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)
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