Just received another email today:
Dear Alphonsus,
In light of your advice this morning and, given that you have not had the benefit of the "Writing about Music" subject in Semester 1, your mark has been adjusted to 68. We both think this is fair: it is still in our view an H3 level essay, so this modification maintains fairness across the whole class while recognising your own particular circumstances.
John Griffiths
--
What happened prior to this: (continuation of the email from the previous entry)
Dear Professor John,
Thank you for your reply and looking into my essay seriously. After reading the detailed comments given by Shelley and your input in this email, I am satisfied with the outcome and am also assured that my essay is carefully reexamined. I am also particularly pleased with the helpful pointers given in the detailed comments by Shelley. Meanwhile, I just need to add that I am a mid-semester entry student and have yet to do 'Writing about Music' from Semester 1.
Thank you for taking time off your busy schedule to look into this matter. I apologise for any inconvenience caused during the process and also would like to thank Shelley for her detailed comments.
Kind Regards,
Alphonsus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Really dramatic. If I were to summarise the entire story, this is the brief outline below:
Student got back essay result.
Student not happy with the result he got and question his results, putting in strong words in the process.
Professor replies, saying the result still stand, but given a list of comments talking about the good points and bad points, and some referal to some notes which student have not done it before.
Student acknowledges his fate and accepted his marks.
Professor replied again, increasing the marks slightly in acknowledgement of the fact that student didnt take a subject about essay writing in Semester 1.
Student lives happily ever after (though slightly).
What a dramatic end to the last day and week of school. =)
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Our Heavenly Father is great after all, isn't he? He is the fairest of all... =)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Resolution of problems
For those who keeps up with my blog, here is the final outcome of the essay issue:
Dear Alphonsus,
Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to you. I have simply been snowed under.
Your essay has been re-examined. After very careful consideration, it has been decided that the original mark should stand. Shelley has written detailed further comments for you explaining the mark and has also included another document prepared by the School of Historical Studies in the Faculty of Arts that will explain the broader rationale about grading.
You are obviously a very articulate student and your command of English is admirable. I hope you take these additional comments in the spirit in which they are offered, not from a defensive position, but rather as the kind of feedback that will help you to achieve your potentials and that will help you sharpen your research and writing skills more finely. While your mark in this assignment is (only a few marks) below the average, it would seem to me that you have considerably more potential. Shelley's detailed review looks at both the mechanics of essay writing and scholarly presentation as well as content. I think her principal reasoning lies in the difficulty that you appear to have had in integrating analytical observations of Haydn's style with the broader argument of the essay.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to respond.
John Griffiths
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above email is just one of the many concerns solved today. Today, I just feel much lighter not only because the above issue, but also another issue which shows that my worries are unfounded. Well, I am not a demanding person after all. Shelley have just sent me a detailed 2 1/2 pages long of the strength, weakness and points to improve in the future -- at least I feel my marks are justified and I can let the matter rest.
This situation just reminds me of a verse from the bible:
Matthew 7: 7
"Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you".
I have asked for answers, which I received in the above example. Although I am currently seeking for something (something which I have been seeking for very long time), I believe one day I will find in His time.
Well, if you want to know what am I seeking, you just got to knock the door of my heart, and it will be opened to you.. 8)
Dear Alphonsus,
Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to you. I have simply been snowed under.
Your essay has been re-examined. After very careful consideration, it has been decided that the original mark should stand. Shelley has written detailed further comments for you explaining the mark and has also included another document prepared by the School of Historical Studies in the Faculty of Arts that will explain the broader rationale about grading.
You are obviously a very articulate student and your command of English is admirable. I hope you take these additional comments in the spirit in which they are offered, not from a defensive position, but rather as the kind of feedback that will help you to achieve your potentials and that will help you sharpen your research and writing skills more finely. While your mark in this assignment is (only a few marks) below the average, it would seem to me that you have considerably more potential. Shelley's detailed review looks at both the mechanics of essay writing and scholarly presentation as well as content. I think her principal reasoning lies in the difficulty that you appear to have had in integrating analytical observations of Haydn's style with the broader argument of the essay.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to respond.
John Griffiths
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The above email is just one of the many concerns solved today. Today, I just feel much lighter not only because the above issue, but also another issue which shows that my worries are unfounded. Well, I am not a demanding person after all. Shelley have just sent me a detailed 2 1/2 pages long of the strength, weakness and points to improve in the future -- at least I feel my marks are justified and I can let the matter rest.
This situation just reminds me of a verse from the bible:
Matthew 7: 7
"Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you".
I have asked for answers, which I received in the above example. Although I am currently seeking for something (something which I have been seeking for very long time), I believe one day I will find in His time.
Well, if you want to know what am I seeking, you just got to knock the door of my heart, and it will be opened to you.. 8)
Monday, October 27, 2008
From someone's blog tagboard:
(names are altered to protect the identity of the people involved)
David: I think im gonna be down with flu and cough. Started coughing yesterday and this morning it got worse...
Alyssa: what?! TAKE CARE you can't fall sick now! GET WELL SOON!
Weiling: GET WELL SOON MAN
Yvonne: HELLO AGAIN!!! AND GET WELL LUH:D:D:D
David: hey thanks so much girls =))
Disclaimer: Any resemblance of any person or whatsoever is just purely coincidental. The blogger shall not claim any responsibility for any damage or loss in producing part or whole of the above entry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seriously, these guy is really fortunate or has the charm to make girls show some concern for him. I am sure the above three girls arent the only ones who are showing their concern. Some girls just kept their concern in their hearts.
When Alphonsus falls sick, no one gives a damn. :D
David: I think im gonna be down with flu and cough. Started coughing yesterday and this morning it got worse...
Alyssa: what?! TAKE CARE you can't fall sick now! GET WELL SOON!
Weiling: GET WELL SOON MAN
Yvonne: HELLO AGAIN!!! AND GET WELL LUH:D:D:D
David: hey thanks so much girls =))
Disclaimer: Any resemblance of any person or whatsoever is just purely coincidental. The blogger shall not claim any responsibility for any damage or loss in producing part or whole of the above entry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seriously, these guy is really fortunate or has the charm to make girls show some concern for him. I am sure the above three girls arent the only ones who are showing their concern. Some girls just kept their concern in their hearts.
When Alphonsus falls sick, no one gives a damn. :D
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Martin Luther
Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk,[1] theologian, university professor, Father of Protestantism,[2][3][4][5] and church reformer whose ideas influenced the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.[6]
Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority[7] and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a universal priesthood.[8] According to Luther, salvation is a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.
At the Diet of Worms assembly over freedom of conscience in 1521, Luther's confrontation with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church and being declared an outlaw of the state as a consequence.
His translation of the Bible into the vernacular of the people made the Scriptures more accessible to them, and had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation,[9] and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible.[10] His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity.[11] His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.[12]
Taken from http://www.wikipedia.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently, I have been learning about Martin Luther's reformation in church music. I can only say that he is a great man despite the fact that he left the catholic church. Basically, I respected Luther for being able to stand firmly for what he believed in. I would say (maybe the catholic church will disagree), without Martin Luther's insistence, the catholic church wouldnt be what it is today. Unfortuantely, the catholic church takes 400 years later to be what it is today, after the Vatican Council II in 1962.
On a serious note, I think it's true that the church is full of crap and contradictions, and even full of crap people after serving in a music ministry for my church for a long time. I just dislike it when people often use the name of the church as their protective cover or telling people what to do. Some e.g. "As a christian, we must be christ-like", "Doing this and this is not being Christ-like", "being a Christian, we must be forgive and forget" etc. and there are some behavioural expectations of you more if you are working or serving in a church ministry. Sometimes serving in a ministry just make me feel as if I am a hypocrite, sometimes I am just saying things in a christian way and not from the bottom of my heart.
I guess the challenge for us is to put the church context as any secular context. Working in a ministry as if you are working for any secular organisation. If you behave the same way you behave in church in outside world, then probably you are not a hypocrite. I have a friend who once told me that she is unsure of whether to continue serving in her university catholic students society as a vice president as she is unsure whether she can live up to what the society expects of a vice president in a catholic community, for e.g. must be more caring, show more concern to her group as a leader. Well, of course, I just told her these stresses and concern are unnecessary and just have to be yourself as if you are working in any place other than catholic context. Since the bible says we are created in the image of God, so why must we be so concern about being too Christ-like?
I just recently heard from another of my church friend whom I respected alot that he left the catholic church to attend Protestant church, though it's just temporarily for a break. I guess if you understand his situation, you can empathize how he is feeling- after serving faithfully in a church ministry, giving every single time of his to lead a ministry and what he receives back from the group is not a word of appreciation but crap and more crap, you would really feel more than just upset and disappointment.
It is sad, isnt it? Where is the concern we are suppose to show to our brothers and sisters in Christ that we often talk about in church? Or are we using that for our own selfish reasons? I leave you with this for those who are serving in a ministry or thinking of serving in a ministry...
Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority[7] and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a universal priesthood.[8] According to Luther, salvation is a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.
At the Diet of Worms assembly over freedom of conscience in 1521, Luther's confrontation with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church and being declared an outlaw of the state as a consequence.
His translation of the Bible into the vernacular of the people made the Scriptures more accessible to them, and had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation,[9] and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible.[10] His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity.[11] His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.[12]
Taken from http://www.wikipedia.com/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recently, I have been learning about Martin Luther's reformation in church music. I can only say that he is a great man despite the fact that he left the catholic church. Basically, I respected Luther for being able to stand firmly for what he believed in. I would say (maybe the catholic church will disagree), without Martin Luther's insistence, the catholic church wouldnt be what it is today. Unfortuantely, the catholic church takes 400 years later to be what it is today, after the Vatican Council II in 1962.
On a serious note, I think it's true that the church is full of crap and contradictions, and even full of crap people after serving in a music ministry for my church for a long time. I just dislike it when people often use the name of the church as their protective cover or telling people what to do. Some e.g. "As a christian, we must be christ-like", "Doing this and this is not being Christ-like", "being a Christian, we must be forgive and forget" etc. and there are some behavioural expectations of you more if you are working or serving in a church ministry. Sometimes serving in a ministry just make me feel as if I am a hypocrite, sometimes I am just saying things in a christian way and not from the bottom of my heart.
I guess the challenge for us is to put the church context as any secular context. Working in a ministry as if you are working for any secular organisation. If you behave the same way you behave in church in outside world, then probably you are not a hypocrite. I have a friend who once told me that she is unsure of whether to continue serving in her university catholic students society as a vice president as she is unsure whether she can live up to what the society expects of a vice president in a catholic community, for e.g. must be more caring, show more concern to her group as a leader. Well, of course, I just told her these stresses and concern are unnecessary and just have to be yourself as if you are working in any place other than catholic context. Since the bible says we are created in the image of God, so why must we be so concern about being too Christ-like?
I just recently heard from another of my church friend whom I respected alot that he left the catholic church to attend Protestant church, though it's just temporarily for a break. I guess if you understand his situation, you can empathize how he is feeling- after serving faithfully in a church ministry, giving every single time of his to lead a ministry and what he receives back from the group is not a word of appreciation but crap and more crap, you would really feel more than just upset and disappointment.
It is sad, isnt it? Where is the concern we are suppose to show to our brothers and sisters in Christ that we often talk about in church? Or are we using that for our own selfish reasons? I leave you with this for those who are serving in a ministry or thinking of serving in a ministry...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Reply from
Dear Alphonsus,
Thank you for your enquiry. Firstly, let me reassure you that there is no prejudice or favoritism shown to any student or group of students in this subject. This would be totally repugnant to my sense of ethics and justice. There are inevitable difficulties, however, in judging fairly the work of native speaking students and those writing in a second language. I try to find the balance between expression and ideas and to mark accordingly. And when students question their results, I will ensure that any queries are handled fairly.
I had a meeting with Shelley yesterday to discuss the questions you raised about your own work and those of your peers. Your own essay is being reexamined and I will get back to you as soon as this has been done.
Good wishes,
John Griffiths
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And so, here is the reply from the professor if anyone is interested in the outcome. Michelle just got her marks increased from 54% to 61% after appeal although it's in the same P region. I guess my marks will probably just increase from 65% to 69% the most, or maybe not even approved. And the best part is that it is being reexamined by the same marker.
Speechless...
Thank you for your enquiry. Firstly, let me reassure you that there is no prejudice or favoritism shown to any student or group of students in this subject. This would be totally repugnant to my sense of ethics and justice. There are inevitable difficulties, however, in judging fairly the work of native speaking students and those writing in a second language. I try to find the balance between expression and ideas and to mark accordingly. And when students question their results, I will ensure that any queries are handled fairly.
I had a meeting with Shelley yesterday to discuss the questions you raised about your own work and those of your peers. Your own essay is being reexamined and I will get back to you as soon as this has been done.
Good wishes,
John Griffiths
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And so, here is the reply from the professor if anyone is interested in the outcome. Michelle just got her marks increased from 54% to 61% after appeal although it's in the same P region. I guess my marks will probably just increase from 65% to 69% the most, or maybe not even approved. And the best part is that it is being reexamined by the same marker.
Speechless...
Saturday, October 18, 2008
With this...
Dear Professor John,
I am Alphonsus, a first year international student, currently doing Medieval And Early Modern Music. I am writing in response to the gradedessay which I got back from Shelley last Tuesday.
I would like to ask if there is a marking rubrics/ guidelines which themarkers follow and grade our essays accordingly? I have generally observedthat Shelley has been stricter with her marks to the non-Aussie studentsthan Aussie students which raises my concern alittle. Could she havemisunderstand our essay or maybe she has a strong expectation of what anessay should be?
Another question would be whether we will be marked down a grade if weunintentionally or intentionally miss out the following: a cover page or abibiliography page (but with footnotes) and whether musical examples areessential and must be present in a music essay?
I certainly understand the subjectivity of essay marks and definitely trust the professionalism of the tutors and yourself. I have also attachedmy graded essay to this email for your advice. I would appreciate if youcould relook into some of our essays and provide us the marking rubrics/guidelines for the essay (if there is any), so that we will know what toexpect for each individual band of marks for our future essays.
Can I also arrange a consultation time with you to discuss on how to improve my essay in the future?
On a closing note, it would be depressing for us to get a low mark with all our weeks of research, filtering of information, planning of essays and typing our essays out. Some of us definitely put in a lot of effort and time into our essays.
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Alphonsus Tan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have written out what I truly feel about the music essay and what some of us, the international students felt.
A quote from Augustus:
"Writing an assignment can be a bitch when you have too much info in your head and and a low word limit "
and I have added to the quote
"it's more bitchy if you put in alot of effort in your essay and not awarded the marks for your effort".
I just hope that those who put in lots of effort in this essay will get back their marks they truly deserve. I write in hope of being able to do some justice to my marks or if this fails, get a justified answer for this low marks and that others who put in more effort but lower marks than me will get the marks for their effort.
"Heavenly Father, only you are the fairest judge of all. You know everything, You see everything. I trust that you will reward accordingly those who put in their effort in their work. Amen."
I am Alphonsus, a first year international student, currently doing Medieval And Early Modern Music. I am writing in response to the gradedessay which I got back from Shelley last Tuesday.
I would like to ask if there is a marking rubrics/ guidelines which themarkers follow and grade our essays accordingly? I have generally observedthat Shelley has been stricter with her marks to the non-Aussie studentsthan Aussie students which raises my concern alittle. Could she havemisunderstand our essay or maybe she has a strong expectation of what anessay should be?
Another question would be whether we will be marked down a grade if weunintentionally or intentionally miss out the following: a cover page or abibiliography page (but with footnotes) and whether musical examples areessential and must be present in a music essay?
I certainly understand the subjectivity of essay marks and definitely trust the professionalism of the tutors and yourself. I have also attachedmy graded essay to this email for your advice. I would appreciate if youcould relook into some of our essays and provide us the marking rubrics/guidelines for the essay (if there is any), so that we will know what toexpect for each individual band of marks for our future essays.
Can I also arrange a consultation time with you to discuss on how to improve my essay in the future?
On a closing note, it would be depressing for us to get a low mark with all our weeks of research, filtering of information, planning of essays and typing our essays out. Some of us definitely put in a lot of effort and time into our essays.
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Alphonsus Tan
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have written out what I truly feel about the music essay and what some of us, the international students felt.
A quote from Augustus:
"Writing an assignment can be a bitch when you have too much info in your head and and a low word limit "
and I have added to the quote
"it's more bitchy if you put in alot of effort in your essay and not awarded the marks for your effort".
I just hope that those who put in lots of effort in this essay will get back their marks they truly deserve. I write in hope of being able to do some justice to my marks or if this fails, get a justified answer for this low marks and that others who put in more effort but lower marks than me will get the marks for their effort.
"Heavenly Father, only you are the fairest judge of all. You know everything, You see everything. I trust that you will reward accordingly those who put in their effort in their work. Amen."
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Reflections
After praying and doing some bible reflection, I got 'hit' by this verse from the bible:
Galatians 3:2-5
"Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? How can you be so foolish! You began by God's spirit; do you want to finish by your own power? Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it?"
I believe in this verse, St Paul is trying to 'tell me off' (to put it in humanistic sense).
I remembered after attending Youth in Spirit Seminar by amplify in December 2005 (that's like so long ago), I feel so spiritually recharged, being so active as an organist in my music minstry in church. I remembered I could play consecutively for 3 masses, 6.45am, 9.30 am and 11am and even 2 consecutive penitential service (even when I am sick), play for all the weekday masses. But after a moment, playing for mass is just like an obligation, the thing that keeps me going is my interest in music, and probably the fellowship of the choir members, and things began working by my own strength, and sometimes if i play for more than 2 masses, it's out of friendship. And of course, things really get bad for me before I left, got upset with some people in the ministry till I needed a break. But then, we are still humans after all.
How I wish I could return to that moment of 2005 again, the day which I really felt the presence of God telling me how I am a special child, and always special from the day I was born onto this world. It's really sweet.
"O heavenly Father, I am sorry for all the times which I have done something with my own strength. Father, I am weak, but you are strong. Be with me always, and let me never forget that we can always rely on you and that you are our source of strength for all the work that we do. Amen"
Galatians 3:2-5
"Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? How can you be so foolish! You began by God's spirit; do you want to finish by your own power? Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it?"
I believe in this verse, St Paul is trying to 'tell me off' (to put it in humanistic sense).
I remembered after attending Youth in Spirit Seminar by amplify in December 2005 (that's like so long ago), I feel so spiritually recharged, being so active as an organist in my music minstry in church. I remembered I could play consecutively for 3 masses, 6.45am, 9.30 am and 11am and even 2 consecutive penitential service (even when I am sick), play for all the weekday masses. But after a moment, playing for mass is just like an obligation, the thing that keeps me going is my interest in music, and probably the fellowship of the choir members, and things began working by my own strength, and sometimes if i play for more than 2 masses, it's out of friendship. And of course, things really get bad for me before I left, got upset with some people in the ministry till I needed a break. But then, we are still humans after all.
How I wish I could return to that moment of 2005 again, the day which I really felt the presence of God telling me how I am a special child, and always special from the day I was born onto this world. It's really sweet.
"O heavenly Father, I am sorry for all the times which I have done something with my own strength. Father, I am weak, but you are strong. Be with me always, and let me never forget that we can always rely on you and that you are our source of strength for all the work that we do. Amen"
Melo-drama week
I just got so dramatic yesterday. Thanks to the feelingunfairundeservedstupidhaydnessay marks I got.
This is what happened:
I happened to read 2 other music students essay in one of the music conservatory basement computer, one is an aussie and one is an asian.
Aussie student wrote the same music essay question as me. His essay is only 4 1/10 page long, no bibiliography and no cover page, no musical examples, just plain narration of Haydn symphonies from books, got 72 %
I wrote 10 page long worth of essay, with no bibliography page, but with flitered analysis and music examples, much more organised than his, more research done than the aussie student, got 65%.
And i feel sorry for this asian student, wrote 15 pages worth of essay, (different question but marked by the same marker), got bibliography page, got lots of research done, got alot of music examples, got 62%.
Conclusion:
1) The marker is just plain racist!
2) The marker is too lazy to read long essays, and therefore, the longer essay you wrote, the lower marks you get, and mind you, none of my points are contradicting, I am sure i got better points than that aussie student.
3) Aussies are plain lazy and Asian students are generally more hardworking than aussie students.
Seriously, i dont think my essay is not that bad as the aussie's essay. If the aussie didnt even produce a cover page, musical examples and lack bibliography page, my essay with music examples, more research done, few or no expression problems, i dont see why my essay is marked lower than that aussie's essay. If that slack aussie essay can get 72%, i think my essay is worth either the same or even better. Maybe that aussie marker is stupid enough to understand an asian essay.
Ok, i better stop this ramblings, before anyone wants to beat me up for being too direct/ criticising aussies or mistook me for a TYPE A personality.
----------------- Putting all anger and frustrations aside ---------------------------------------
Yesterday's ramblings lead me to a series of deep thoughts about why this has happened.
A common overused quote from the bible or in fact, from last Sunday 2nd reading: St Paul's letter to the Philippians " I can do all things in him who strengthens me".
Maybe I havent been praying for the past few weeks. My spiritual reservoir is now empty, or rather supported by going to church, singing for choir every sunday. Maybe because I don't have the spiritual support I used to have. Maybe I am just too tired to be on this myself...
This is what happened:
I happened to read 2 other music students essay in one of the music conservatory basement computer, one is an aussie and one is an asian.
Aussie student wrote the same music essay question as me. His essay is only 4 1/10 page long, no bibiliography and no cover page, no musical examples, just plain narration of Haydn symphonies from books, got 72 %
I wrote 10 page long worth of essay, with no bibliography page, but with flitered analysis and music examples, much more organised than his, more research done than the aussie student, got 65%.
And i feel sorry for this asian student, wrote 15 pages worth of essay, (different question but marked by the same marker), got bibliography page, got lots of research done, got alot of music examples, got 62%.
Conclusion:
1) The marker is just plain racist!
2) The marker is too lazy to read long essays, and therefore, the longer essay you wrote, the lower marks you get, and mind you, none of my points are contradicting, I am sure i got better points than that aussie student.
3) Aussies are plain lazy and Asian students are generally more hardworking than aussie students.
Seriously, i dont think my essay is not that bad as the aussie's essay. If the aussie didnt even produce a cover page, musical examples and lack bibliography page, my essay with music examples, more research done, few or no expression problems, i dont see why my essay is marked lower than that aussie's essay. If that slack aussie essay can get 72%, i think my essay is worth either the same or even better. Maybe that aussie marker is stupid enough to understand an asian essay.
Ok, i better stop this ramblings, before anyone wants to beat me up for being too direct/ criticising aussies or mistook me for a TYPE A personality.
----------------- Putting all anger and frustrations aside ---------------------------------------
Yesterday's ramblings lead me to a series of deep thoughts about why this has happened.
A common overused quote from the bible or in fact, from last Sunday 2nd reading: St Paul's letter to the Philippians " I can do all things in him who strengthens me".
Maybe I havent been praying for the past few weeks. My spiritual reservoir is now empty, or rather supported by going to church, singing for choir every sunday. Maybe because I don't have the spiritual support I used to have. Maybe I am just too tired to be on this myself...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What does this tell you?
And so, had a pretty short psychology tutorials, which I am going to spend this extra time blogging about the result of my pscyhology essay which I just got back.
Before releasing the result here (as usual, many teachers don't release the result until they say a few words to get us excited), I am rather pleased with my psychology essay marks, considering that I have just put in last minute effort in it (ok, not as last minute as some, I didnt just rush it before deadline like some people. but i did spent the last 3 days before the deadline to do my research and typing it out).
Here is the result:
Psychology essay: H2B
Music Essay: H3
Seriously, after getting back my psychology essay results, I feel I deserved better for my music essay, because I spent the 1 week or more researching and planning out the essay,language wise, my music essay is better expressed than my psychology essay, (as proven in my essay, little comment made about my grammar and expression in music compared to psychology). Content wise, the marker commented that I provided a substantial survey for my music essay, where there isnt any much comment on the psychology essay. The only difference is that I missed out on the reference page for the music essay, which I believed caused the downfall of my marks. Why can't they just standardise the referencing styles across all faculties?
So some lessons learnt here:
1) Don't bother putting your heart and soul doing an essay. It's not worth the results you get, as sweat and blood in essay cruelly does not equate to good marks.
2) The higher your expectation, the higher your disappointments. This applies to some people VERY well, and for this instance, me.
3) Referencing is the tool in which markers can easily fail you or drop your marks a band down.
Now I just have to study hard for my final music history exam to make up for the most grieved essay result I got, and show I am wrongly marked!
Feeling: Very determined!
Before releasing the result here (as usual, many teachers don't release the result until they say a few words to get us excited), I am rather pleased with my psychology essay marks, considering that I have just put in last minute effort in it (ok, not as last minute as some, I didnt just rush it before deadline like some people. but i did spent the last 3 days before the deadline to do my research and typing it out).
Here is the result:
Psychology essay: H2B
Music Essay: H3
Seriously, after getting back my psychology essay results, I feel I deserved better for my music essay, because I spent the 1 week or more researching and planning out the essay,language wise, my music essay is better expressed than my psychology essay, (as proven in my essay, little comment made about my grammar and expression in music compared to psychology). Content wise, the marker commented that I provided a substantial survey for my music essay, where there isnt any much comment on the psychology essay. The only difference is that I missed out on the reference page for the music essay, which I believed caused the downfall of my marks. Why can't they just standardise the referencing styles across all faculties?
So some lessons learnt here:
1) Don't bother putting your heart and soul doing an essay. It's not worth the results you get, as sweat and blood in essay cruelly does not equate to good marks.
2) The higher your expectation, the higher your disappointments. This applies to some people VERY well, and for this instance, me.
3) Referencing is the tool in which markers can easily fail you or drop your marks a band down.
Now I just have to study hard for my final music history exam to make up for the most grieved essay result I got, and show I am wrongly marked!
Feeling: Very determined!
A bad day
Just got back my very first essay results. I am very disappointed and upset with it, because I got penalised heavily for missing out a bibliography page and the referencing style.
But nevertheless, this provides a good wake up call....
But nevertheless, this provides a good wake up call....
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Busy weekend
Just return from singing for 11am mass as usual, which signals the end of my not so busy weekend.
The entire weekend starts off with a morning run of about 8km, with Philip and his church friend. It is a good run considering I have not run for that distance for quite a while. I guess going jogging with a group of friends make a difference. You wont feel the tiredness of the jog as you will be motivated and encouraged constantly by your friends. Guess we are going to keep this saturday morning jog regularly for body and health. Hopefully, I can find someone to jog with back in Singapore.
In the afternoon, I went for Donna's and Janan's birthday party at the Royal Botanical Gardens. I guess what impresses me the most in this party is not the fun part (of having games.. please dont get the wrong idea, I had fun), but rather the thought that comes in organising this event. I must say that Don has a great sister in Amanda and I believed that Amanda had put in lots of effort, time (in planning out the games for us and making sure everyone in COSDU had fun) and a huge amount of money on this birthday celebration.
If I had such a sister or brother or even a friend, I would be touched and speechless. But unfortunately, I am the only child and I am just an insignificant and unimportant person in other people's life and who would give a bloody damn about my birthday? The only birthday celebration I had was my 21st birthday, when I had to do my own invitation and plans. And I believe it is really sweet to organise or plan a birthday party for someone else. The one and only time I had actually planned a birthday 'surprise' was for Audrey, 2 years ago, and that time I am probably a romantic shit, chasing after a girl who probably has no time for your nonsense, and talking to her now is like an intrusion of a person's life even until now I feel that way. (Apologies if you have read this but just revealing my feelings). But anyway, that was the naive 'I' 2 years back, and if I ever plan any birthday party for you (refering to anybody), it doesnt necessary mean that I have an interest in you. But my point is that it takes 'love' to plan any event for someone especially you are running the entire plan mostly.
On the evening, attended an interesting musical by University College "Charades" and I am going to leave you with this quote from the musical:
"Success comes from meeting the right people at the right place and at the right time."
The entire weekend starts off with a morning run of about 8km, with Philip and his church friend. It is a good run considering I have not run for that distance for quite a while. I guess going jogging with a group of friends make a difference. You wont feel the tiredness of the jog as you will be motivated and encouraged constantly by your friends. Guess we are going to keep this saturday morning jog regularly for body and health. Hopefully, I can find someone to jog with back in Singapore.
In the afternoon, I went for Donna's and Janan's birthday party at the Royal Botanical Gardens. I guess what impresses me the most in this party is not the fun part (of having games.. please dont get the wrong idea, I had fun), but rather the thought that comes in organising this event. I must say that Don has a great sister in Amanda and I believed that Amanda had put in lots of effort, time (in planning out the games for us and making sure everyone in COSDU had fun) and a huge amount of money on this birthday celebration.
If I had such a sister or brother or even a friend, I would be touched and speechless. But unfortunately, I am the only child and I am just an insignificant and unimportant person in other people's life and who would give a bloody damn about my birthday? The only birthday celebration I had was my 21st birthday, when I had to do my own invitation and plans. And I believe it is really sweet to organise or plan a birthday party for someone else. The one and only time I had actually planned a birthday 'surprise' was for Audrey, 2 years ago, and that time I am probably a romantic shit, chasing after a girl who probably has no time for your nonsense, and talking to her now is like an intrusion of a person's life even until now I feel that way. (Apologies if you have read this but just revealing my feelings). But anyway, that was the naive 'I' 2 years back, and if I ever plan any birthday party for you (refering to anybody), it doesnt necessary mean that I have an interest in you. But my point is that it takes 'love' to plan any event for someone especially you are running the entire plan mostly.
On the evening, attended an interesting musical by University College "Charades" and I am going to leave you with this quote from the musical:
"Success comes from meeting the right people at the right place and at the right time."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Final 4 weeks
The first of the final 4 weeks of school has just ended, (although it's Thursday) and the final 3 weeks of school are left before we start getting stressed over exams!!! I guess it's really good to be back to having exams, after 2 years of national service.
Exam schedule is out:
10 November - kicks off with the most interesting subject of ALL.. *drumrolls*: medieval and early modern music HISTORY! (better to get done with it first instead of getting bored to death revising it)
17 November- Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2... it's a MCQ paper, so nothing really stressful about I guess, just have to do more practice.
24 Novemeber- Piano practical exam.. (got to get stressed for this one... examiners: Prof Ian Holtham and Mark Mcgee)
Music technology written paper- better read my notes and remember the techincal terms.
26 November- the non-studiable AURAL paper ( identifying pitch, intervals, melodic and rhythmic dictation).. it's whether you have it or don't but it's TRAINABLE.
Ganbatte!
Exam schedule is out:
10 November - kicks off with the most interesting subject of ALL.. *drumrolls*: medieval and early modern music HISTORY! (better to get done with it first instead of getting bored to death revising it)
17 November- Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2... it's a MCQ paper, so nothing really stressful about I guess, just have to do more practice.
24 Novemeber- Piano practical exam.. (got to get stressed for this one... examiners: Prof Ian Holtham and Mark Mcgee)
Music technology written paper- better read my notes and remember the techincal terms.
26 November- the non-studiable AURAL paper ( identifying pitch, intervals, melodic and rhythmic dictation).. it's whether you have it or don't but it's TRAINABLE.
Ganbatte!
Monday, October 6, 2008
The heavens are telling...
... the glory of God, and the wonders of his works display the firmamen.. (Chorus from Haydn's 'Creation' Mass)
Indeed a great mass yesterday. I didnt realise that Haydn compose such wonderful piece of work. I used to dislike Haydn's music, not as interesting as Beethoven, but I guess come to think of it, Haydn is really one of the greatest composer ever lived. Going to miss singing the entire Haydn's Mass.
Talking about music, just had two minor misunderstandings with my piano teacher today. Just why do good piano teachers have wierd temperament? *sigh*
Indeed a great mass yesterday. I didnt realise that Haydn compose such wonderful piece of work. I used to dislike Haydn's music, not as interesting as Beethoven, but I guess come to think of it, Haydn is really one of the greatest composer ever lived. Going to miss singing the entire Haydn's Mass.
Talking about music, just had two minor misunderstandings with my piano teacher today. Just why do good piano teachers have wierd temperament? *sigh*
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Singapore Day and the rest
For once, I felt like a Singaporean in Melbourne. Thanks to the Singapore Day held at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. There is nothing really interesting about the Singapore Day, except for the food. I guess the government is trying to lure all singaporeans in Melbourne back to Singapore, (duh) and at least the government isnt that money minded to ask us to pay to eat the food from Singapore. I remembered saying if the food isnt free, I wont go back to Singapore. :D
The event basically contains all the latest development in Singapore, to keep overseas Singaporean in touch with what is going on at home. Food is good. They invited Food Republic, Singapore Food Industries etc. to provide a taste of Singapore food. Char kuay Teow is good, but the hokkien mee is a little horrible, because they couldnt find the appropriate mee here. Of course, not forgetting SFI, spagetti, taste the same like the ones I ate in Nee Soon Camp. LOL!
Other than that, the week is pretty normal. Oh yes, looking forward to singing Haydn's Creation Mass in Bb tomorrow with the choir. :D
The event basically contains all the latest development in Singapore, to keep overseas Singaporean in touch with what is going on at home. Food is good. They invited Food Republic, Singapore Food Industries etc. to provide a taste of Singapore food. Char kuay Teow is good, but the hokkien mee is a little horrible, because they couldnt find the appropriate mee here. Of course, not forgetting SFI, spagetti, taste the same like the ones I ate in Nee Soon Camp. LOL!
Other than that, the week is pretty normal. Oh yes, looking forward to singing Haydn's Creation Mass in Bb tomorrow with the choir. :D
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