Education in Singapore: Encyclopedia II - Education in Singapore - Criticisms

Education in Singapore - Criticisms

Critics of the education system, including many parents state that the education system is too specialised, rigid, and elitist. Often, these criticisms often state that there is little emphasis on creative thinking, unlike education systems in other societies, such as those in the United States. Those defending the current education system cite that Singaporean students have continued to be at the top when competing in international science and mathematics competitions and assessments regularly, along with South Korean students. Detractors to the education system would state that this is more an indication of students' skills of using rote to prepare for a certain style of competition or examination, than their ability to think critically.

Pressure to reform the education system in some way recently there have spurred significant changes implemented by the government and Ministry of Education such as cuts in the curriculum, greater flexibility in streaming system, and reforming the system such that it gives more focus on creative and critical thinking. In September 2005, Minister for Education, Tharman Shanmugaratnum, gave a press release[5] on changes in education system. In addition, the Teach Less Learn More (TTLM) project (http://www.moe.gov.sg/bluesky TLLM) also is given a larger role on Singapore's education system. This project, according to the minister, will focus more on learning for life-long skills than on learning simply to excel in examinations.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Criticisms", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki