You probably have already heard that a Secondary Four student recently wrote a to letter the Education Minister, Mr Heng Swee Keat, which generated much heated debate again about Singapore's much-discussed education system.
The main issue the student wants to bring out is that the education system in Singapore is all about memorizing facts, examination, memorizing more facts and having bigger and more examinations. She does not feel that this education method does not cultivate students to apply to their everyday life. Take the subject CME as an example. It teaches civic moral education and student may get A1s for it by just memorizing it. However, does the students actually apply it? the example she used is that, take an old lady crossing the road, everyone knows that we have to help her, however, does anyone actually do it in real life, students who get A1 for CME may not even consider to help.
She also points out a point that whenever we ask questions to teachers, they reply telling us, do not ask why, just treat it that way. She then quoted Albert Einstein's "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This tone tells us she does not like the education system we have.
If I have to write this letter, I would raise the issue to the minister requesting him to change the education system in the way that the education system satisfy both ways, allowing the student to get good grades and at the same time, maintain an inquisitive mind.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Perhaps you could state more of your own opinion on this matter and give relevant examples to support it? :)
ReplyDeleteHello Yuxiang.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that CME cannot be memorised. People memorise what the right things are so that they get A1 in their tests. However, we rarely see people taking initiatives to help an old lady. As stated in the letter, most teenagers would be busy on their smartphones updating their statuses on twitter or Youtube. Even if the do see the old lady, they would pretend that she is not there. Therefore, I feel that CME cannot be taught through lessons by teachers. It has to be nurtured since young. Parents play an important role in developing their children's character and moral. :)
Sorry replace Youtube with Facebook. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteI actually agree with lianghao because like this is just a summary. We would like to know more about your views and opinions on this matter. Do you actually agree with her points? Why do you agree or disagree to her points? It would be interesting to see your responses to the topic. Jiayous :)
ReplyDelete