IT IS now time for Singapore's successful education system to evolv

Evolve from what to what?

Ask MM.

He knows the problem since 1965.

He has experienced it first hand what he has termed as generation gap when the Trinity is not respected.

What is the solution?

Does MM expect MOE Ng to get it going and when? Will it be announced by the PM on this Sunday's ND Rally speech?

I sincerely hope MM will leave it as his final legacy [changes] as MOE has not made much a dent since 1965.

We see the result today - spoilt brats and social misfits in our mists, some in this DB.

It is RWYS in our education systems despite many tinkering and changes over the years by many MOEs. Pitiful.

Corrections:

Does MM expect MOE Ng to get it going and when? Will it be announced by the PM in his Sunday's ND Rally speech?


We see the result today - spoilt brats and social misfits in our midst, some in this DB.

Disappointing speech. I read through the entire transcript, hoping to find something concrete there, but nothing new.

These weaknesses in our education system are already well-known (over-emphasis on grades at the expense of strong values/character education and the building of a strong sense of rootedness). In the past, various measures have been taken, including all the NE (National Education) initiatives and Social Studies introduced as a compulsory O levels subject and character-building awards at individual and school levels. Have these measures been effective? If not, what else can be done?

It would seem to me that more emphatic measures need to be taken. The solution might be a de-emphasis on exams to work hand-in-hand with measures to introduce values and citizenship education. If we can strike the balance, then we can perhaps start looking forward to a real evolution in our education system.

Maybe Dr Ng doesn't know it. Our education system has already evolved or 'de-volved'. Students used to be more disciplined. Few ever said this to teacher 'You better watch out when step out of the school'. Few ever uttered vulgarities at teachers.

Principals used to be less materialistic. They never chased after medals or awards. They used to care more about students, and not discourage them by telling them to go to ITE, without any respect for what the N level students want.

Today, more recalcitrant students utter vulgarities at teachers, bang the classroom doors at teachers, or even assault teachers. Yes, Dr Ng, our education system has evolved. We have all noticed the evolution.

A challenge to keen eye forumers - The word "value" was mentioned on a few occasion in his long but familiar speech. But at no time was "moral value" explicitly mentioned or implied in an unambiguous manner.

Moral value encompasses the ability to discern what is right and honest from what is wrong and dishonest, and having the courage to state is as such without fear from prosecution or favour towards any political cause.

Everyone is criticising from their own perspective. Students hate the system, teachers also find it very overwhelming, parents find it stressful.

Improving the education system is not a one-man show. It is not an "initiative" / "instruction" / "policy". It is a mindset. Each and everyone of us must play a role.

It is a vicious cycle (chicken and egg). If parents compare the ranking of schools, principal will tend to be "materialistic". Teachers will stress the students on academic performance.

As for rude students, when we actually look into the root of the problem, some of them have very complicated family background. When their basic needs are not met, it is hard for them to imagine why education is so important.

Education is one whole complex aspect which is difficult to measure (if we try to measure, it is number crunching). It has to take into account society issues. It really takes time and it will never be a perfect system.

In fact, students these days have lots of opportunity to be vocal and schools organise overseas trip and exchange program at secondary school level. They do get a rather holistic education.

In fact, it is becoming quite a mad rush in school to try to be "holistic".

We (parents, students, teachers, school management) should all take a step back and spend some time with our loved ones having a family picnic etc.

Education starts from home.

Recently, after reading a book, I realised that we (human being) tend to be CONTRARIANS (a person who takes an opposing view). How often have we complimented, agree ( to a certain extent) with our fellow colleagues and friends.

Now I am very conscious of this. So when I really think my fellow colleagues/friends have a good view, I agree whole heartedly. And if not, I try to supplement the idea with my own opinion.

Just a thought (because I do see lots of contrarians in this forum).

i think teach less, learn more is a mistake. students learn all the wrong stuff if taught less

"The word "value" was mentioned on a few occasion in his long but familiar speech."

The key values are GP and AP to ingrain the kids from age 6 no matter from what family background.

There are tested programmes and successes in schools around the world turning the most notorious, violent and horrid schools into angel-like best model schools. Check it out.

For a start, check with the NZ Prime Minister about it. Pick up the phone and ring her. Ask her what type of programmes she has in schools for young kids in NZ to nurture them with values on character building? NZ schools have been using the programmes for a few years.

MOE Ng, please don't re-built the wheel from scratch. Please be humble. Learn from others' tested programmes. It is not a let-down to learn from others.