36 Rules Of Social Media

The 36 Rules Of Social Media, gleaned from industry experts.

Posted by Daljit on 06-Sep-2012, of Diffusion/Connect, at: http://diffusionpr.com/blog/2012/09/06/fast-company-the-36-rules-of-social-media-infographic/

Originally created by Fast Company at http://www.fastcompany.com/







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Principles Of Adult Learning
Written & Researched by: Ivan Teh RunningMan

Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy

The theory of adult learning, or andragogy, was developed by Malcolm Knowles. He proposed 6 assumptions in educating adults:

1. Adults need to know the reason for learning something (Need to Know).
Adult learners must know why they need to learn something before they become willing to learn it.

2. Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities (Foundation).
Prior experiences of the adult learner provide a rich resource for learning.

3. Adults are responsible for their decisions on education, and should be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction (Self-Concept).
Involving adult learners in the learning process produces much more effective learning. Internal self realisation is more powerful than external lecturing.

4. Adults are most interested in learning subjects having immediate relevance to their work or personal lives (Readiness).
Adults typically become ready to learn when they experience a need to cope with a life situation or perform a task. The information received must be relevant, applicable or useful in some way.

5. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Orientation).
Adult learning is goal-oriented. The adult educator is not just a teacher or lecturer, but also a trainer (skills-based), and more importantly, a facilitator (character building, soft-skills, process-based). The adult educator is not a sage on the stage, but a guide from the side.

6. Adults respond better to internal versus external motivators (Motivation).
Adults who are willing to learn will learn regardless of situtation. No amount of external motivation will compel an adult to learn willingly, unless they choose to.


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The Learning Paradigm

The old learning paradigm was about:
Outcomes
Minimal Competence
Cultivating a Fear of Failure
Individual Performance
Competition
Appraisal / Criticism
A Formal Learning Environment
Finding the Correct Answer
Top-Down, Directed Learning

The new learning paradigm is about:
Process
Continuous Improvement
Risk-Taking
Team Performance
Cooperation / Collaboration
Coaching / Feedback
An Informal Learning Environment
Discovery
Being Independent and Self-Driven


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Experiential Learning Cycle

David A. Kolb proposed that learning is a process where knowledge is created through transformation of experience. The adult educator’s job is not only to impart new ideas, but also to modify old thinking that may prevent learning. He suggests 4 steps in the Experiential Learning Cycle:

Source Credits

1. Concrete Experience (Do) – being fully involved in here-and-now experiences.
Examples: Simulations, case studies, field trips, real experiences, demonstrations.

2. Reflective Observation (Observe) – reflecting on and observing the experiences from different perspectives.
Examples: Discussions, small groups, buzz groups, reflection time, designated observers.

3. Abstract Conceptualisation And Generalisation (Think) – concluding and drawing observations from the experiences to form logically sound theories.
Examples: Sharing content, lecturing, summarising.

4. Active Experimentation And Testing Of Implications (Plan) – using these theories to plan and make decisions or solve problems.
Examples: Laboratory experiences, on-the-job experiences, internships, practice sessions.

Thus, educating adults will involve:
1. A theoretical framework for experiential learning research
2. A practical model for experiential learning practice


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The 4 Learning Styles

Therefore, people learn through a variety of ways. One person may learn better by listening; another may be visual or may prefer to read instructions; someone else may need a demonstration. Learning styles refer to the way in which a learner approaches and responds to a learning experience.  Note that no one learning style is right or even better than another. The point is that each person learns differently. A variety of learning styles will be represented in any training session. To be effective, adult educators must design their programs to accommodate the 4 different learning styles.

Feelers: Feelers are very people-oriented. They are expressive and focus on feeling sad n emotions. They enjoy affective learning and gravitate toward learning experiences that explore people’s attitudes and emotions. Feelers thrive in an open, unstructured learning environment. They appreciate the opportunity to work on groups and like activities where they can share opinions and experiences.

Observers: Observers like to watch and listen. They tend to be reserved and quiet and will take their time before acting or participating in class. When they do decline to offer an opinion or answer a question they are generally right on target. They enjoy learning experiences that allow them to consider various ideas and opinions, and they seem to thrive on learning through discovery.

Thinkers: Thinkers rely on logic and reason. They like the opportunity to share ideas and concepts. They prefer activities that require them to analyze and evaluate. They will question the rational behind activities and will challenge statements that they perceive to be too general or without substance. Thinkers prefer to work independently and question the relevance of role plays and simulations.

Doers: Doers like to be actively involved in the learning process. They will take charge in group activities and tend to dominate discussions. They like opportunities to practice what they learn and they are particularly interested in knowing how they are going to apply what they learn in the real world. They like information presented clearly and concisely, and they become impatient with drawn out discussions.


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Characteristics Of Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is characterised by the following:

Recognises that people learn best from their own experiences and their own reviews.

Subscribes to the notion that what people do is more important than what they know.

Moves beyond knowledge and into skill by generating a learning experience.

Understands that to be remembered over a long period of time the learning process should be enjoyable, motivating and rewarding.

Respects the individual's ideas and choices.

Provides opportunity to take on challenge in an atmosphere of support.

Generates space and time to stand back and reflect when pressures or doubts become too strong.

Cultivates a realisation that the attempt at doing something new or different is more significant than the result.

Produces an awareness that effective learning requires small controlled steps outside comfort zones.


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Source Attribution:

1. Knowles, Malcolm; Holton, E. F., III; Swanson, R. A. (2005). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Elsevier. ISBN 0-7506-7837-2. LCCN 2004024356.

2. Knowles, Malcolm (1980). The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy. Wilton, Connecticut: Association Press. ISBN 0-695-81472-9. LCCN 80014344.

3. Watkins, K. (1989) Business and industry. S. Merriam and P. Cunningham (Eds.)     Handbook of Adult and Continuing Education. The Jossey-Bass Higher Education Series. ISBN-1-55542-161-X.

4. Kolb. D. A. and Fry, R. (1975) Toward an applied theory of experiential learning. Cary L. Cooper (ed.), Theories of Group Process, London: John Wiley. ISBN 0471171174, 9780471171171.

5. Kolb, David A. 1984. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. ISBN-10: 0132952610. Source: http://academic.regis.edu/ed205/Kolb.pdf . Retrieved 27-Jan-2013.

6. Lawson, K. (1998). The trainer’s handbook. The Jossey-Bass Higher Education Series. ISBN-10: 0787939919.

7. [Image] Source: http://blog.globalknowledge.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/blog-diagram1.gif. Retrieved 27-Jan-2013.





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River Garden Coffee House
382 Havelock Road
1F River View Hotel

http://www.riverview.com.sg/dining


Great Food And Excellent Service

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 9
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $36 per person.


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Been dining at River Garden Coffee House over a couple of weeks recently, due to having some work nearby. River Garden Coffee House basically serves an international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes mostly Western or Asian influenced.

Indoor ambience at River Garden Coffee House is relatively good, with well spaced furniture. It's suitable for one on one business discussions or romantic dates, and even dining in large groups of 10 or more. Decor is mostly modern functional, and not too over the top. The outdoor ambience is even better, with a beer garden and a nearby waterway.

Love the food at River Garden Coffee House! While the buffet spread isn't extensive, they make up for it because every dish is tasty and fresh. Really good quality! Signature items include their Roast Pork Belly, Lobster / Crayfish Laksa, and Durian Pengat.

The best part about dining at River Garden Coffee House is the excellent service. Staff are friendly and polite, and serve you as if you're dining in a five-star restaurant! Apparently, this service culture stems from them having a 'family style' workplace. Also, this is one of the few places where I've actually seen more captains than servers.

River Garden Coffee House is typically fully booked during festive occasions, and is usually busy on weekends as well. Reservations are recommended if you plan to dine here!


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Smoked Salmon, Tandoori Lamp Chop, Cold Chicken And Turkey, Grilled Squid With Chili, Minced Pork With Black Beans, Pan Fried Asparagus And Salmon, Pineapple Fried Rice 01

Smoked Salmon, Tandoori Lamp Chop, Cold Chicken And Turkey, Grilled Squid With Chili, Minced Pork With Black Beans, Pan Fried Asparagus And Salmon, Pineapple Fried Rice 02

Sashimi Octopus, Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail

Ginseng Chicken Soup

Banana Creme Brulee

Lobster Laksa

Braised Mushrooms Cucumber, Chicken With Curry Leaves, Pork Knuckle, Shrimp And Celery, Seabass Fish In Soy Sauce, Potato Salad, Black Pepper Sirloin Beef 01

Braised Mushrooms Cucumber, Chicken With Curry Leaves, Pork Knuckle, Shrimp And Celery, Seabass Fish In Soy Sauce, Potato Salad, Black Pepper Sirloin Beef 02

Siew Mai, Dumplings Har Kao Shrimp, DIY Kong Bak Pau

Bread And Butter Pudding

Chocolate Pudding, Pistachio Financier, Chocolate Truffle, Cream Puff

Durian Pengat

Fried Shishamo

Tom Yum Seafood Soup

Nicoise Salad And Bread

Club Sandwich

Singapore Bee Hoon, Broccoli With Crab, Beef Olive, Thai Fried Fish, Szechuan Chili Chicken, Salmon In Cream Sauce

Mushroom Vol Au Vent

Update Dec-2015: River Garden Coffee House renovated their place in late 2015, and I must say the ambience now is much cleaner, neater, and looks modern! The service and food quality remains the same, just as good as ever. I understand that in 2016, they will become the 1st Four Points By Sheraton Hotel in Singapore!

River Garden Coffee House Seating

Cherry Tomato & Cheese Salad

Duck With Asparagus & Quail Eggs

Potato Salad

Paper Coconut & Pumpkin Salad 01

Paper Coconut & Pumpkin Salad 02

Crab Stick With Scallions Canape

Fried Yam Stuffed With Duck

Otah Mussels

Christmas Platter - Turkey In Brown Sauce, Honey Baked Ham With Pineapple Compote, Sausage With Cranberry Compote

Raisin & Apricot Oat Bread 01

Raisin & Apricot Oat Bread 02

Strawberry Shortcake

Christmas Macaron Tree

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Denial

Today, I denied being a Christian to avoid an ugly confrontation.

God, I am so weak. 



Forgive me, Father, for believing the lies of the world and being deceived and enticed by the temptations of Satan. 

I know that sin brings heartaches, complications, and problems. 

I also know that choosing the right things, standing up for truth, and living faithfully for you is sometimes very difficult. 

Please help my heart believe and my mind see that walking in your will brings me life. In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen. 


- From Verse Of The Day: http://www.verseoftheday.com/en/01252013/



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The Bark Cafe
1000 Upper Changi Road North

http://www.thebarkcafe.com/


Good Food, Good Ambience, At A Price

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 8
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $32 per person.


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Situated next to the Changi Chapel And Museum, The Bark Cafe is somewhat secluded, but the quiet ambience, idyllic surroundings and calm, relaxing greenery make up for the travelling time.

Service at The Bark Cafe is pretty good. Staff are equipped with tablets to take orders, and food arrives quickly. However, as the staff are foreign, some of their accents may be hard to understand.

The quality of the food at The Bark Cafe easily rivals those from a restaurant... and so does its prices. Generally, food is perfectly cooked, and many items are even made in-house. However, prices aren't so friendly on the wallet, with mains averaging SGD $20 per dish. Order appetizers, mains, desserts and drinks and you'll be set back about SGD $60 per person. In perspective though, The Bark Cafe is next to a tourist attraction, so the steep price is somewhat expected.

During some evenings, The Bark Cafe features a live band. I think The Bark Cafe is a great place to chill out and relax!


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Love the creative design of The Bark Cafe Menu, made to look like a magazine. Be careful though, some of their menus are missing pages within, so the menu you're looking at may not be complete.

The Bark Cafe Menu

Hearty and fulfilling, the Chapel Beef Stew features a rich, meaty gravy made from beef. The portion of thickly sliced beef is rather generous, and the mash potato is excellent.

Chapel Beef Stew

The Ginger White Wine Mussels has a nice clean flavour, though the mussels were somewhat small. Luckily, they were quite fresh, and the ginger gave the dish a refreshing zing!

Ginger White Wine Mussels

The Roasted Smoked Pepper Duck With Sour Plum Sauce is undoubtedly the signature item here. The salty smokiness of the duck complements the slightly sourish tang of the sauce, and the black pepper gives a nice zing. Highly recommended!

Roasted Smoked Pepper Duck With Sour Plum Sauce

The best thing about the Silence Of The Lamb is its creative name. The dish in general is just above average, a good cut of lamb, well grilled, with a nice mint sauce, but not particularly spectacular. Just a simple well-done dish.

Silence Of The Lamb

The Crayfish Hor Fun is also a signature dish here. A huge serving of hor fun, drenched in a savoury gravy with fresh, well grilled crayfish.

Crayfish Hor Fun

The Rockstar Amigo is a mocktail, a tropical fruit thirst quencher. Rather expensive for what its worth.

Rockstar Amigo

The famous Bark Cafe's Specialty Chicken Wing is really excellent, and makes for a perfect beer pairing. The skin is nice and crisp without being too greasy, and the chicken meat within is still juicy. Also great for sharing!

Bark Cafe's Specialty Chicken Wing

The Honey Butter Homemade Pancakes With Fruits I didn't quite like, because I felt the pancakes were a little too thick and not soft enough in texture. Also somewhat expensive, recommended to give this a miss.

Honey Butter Homemade Pancakes With Fruits

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Update Jan-2016: It's been 3 years since I last visited The Bark Cafe. Happy to say they're still going strong! The ambience at The Bark Cafe remains the same, its large but airy al-fresco dining area still features the dark, wood and rattan textured furniture. It remains as exposed to the elements. The service at The Bark Cafe is good, staff are efficient and polite, consistent from my last visit. The food at The Bark Cafe is better than ever, the menu seems to have been expanded, and though prices have increased slightly, and some of the reciepes tweaked, the dishes here are still large in portion, and good value for money.

The Beer Guinness Draught (SGD $13) is a dark Irish dry stout, named after Arthur Guinness, and is brewed by Diageo PLC in Dublin, Ireland. Among the most famous beers worldwide, this has a deep, dark black brown colour, with a creamy white foam head. The aroma and taste is similar, consisting of smoked malts, roasted coffee beans, faint caramel, and barley. The body is rich, velvety smooth, almost creamy, with a bitter sweet grainy flavour.

Beer Guinness Draught (SGD $13)

The Chicken Wings (SGD $8.90 / $15.90) remains as crisp, juicy, and meaty as ever, though the fried chicken batter has been changed slightly. It's slightly lighter now, with a more Asian spice / Singaporean flavour. Great!

Chicken Wings (SGD $8.90 / $15.90)

The Chapel Beef Goulash (SGD $17.90) still has that rich, thick, meaty beef goulash gravy, with a smooth mashed potato scoop, and fresh, bright chunks of broccoli and string beans. The steamed then baked beef knuckle chunks are savoury and tender, carrying an aromatic taste of tomato from the gravy. The Garlic Bread served alongside is crisp and fragrant, yet not overpowering. I enjoyed this dish. Highly recommended!

Chapel Beef Goulash (SGD $17.90)

Garlic Bread

The Crayfish Hor Fun (SGD $18.90) is still executed well, with the strands of flat, thick hor fun rice noodles having wok hei (breath of the wok), savoury with a hint of smoky. Accompanied with fresh, meaty prawns, squid, and a whole crayfish, along with crunchy kai-lan / chinese broccoli, generously coated in a supreme egg gravy. Highly recommended!

Crayfish Hor Fun (SGD $18.90)

This light appetizer of Grilled Scallops With Tropical Salsa (SGD $15.90) is a perfect starter. The fresh, bouncy scallops are large, meaty, and sweet, enhanced with a crunchy sweet salsa of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and mango cubes. Topped with briny fish roe and black caviar, this is an elegant treat!

Grilled Scallops With Tropical Salsa (SGD $15.90)

Grilled Scallops With Tropical Salsa

The large slab of Barbecue Pork Ribs (SGD $27.90) is meaty and filling! Done classic American barbecue rotisserie style, inspired by the Texas outback, this meaty and savoury pork ribs features a sweet savoury sticky barbecue / BBQ sauce glaze, with meat that comes easily off the bone. However, I also find the taste to be gamey and strong. The salad has an Asian twist, with a wafu sesame seed dressing, which the thick cut fries are hot and fluffy in texture.

Barbecue Pork Ribs (SGD $27.90)

Barbecue Pork Ribs

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