The Interview

I was second last on the list. Everyone was reading some damn NKRA, PIPP, KPI notes. I just barely glanced mine last night. Ok la, I did give it a once thro, but seriously? Who really understands the real meaning and purpose of these policy, lengthy in words and ambiguous in execution, not to mention expensive.

As you can see reading does not help set me in the frame of mind to attend a government servant confirmation interview.

One by one the candidates came out with their faces ashen and pale. This woman came out with tears and said she told the datuk everything she knew about those blasted govt policies and he still wasn't happy with her.

shit.

Googled some stuff from the MOE website on my beautiful phone and read a little more. Nothing went in my dense head. Decided to forget it and msn-ed Jon (again on my fantastic iPhone) did the self prep-talk with him, oh yea I am awesome and I can do this! huhuhu.

When in, sat down and decided what the hell, just say whatever that comes to mind.

- Introduce yourself (easily done)

- Why is physics important.
(I used the problem solving approach, if a student forgets all his physics, he will never lose the thinking skills required to arrive to the solution of said physics problem in the first place. The theory fades, the ability to analyze solve problems remains.)

- Why is the ability to solve problems important? (duh)
To produce competitive yet individually unique work force for our country. We don't want text book memorizing drones!

- How do you instill this problem solving ability in your students. (simple)
I make them think. I refuse to give them straight forward answers. I prompt them with questions and show them that they already have the answers within their head if only they learn how to use it and arrange it in a logical manner. I also believe that communicating your solution is important, I instill this by building on the pre-existing idea of a student's half solution, I steer them and nudge them by giving feedback or re-phrasing their ideas in a more clearer sentence. I make my students believe that they can achieve. I exhibit confidence and excitement towards their ideas to appreciate their contribution. And I never, ever lower my standards.

He paused and looked through my certs, commented on my results and said this. Do you know we hand picked you among many others to teach in a Matriculation College? (haha no.) Amongst all the candidates I have met here, you are the best and have the potential to go a long way. (haha wow). You should consider studying more (yes thats the perlis plan) and helping us train our teachers. (haha thats the plan too, well kinda). I seldom meet young and intelligent people like you. (duh look at the brain drain) I am honored (oh wow) to have met you. I seldom shake hands with my candidates, but (As he extended his hands) it's a pleasure to have chatted with you.

Oh wow. like wth. I left shelled shocked. Someone from up there actually accepts my ideas and not ask me a single policy hinged question! well well well. Whaddaya know? There is hope right? I sure hope so. =)

p/s : I am trying to remind myself its only 3 weeks. There is no miracle in 3 weeks. although their paper is in 5 weeks. (WHAT STUPID SYSTEM IS THIS anyway). It's hard work. lots of extra time and hoping it will bear fruit. *crosses fingers*