Spotlight on need for better ways to teach language in
schools in 2009
SINGAPORE: Better ways to teach language in schools was an
issue that came under the spotlight following spirited discussions
amongst the public and policymakers.
Results of two separate reviews on the teaching of English
and Chinese by the Education Ministry are expected next year.
In September, the choice of words used by an aspiring beauty queen
ignited debate over, among other things, the standard of English in
Singapore.
The need for clear, effective communication was also a concern of
the Education Minister.
Education Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen said: “At the basic level, those
who can communicate their ideas to market their ideas and products
or convince others, will have an edge over others."
Aside from using drama, a ministry taskforce is looking at other
ways to teach English better at a time when it has become the main
language for many young Singaporeans.
But the prevalence of English has led to new challenges in the
teaching of mother tongue such as Chinese.
Some observers said the Chinese language review should build on the
current approach of having students learn at their own pace.
Josephine Teo, chair, Govt Parliamentary Comm for Education, MP,
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, said: “Allow people to be tested at different
levels of competence, but provide an incentive and a recognition of
effort for those who attempt to do it at a higher level. We can
continue to build on this system but we just make it more
tiered.”
Changes were also introduced to open up more post-diploma options
for polytechnic students, by having polytechnic partner foreign
universities to offer degrees.
These courses will be managed by the newly set-up Singapore
Institute of Applied Technology.
And authorities hope that by 2015, one in five poly graduates will
have a shot at a degree here.
The government is also spending S$3.5 billion over the next 10
years to develop the polytechnic sector.
Adding to these options is the Singapore University of Technology
and Design, which will open in 2011 with 500 places for the first
three years.
SU, as it is known, will have a strong inter-disciplinary focus.
And with two prestigious foreign partners - MIT in the US, and
Zhejiang University in China - collaborating on curriculum, the new
university has ambitious plans to shake up the varsity scene.
2009 also saw a new Private Education Bill with more stringent
rules over an industry that had previously seen little
regulation.
The scandal over degree mill Brookes Business School was just one
of several high-profile cases.
But while the laws are no guarantee against sudden school closures,
students will at least get some of their money back, should that
happen.
In December, authorities extended insurance requirements to include
not just foreigners, but Singapore students as well.
The Bill kicked in on December 21 and operators have the next 18
months to register with authorities.
- CNA/vm