congratulated & applauded. We stood up, said “count me in” and then without much fuss, got the job done while maintaining the highest standards of ethics & professionalism. Thankfully, this has been recognized by the world at large. Looking back, I now feel that all of us are braver than we ever imagined! As the year draws to a close, I intend to use this winter break to relax and spend time with family and friends- we must do what makes us happy – that is important and one of the best ways to rejuvenate. All festive occasions are times to celebrate and to spread good cheer, peace and love. I take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the very best for Christmas and the new year. We pray to God almighty to continue to bless us all and keep us healthy and safe, as we get set to enter 2021 

Warm regards and all good wishes

Christmas wishes 2020

 Dear friends , colleagues and former pupils As we come to the end of the year, it is time to pause, ponder a while & reflect on the year that is almost at an end What a year this has been- phew! A year of unprecedented stress, innumerable difficulties, quick decisions, fear & new beginnings – all rolled into one. Above all – a year of realization. At times it was like being on a large Ferris wheel, which suddenly began caving in & falling apart without warning! The very word PANDEMIC is all that is needed to get you to reminisce with utter dismay, on a year gone by and not a day too soon. We have all felt the strain, the anguish, the paralysing anxiety, and the sheer loss – of time, people, resources and opportunities. Many families are grieving the loss of loved ones and we pray that the almighty gives them the courage, strength, and fortitude to endure the pain. 2020 will go down in History, and just imagine – we were part of it! However, I do not intend this to be an article of sadness, despondency, desolation, or despair – that would defeat the very purpose wouldn’t it? Let us look on the brighter side of life. We have been tested to the limits and are emerging wiser & stronger. Life for me has always been about HOPE! I have been tested often, and I would like to believe, that has made me a better person. I am sure so many of you have overcome challenges and adversary too – that is part of life isn’t it? There comes a time, in all our lives, when we realize who and what matters, and if there is just one takeaway from this pandemic, it is this. It has wiped away the cobwebs from our eyes, removed the blinkers and suddenly we are all seeing more clearly- or at least we are beginning to. That is a massive positive for me and I am sure for you as well? So, what have been the other plus points from this pandemic? Keeping it simple- our lives are slower for sure and we have become calmer and more tolerant. We are more open to learn and change. We have become more resilient, caring, confident, committed, courageous, passionate, and patient. Our determination & drive to succeed amidst the turmoil all around, has been sharpened. Simple pleasures and pastimes are more appreciated. Gardens, parks, and hikes have taken the place of malls, clubs, and restaurants. There has been an unprecedented mobilization of scholarly efforts, and we have all been contributors in one way or the other. On one hand we have become more self-reliant and self-contained in so many ways, yet there has, simultaneously been, so much collaboration and innumerable connections on various fronts- that is heart-warming and so good for the world around us. We have also witnessed an all-round change for the better in our personal and professional lives and we cannot deny the fact that despite work and family pressures, most things just feel better. I feel a sense of wellbeing. And oh yes – we have all realized that FAMILY COMES FIRST. In various industries there have been the inevitable salary cuts and job losses – BUT WE ARE ALIVE! For this reason and this reason alone, I feel we should celebrate because there is no denying the fact, that with the positive news of the various vaccines from around the world, we are turning the corner. We are not yet out of the woods, COVID is still lurking, but things are certainly looking up, the world is more upbeat, and we have every reason to smile, be optimistic and thank God. Hopefully, the worst is over. I have been an Educationist for forty years now, and hence I speak on behalf of all my friends in this field - we have proved to all and sundry that we are “Frontline workers too” who need to be congratulated & applauded. We stood up, said “count me in” and then without much fuss, got the job done while maintaining the highest standards of ethics & professionalism. Thankfully, this has been recognized by the world at large. Looking back, I now feel that all of us are braver than we ever imagined! As the year draws to a close, I intend to use this winter break to relax and spend time with family and friends- we must do what makes us happy – that is important and one of the best ways to rejuvenate. All festive occasions are times to celebrate and to spread good cheer, peace and love. I take this opportunity to wish you and your families all the very best for Christmas and the new year. We pray to God almighty to continue to bless us all and keep us healthy and safe, as we get set to enter 2021 

Warm regards and all good wishes

Make today count

 The 5 am club ! Something to ruminate over. Friday morning musings This day will not come again – so make the best of it – every second- every minute – every hour . Spread good will wherever possible Smile and be happy . Its contagious. Learn something new ( even if it's to draw a cat ) Read – a book- an article – anything that stimulates the thought process Be helpful Say a kind word Do not talk ill of anyone Try and make someone’s day special . It's easier than you imagine Plan ahead but live in the present . Try and learn from your mistakes but don’t dwell on them Work on removing negativity from your life. Be thankful for what you have. Many have much less. Think of those who have much less than you and try and help them if you can Be generous in thought , word and deed . You can start by giving away things you don't need any longer . Say a silent prayer whenever you can – its calming . Be determined to have a good day . Make today count . Send out positives vibes into the universe – they will come back to you threefold . Hope this makes some sense !! SMILE EVEN IF IT DOES NOT – AT LEAST I TRIED !!!!!!!!!!!!. God bless