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Learning is a continuous process. To read or hear about a specific topic, concept or idea is not learning. When the individual is able to apply and/or practice the knowledge acquired, then that individual has learned some new knowledge. Let us take students as an example.

Student A excels academically in school; scoring distinctions at every level. He/She is only able to reproduce the knowledge only in an educational environment. Practical situations that he/she shares with audiences are typically those contributed by other practicing professionals. Whenever he/she is pressed to elaborate in detail the examples, he/she is unable to do so; as the presentations are rehearsed and not presented from a practitioner's perspective.

Student B achieves only average results throughout his/her schooling years. However, Student B possess the ability to apply the knowledge at work or in social life. He/She essentially gains a better understanding of the concepts and ideas through personal experience. Therefore, when he/she presents to an audience, he/she will relate from true life examples. When asked very difficult questions, he/she will, usually, be able to respond appropriately.

In summary, Student B has truly learned a concept or idea as he/she is able to apply the knowledge. Student A, on the other hand, cannot help others as there is no practical experience. As a reader, you may argue these are extreme situations. However, take a moment to ponder how many presentations you yourself has experienced; where the presenter cannot respond with logical answers when asked very intelligent and probing questions.  If you have schooling children, how many questions have you spotted in their actual or mock exam papers which were poorly set; having at least 2 or more logical answers depending on the assumptions, which are often not stated in the question.

"Resiliency" is the ability of a material to go back to its original state after it is momentarily deformed due to a force or impact asserted on it. Likewise, individuals must strengthen one's own mental ability to overcome stress; to be able to think logically. Much has been said about the student becoming too disraught to study and attempt the next exam paper after doing badly in a difficult exam. This is probably due to an inadequate mental preparation. It is important to build self confidence. However, it is even more important to develop the mental ability to learn from mistakes, and progress to the next challenge. Children also need the support of parents. They need mentoring to guide them and stay focus. Complaining and writing to the press or MOE does not help the child. Yes, it is alright to raise objections. But to dwell on the matter is to waste energy focusing on negative actions. The energy or effort should be redirected towards positive affirmation and actions. Parents, guardians and fellow adults, please feel free to add your thoughts and comments.

1) Be confident. 2) Know what knowledge you already understand. 3) Know what you don't understand yet. 4) Seek to understand what you presently don't. 5) Continue this learning process; challenge yourself to seek the unknown.

For everyone to contribute ideas and discuss ways to improve or strike a balance between work and family life. Family is important. Work is important to sustain the family. How do you divide yourtime between work and family life? Do you work at least 12 hours Mon to Fri? How do you spend time wth your family? Please share your thoughts. Ther's no right or wrong.