OF LATE, many readers have aired concerns related to our education
system. In addition, I would like to raise these questions:
Are we cramming too much into the syllabus such that pupils do not
get to truly appreciate what they learn and are overloaded with
homework that robs them of sleep and recreation still essential at
their tender age?
Are we spreading our teachers too thin such that the quality of
teaching is compromised?
Many primary school teachers teach at least two subjects. Some even
take on four or more. If a teacher is allowed to specialise in one
subject, the teacher will gain better mastery in teaching it.
For instance, the teacher will be more competent in handling
questions with more than one acceptable answer, a situation
frequently occurring in English and science ("Only one right answer
to science questions?"; Feb 23).
Also, such a teacher can have more opportunities to develop
creative teaching methods, such as incorporating more interactive
activities to hone the pupils' communicative skills, and not merely
drill and test.
Nominated MP (NMP) Benedict Tan and several readers have raised the
issue of the sporting culture in schools ("More S'poreans engaging
in sports regularly"; Jan 20, "Why the young aren't taking part in
sports" by Mr Tong Yong Sheng; Jan 24 and "Need to reshape sporting
culture" by Mr Peter Chan Teng Hong; Jan 26).
For a start, does the Ministry of Education (MOE) ensure that all
primary schools adhere to the recommendation of at least two hours
of physical education a week ("Sporting opportunities for all
students" by the MOE; Jan 31)?
Our schools are overly concerned with academic excellence and
sports achievement. But many parents would like to have schools
nurturing happy pupils with a lifelong love for learning, be it
academically or in terms of character building, and a healthy
sporting culture.
As former NMP Laurence Lien has pointed out ("Time to transform
Singapore education"; Oct 19, 2013), perhaps, it is now time for a
review of our primary education system.
Tan Geok Kim (Ms)
ST