Despite ...
Be on the lookout for i2Media's latest book, Despite ..., out in major bookstores nationwide now.
For direct orders, please call +60-3-7726 8912 or +60-3-7726 8913. Payment of RM49.90 (RM39.90 + RM10.00) includes postage and handling within Malaysia, should be banked into either of the following accounts:
- CIMB Bank Bhd - 12500005511058
- Public Bank Bhd - 3098828535
And a bank-in slip along with mailing details faxed to us at: +60-3-7726 8915 before the order is processed.
A hardhearted journalist, Adam Monteiro has his eye on a raise and will do anything to earn it, including interrogating Thai tsunami victims for a story. But his aggressive demeanour angers the gentle Thais and he faces the possibility of returning empty-handed. To win them over, he reluctantly agrees to babysit four orphans for a day. However, before he is able to submit his story, his darkest secret is revealed and he finds himself jobless. Adam returns to Thailand and winds up playing pre-school teacher to the same four children. Not only does Adam now have to find a way to overcome his aversion towards children, but he also has to learn how to teach and face his true self that is emerging from this new role.
Acclaim for Despite ...
“Readers, especially educationalists and parents, will find this book rich in material especially in the area of the development of human values. The authors’ noble attempt of embedding the discovery and nurturing of multiple intelligences into the story is also a refreshing shift in paradigm from the ordinary classroom teaching and learning approach. Taking the children’s multiple intelligences into consideration in the process of teaching and learning will definitely help in developing a stronger self-esteem and empathy as well as creating a more balanced personality in them. The fact that it is written in the form of a novel is a wise choice for classroom literature.” Datin Radziah M Daud “A brilliant weave of fiction and real life issues in education. A must read for 21st Century parents and educators.” ParenThink! Magazine “Despite ... is a very interesting read. After I started the first chapter I couldn't put it down. It contains a story which is emotional as well as exciting, and brings out the essence of the result enhancing through active learning (R.E.A.L) concept. I learned very clearly about how to teach and learn from the following characters in the book: when Adam's father advised him about the lessons in life, and how Adam taught his four 'children' through the following: (a) How to learn the alphabets in more interesting ways like using their bodies and also how to pronounce the alphabets. Indirectly he had thought them how to work in a group and also how to remember things. What I have learned with the help of the book's prologue and epilogue is: life is about teaching, learning and relearning. Despite ... also showed me the importance of understanding and following processes in group learning, public speaking, role playing, drama, IT-based learning, debates as well as peer critique and teaching. The book also brought me a better understanding of Howard Gardner's eight types of intelligence (multiple intelligences) and that we should encourage our children to enhance what they are good at.” Susan Beh |
“A heartwarming tale of a young reporter who learnt a greater lesson from his young students than the ones he was teaching them. A well-written and poignant story to read for all!” Ruth Liew “This book will expose readers to the concept of active and experiential learning and help them become better parents, teachers, and students both within and beyond the classroom.” Sim Quan Seng “An easy read, fun and above all, Malaysian.” Razlina Ramli “I took Despite ... to bed with me, and believe me, it gave me some sleepness nights! I pondered over the story and the message therein. And I came to realise that Despite ... has so many layers. Each layer unveils to me changes that I ought to make within myself. I have read Despite ... no less than three times. The most significant part for me (a humbling experience), is realising that I, too, am like so many others, who wear different masks for different occasions and is so fearful of revealing our true selves. Honestly, I wear masks because of a deep rooted sense of insecurity. And that feeling of insecurity is perhaps a result of neglect in character building. Character building has been something that is left for the family and perhaps for the individual to develop; more like a by product. Despite ... has made me realise that times have indeed changed, and character building should be the focus and not a by-the-way kind of thing. It is perhaps the most important thing that an individual would have to learn. I now have a better idea of what R.E.A.L is all about. I am eager to see how it can be implemented and weaved into a way of life for everyone.” Amy Aai Sheau Ye |
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