Old Learning Styles vs New Learning Styles

Most of our life, we need to learn. We start learning from the day we were born and will continue to learn until the day we die. The most important lesson we can learn from this is the ability of our marvellous mind to absorb is endless. 

The belief we need to build in our self conscious mind is that, our mind can either help or make us struggle with anything we need to learn later in life. The learning styles we come across when we were children are different because of our teachers and parents. As we grow and learn in high school or college, we adapt and create our own style of learning. 


Lately, I came across a book called super learning by Sheila Ostrander. This book investigates the new styles of learning that uses music and slow reading by the teacher to the students to create more accomplished students. 

As a business student in the 1990's, I was always struggling to balance my work life with my own studies. Going to classes on weekends and working full time in a bank have challenges. I faced an uncertainty that what we learn, can it really be absorbed in our mind?

Stress

As I read the book, I learn to understand that our mind needs peace and calm more that it needs stress to actually learn anything?

Music and Learning

Have you noticed why a lot of parents send their child to music lessons. Studies have shown that music helps the child use their mental faculty better. In the same way we can use music to enhance our super-learning mind. The techniques discovered by this Bulgarian scientist has help many countries be successful in sports and other academic achievements.

Healing Power of Belief

This is a real power in our mind, if only we learn to exercise it to help our bodies heal more rapidly. There are examples of people who uses the same super-learning technique to avoid sunstroke and survive in the desert more comfortably. Wouldn't it be great if Vision College nurses could have the skills to heal people of pain with this incredible new learning skill?

Learn Languages in Minutes

The mind has such a limitless capability that with the right teaching, a teacher can teach a foreign language in minutes to his or her class. Imagine the possibilities that Vision College students could learn English faster and understand better; be able to articulate and be more active learners in the process.

Super Learners

It is my hope that more students in Vision can grow and learn to be super learners and excel in academic and other aspects. 


Put your worries and problems to one side, forget about all the bad stuff, and immerse yourself in a good book like the one I mentioned. It definitely will benefit you in so many ways.




Prepared by,

Kelvin Khoo

Marketing Assistant Manager
Vision College

Into the Nature and Aboriginal Community

Did you ever thought of bringing yourself to some adventurous yet healthy lifestyle after having a hectic day? If so, I would like to suggest you guys to take some time to do hiking as I believe your body need some booster after a while. I enjoyed myself doing this though I'm neither an expert nor a regular participant of it. 

Well, I do start my passion in hiking back during my study time. The first mountain I conquered was Gunung Irau or popularly known as Mossy Forest; and it took about 9 hourse of hiking journey (from 10am to 7pm) to get back to the starting point. Gunung Irau is the highest mountain in Cameron Highland with the height of 2110 meters above sea level. it was very challenging since the weather was a little bit rainy and the track was full of mud and slippery. Through this mission, I learned on how to control my emotions; since I was physically tired and I have to complete the journey or otherwise I will be left alone in the jungle.

Apart from that, I also made new friends from different states and background. I managed to know that some of them are actually in professional careers such as accountant, engineer, etc. It shows that they are utilising their time with something fun and beneficial. Now, I am still into hiking and the latest hike I checked were Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve and Bukit Batu Putih, Port Dickson. I am hoping to conquer more in the future. 

Moving to another relax activity is engaging with aboriginal community. I still remember the first village I went to was in 2014 at Sungai  Siput Perak. The mission was to outreach towards this community since they are lack of basic necessities such as food and clothing. But the most important thing is to guide the small minority of Muslim withing that village in terms if Fardhu Ain (obligatory knowledge) and other basic knowledge such as teaching ABC to children who didn't have the privilege to go to school. I came to ponder myself on how they can be so happy with their lives even though they are living far away from the city without a proper shelter, education, and even the access to the internet. The key is to appreciate what they have and their love towards inherited lands from one generation to another. 

What is so special about this community? There are about 2 major groups of aboriginal which are Negrito and Senoi; and each of them representing different culture, language and socio-economics. More interesting, they love entertainment and listening to music. No wonder every single house I visited will have subscription to Astro and Njoy because entertainment is the way to keep them happy. My experience in visiting them is precious. They are a bit shy, but if we approach them with a proper way they will give positive responds to us.  

Although several years have passed, I still hope to have the opportunity and gain new experiences. Learning is not only something formally done in class, but nature and community also give us some lessons. Do bring yourself out of your comfort zone and you will realise there are actually more to be discovered. 

Prepared by, 

Nur Saadah Sumeh

Admin, Registry Department

Vision College

A Chapter at Kampung Sorak

People always ask about hobbies. To be honest, I do not have any, but I do some community service during free slots. Now, I would like to share my experiences at Kampung Sorak, Serian. It was my very first time in the land of Borneo, and I had a very good time.

There, we were placed to stay with a Bidayuh family. As a guest, we have to be open minded to accept what they offer, since they have no responsibilities in offering us a 5-star hotel services. The host felt sorry for the limited resources, but to me it was good enough which I could not ask for more. A million thanks to those who provided us shelter, not just a space but also a warm family to be with.

The family has 4 generations staying together, peacefully. 8 of us stayed at the house with no wifi, no television, and the signal was not good; but all these led us to have more connection with each other. There were no 5-star hotel facilities, but definitely a "5-star in connectivity and communication".

I miss the yummy food and the people there. The food was simply good and I had the first experience eating tempoyak. At first, I really can't comprehend the taste; but after it was cooked together with anchovies, my taste buds changed. It was the last dinner we had with them. I never had such great experience having dinner with so many of them together by just sitting on the floor. It was also the only photo that the 8 of us took together with the host. Indeed we became a one big family, and they treated us like their own. 

About the Camp

We organised a 3-day camp at the community hall in order to educate the children, and also spending more more quality time with them. Initially, we were expecting only 80 students, but because the residents were so supportive and we find it hard to decline them; we agreed to have more students. In the end, 90 students participated the camp. The age range was between 6-17 years old and the camp turned out to be so happening. The camp also emphasized leadership skills among the participants regardless of their age. I find the participants enjoyed themselves throughout the days and they actively participated in all the activities conducted.  Seeing them enjoying themselves us the best reward for us. 

Samar the Brave

I had the privileged to take care of 17 kids during the camp and we named our group, "Samar the Brave". "Samar" means tiger in their language. On one of the days, all groups are required to perform a dance. I wasn't really involved in their performance. They chose their own song, and choreographed the dance steps. They even allocated their own time for practicing. Some of them told me that they were feeling nervous but they did very well eventually. I recorded their performance and watch the video whenever I miss them. 

Cultural Night

It was my first time joining their cultural night and we were asked to dress up in our traditional costume. I was so lucky to  be given a chance to wear their traditional costume, and one of the family members borrowed me a set of dress. So I decided to lend her my Cheong Sam instead. We were treated like VIPs when entering the hall, and each of us were presented with a handmade necklace. We had the greatest night or our lives filled with traditional beats and music. We let our feet feel the rhythm and danced all night with the local people. 

One thing I love about joining camps is that I manage to meet a lot of inspiring people from all over Malaysia, with different background but holds the same mission. As a volunteer, you need to be a friend to the community; a friend who can build up their confidence regardless where they came from. If you are a volunteer like myself, always remember to have good intentions in your heart and also the passion to put a smile on someone's face. 

Prepared by,

Lee Siew Mun

Media Team

Vision College

A Beloved Cosmologist

Do you know Stephen Hawking? His full name is Stephen William Hawking, was born on 8th January in Oxford, England. Stephen went to St. Albans School at the age of 11; and later continued to study Physics in University College, Oxford.

In 1962, Stephen did his research in cosmology. In 1963 Stephen was diagnosed with ALS, a form of Motor Neurone Disease, shortly after his 21st birthday. In spite of being wheelchair-bound and dependent on a computerised voice system for communication, Stephen continues to combine family life (he has three children and three grandchildren) with his research into theoretical physics, in addition to an extensive programme of travel and public lectures.

But, he managed to get his PhD in 1965 with his thesis titled 'Properties of Expanding Universes' and he became a research fellow, then Fellow for Distinction in Science (1969) at Gonville & Caius College.

Professor Stephen Hawking has worked on the basic laws which govern the universe. With Roger Penrose he showed that Einstein's general theory of relativity implied space and time would have a beginning in the Big Bang and an end in black holes in 1970. Professor Hawking has over a dozen honorary degree and was awarded the CBE in 1982. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the US National Academy of Science. Stephen Hawking is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein.

His publications include The Large Scale Structure of Spacetime with G. F. R. Ellis, General Relativity: An Einstein Centenary Survey, with W. Israel, and 300 years of Gravitation, with W Israel. Among the popular books Stephen Hawking has published are his best seller A Brief History of Time, Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays, The Universe in  Nutshell, The Grand Design and My Brief History. 

However, on 14 March 2018, our world renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking has died at the age of 76. He died peacefully at his home in Cambridge. Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything, paid tribute to Stephen, saying: "We have lost a truly beautiful mind, an astonishing scientist and the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure to meet."

Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Prof. Hawking in a BBC drama, said Stephen was "a true inspiration for me and for millions around the world."

Rest in peace, Stephen Hawking.

Prepared by,

Zaty Razali

Course Counsellor

Vision College

Teaching: The Noblest Profession in the World

I believe that teaching is the most important profession in the world. How else can we continue to develop in such a technical world, or in any other way, for that matter? Without the transfer of knowledge to young minds, we will stagnate and wither as a world. Teaching is hope for better, more successful features. Learning is hope for becoming better individuals, for gaining intelligence, and for implementing practical experiences in our future.

Since our parents always tell us that we should plan for our futures and work to realize those goals, the teaching profession should "practice what it preaches" by helping young people to reach those goals.

As we know, teaching is a very important activity on which the base of any nation and culture is established. The word 'teaching' means the work of a teacher to provide knowledge and guidance. It is one of the oldest and noblest services to the society in any culture. 

Teaching not only shows the right path that the students should follow but also prepares the human resource for the further development of the nation. It has the potential to have a great impact in the moulding of the next generation. That is why education should be valued by social institutions like government, the family and civil  society.

For me, teaching is the noblest among all the professions since all professionals underwent education with a teacher. It's also a process to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals and workers like politician, doctors, policemen, engineers, educators, legislators and good citizens. 

Another important thing about the profession of teaching is that it enlightens both sides of the teacher as well as the student. In this noble profession not only, the students learn but the teacher also learns the lessons of life from the innocent students also. So, it is beneficial to both of the sides.

Wise man rightly said, "Those who educate the children are more to be honoured than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well." So, teaching is a profession that provides an art of living. It is not only a duty. It is not a profession but a noble service to the world to create a more beautiful and peaceful world. 

Last but not least, I would like to say here that, "A good education can change anyone, but a good teacher can change everything!".

Prepared by,

Jebid Arif Bin Sengorou

Lecturer, Diploma in Law Enforcement

Vision College

'Me' as an Educator

There are many things in the world that brought joys to my life; and one of it is teaching. Teaching has always been part of my passion. I find that within years of my teaching experiences, there are a lot of things I ought to learn in order to become a better lecturer.

I learned a lot about teaching throughout my days in Vision College. In my view, teaching or lecturing is like performing arts. No amount of reading, attending workshops, or even courses will prepare you for the challenges. You only get better with practice. There's not a day where students will let you off easy without asking questions in the classroom. I always find that rather challenging though. Therefore, I have to do some homework myself and make sure that my brain is full with knowledge before entering the classroom. Early  preparation is vital; especially when it includes sharing of knowledge to other people. 

As an educator, I need to be more creative in enhancing the students to become more productive and interactive. There are times when students seem uninterested in learning and participating in classroom activities - which tends to be disruptive to the classroom environment at times. Therefore, with the help of information highway or the internet, I googled through plenty of studies and educational strategies for improving students' behaviour. 

It is our task as educators to motivate each student to learn and keep them motivated until they succeed. Learning outside of the classroom may come in handy. As for my Diploma in Hotel Management students, they are being exposed to the real-working environment in hotels, events, exhibitions, and others. It definitely places a strong emphasis on the importance of first-hand practical experiences, and the development of a love of learning. 

In a nutshell, I would like to end my post with a quote:

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work. But rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."

                                                                       - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Prepared by,

SIti Solihah bt Ishak

Lecturer, Diploma in Hotel Management

Vision College

Personal Experience in Malaysia

I came to Malaysia in the year 2009 and have been living in Malaysia for the past 7 years; and also happened to found the love of my life. I am truly grateful and would like to share my experience here for those who might be thinking to come to Malaysia for a holiday and maybe expand your horizons a little bit.

I remember one of the first thing that really surprise me was the fact that Malaysians are very relax and not to mention extremely friendly (but not all though, especially the taxi drivers who tries to hustle with you whenever they had the chance to so.. Thank goodness for UBER and GRAB cars).

Coming from a very cold country, the warm weather was a huge welcome...(Phew, no need to think about what to wear for the ever changing seasons every year. It's summer all year long!) Next, when it comes to food, Malaysia has it all and has it in abundance. There's no shortage of variety of food you can find. To top it all off, it is cheap and it is possible to dine-out every single day for 365 days.

Just to name a few MUST TRY local food (Oh, my favourites too!)

1. Dim Sum

Majority of the Malaysian Chinese will have it for breakfast, will an assortment of meat and washing it all down with a pot of finely brewed Chinese Tea.

2. Nasi Lemak

A traditional Malay dish, comes with rice, finely cut cucumbers, fully boiled eggs, nuts and top it off with some anchovies to give it a mix of flavours and wrapped in Pandan leaves. Oh, not to forget the rich, spicy sambal.

3. Wantan Mee

Noodles are a staple amongst the Malaysian-Chinese. Don't be surprise by the immense choices of noodles that can be found in Malaysia. You will also find different styles of noodles made localised to the different race in Malaysia, each adding something unique to the whole Malaysia dining experience.

4. Roti Canai

Indian bread, with a variety of sauces ranges from spicy to sweet. Bread is made to feel light and easy to consume without it feeling too heavy. Great to have in the morning, lunch, dinner, and even supper!

Well there you have it, these are just a few samples of what Malaysia food truly has to offer and I really enjoyed staying in Malaysia.

Prepared by,

Janat Abdurakhmonova

Course Counsellor

Vision College