A Realisation...

I was chatting with a friend today whilst going for lunch. And we stumbled upon the topic of asking questions during tutorials and lectures. As generalised, Singaporean students will stick to their chairs, eyes glued to apparently blank pieces of paper during tutorials when the tutor asks for volunteers to answer tutorial questions. This is where the differentiation comes in. There'll definitely be people answering the questions, asking more questions and clarifying doubts. This is a disruption of the common culture in Singapore. I wonder how each of you fare, but personally I found myself at the mercy of my own crime. Basically speaking, I stigmatised these group of people whose positive ideals were what I preached and acted on. These are in fact good practices that we lack and we really ought to reflect on our actions.

What is the purpose of education? To get good grades, to get settled down with a job or to seek knowledge and the greater truth? The last option is definitely a "yes" to the question. When faced with a problem, pry open your mouth and ask. You might be stigmatised but at the end of the day, who learns more? Who gains? And the questions posed, are they beneficial to the general cohort? It might very well be a question everyone's dying to ask but no one dares make the first move. That's a huge stumbling block to learning. Not just in educational terms, in life, in solving issues etc. When faced with a problem, no matter personal, relation-based or work. It's always good to clarify and clear things. Don't let things choke up, it gets unhealthy.

I've this working principle that I preach:" Never say anything's impossible until you've tried and exhausted all means". I really despise people who simply replies there's no solution to the problem when they've only analysed and performed 'skin-deep' attempts. And i'm guilty of this, especially in this semester. Not only did I not put in my best effort, I even labelled others, i'm utterly disgusted with myself over this. Last sem I really put effort into clarifying all that I don't know, I learnt and re-learnt a lot, the people whom i've asked should be nodding their heads off while reading this. Thank goodness I got reminded in time, I agree fully with the discussion. Now let's all work towards a greater understanding....till then