The following article is adapted from "Education in Sinapore", Wikepedia.
Critics of the education system, including many parents, state that the education system is too specialised, rigid, and elitist. Often, these criticisms state that there is little emphasis on creative thinking, unlike education systems in other societies, such as those in the United States.
Those defending the current education system cite that Singaporean students have regularly ranked top when competing in international Science and Mathematics competitions and assessments. Detractors to the education system would state that this is more an indication of students' skills of using rote to prepare for a certain style of competition or examination, than their ability to think critically.
Recently, significant changes implemented by the Ministry of Education have introduced a greater focus on creative and critical thinking, and on learning for life-long skills rather than simply learning to excel in examinations.
There have also been complaints about excessive educational streaming at a young age. A popular local film, I Not Stupid, highlights the competitiveness of the system and social stigma that students struggling with studies have to face.
Supporters of the system assert that providing differentiated curriculum according to streams since the late 1970s have allowed students with different abilities and learning styles to develop, and sustain an interest in their studies, since its introduction in the late 1970s. This ability-driven education has since been a key feature behind Singapore's success in education, and was responsible for bringing drop-out rates down sharply.
In recent years, while streaming still exists, various refinements to the policy have been made. There is now greater flexibility for students to cross over different streams or take subjects in other streams, which alleviates somewhat the stigma attached to being in any single stream. Furthermore, the government is now starting to experiment with ability-banding in other ways - such as subject-based banding in Primary Schools instead of banding by overall academic performance.
Those defending the current education system cite that Singaporean students have regularly ranked top when competing in international Science and Mathematics competitions and assessments. Detractors to the education system would state that this is more an indication of students' skills of using rote to prepare for a certain style of competition or examination, than their ability to think critically.
Recently, significant changes implemented by the Ministry of Education have introduced a greater focus on creative and critical thinking, and on learning for life-long skills rather than simply learning to excel in examinations.
There have also been complaints about excessive educational streaming at a young age. A popular local film, I Not Stupid, highlights the competitiveness of the system and social stigma that students struggling with studies have to face.
Supporters of the system assert that providing differentiated curriculum according to streams since the late 1970s have allowed students with different abilities and learning styles to develop, and sustain an interest in their studies, since its introduction in the late 1970s. This ability-driven education has since been a key feature behind Singapore's success in education, and was responsible for bringing drop-out rates down sharply.
In recent years, while streaming still exists, various refinements to the policy have been made. There is now greater flexibility for students to cross over different streams or take subjects in other streams, which alleviates somewhat the stigma attached to being in any single stream. Furthermore, the government is now starting to experiment with ability-banding in other ways - such as subject-based banding in Primary Schools instead of banding by overall academic performance.
Questions to help u in your reflections:
1) How much do u agree with the article, both the postive & negative?
2) What do u think are the strengths of our education system?
3) What do u think are the weaknesses of our education system?
4) Why are Singaporeans doing so well in International Competitions, i.e. TIMSS etc.? Is it due to our rigorous education system? (See TIMSS results - Math & Science)
5) What do u like/dislike about our education system?
6) Besides examinations, how else do u think the ministry could assess the student's learning?
7) How do we explain the influx of foreign students to Singapore to pursue their studies despite the many criticism about Singapore Education System? How do we also explain why some countries/states are imitating Singapore Education System?
1) How much do u agree with the article, both the postive & negative?
2) What do u think are the strengths of our education system?
3) What do u think are the weaknesses of our education system?
4) Why are Singaporeans doing so well in International Competitions, i.e. TIMSS etc.? Is it due to our rigorous education system? (See TIMSS results - Math & Science)
5) What do u like/dislike about our education system?
6) Besides examinations, how else do u think the ministry could assess the student's learning?
7) How do we explain the influx of foreign students to Singapore to pursue their studies despite the many criticism about Singapore Education System? How do we also explain why some countries/states are imitating Singapore Education System?
Hope to read interesting and thought-provoking responses from u soon! =D
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