We are well aware that the only thing that remains unchanged is change. Some may be resistant to it while others might accept it with open arms. Although sudden changes may seem alarming and concerning for people to adapt to, they may be very beneficial in the long run.
Education is an important aspect of our country. It is essential to analyze the possible benefits and costs of the change. As the future of our country depends on how well the current generation of students are being educated and how knowledgeable they are. Thus, here are some reasons why the changes in Singapore education system are actually greatly beneficial for students in the long run.
SO, WHAT ARE THE CHANGES AND HOW ARE THEY BENEFICIAL?
Firstly, there are now no more examinations and graded assessments for primary 1 and 2 students. This change is one of the less controversial ones as the intent is obvious. This change combats the main criticism of Singapore’s education system, the mental stress it places on the students.
Why is academic stress bad for children?
Providing academic stress on children as young as 6 years old may be too mentally taxing for both the children and their parents. Their primary focus may end up becoming chasing grades instead of having fun and learning with their peers. This problem has been addressed by this change. This chasing for grades may also cause students to lose their passion for learning very early on in their life!
Secondly, direct school admissions (DSA) scheme is extended to all secondary schools. The DSA scheme encourages students who have special talents such as performing exceptionally well in sports. This change is focused on solving the problem of students being overwhelmed by trying to excel in too many subjects. They are forced to study hard for subjects that they may not enjoy and can make them burnt out very easily.
The DSA application process has also been made more intuitive by creating an online registration MOE portal. All schools will also have a common application time and will give students greater options when choosing talent areas and schools. The number of DSA places will also be increased.
Lastly, there will be subject-based banding for all secondary schools by 2024. This system will group students in classes based on their academic causes instead of their stream (express, normal academic and normal technical). Under the new system, students will take subjects at a higher or lower level based on their academic ability.
Source: study.com
The main controversy about this system is that many parents are not sure whether students of different bands (express, normal academic and normal technical) will be able to mingle well with each other. They may think bullying might become a major problem. However, the 28 schools that piloted this program seem to display different results. Although there was a bit of tension between the students. There was a barrier for interaction at first, students reported that it was a lot easier than they had imagined.
ALL IN ALL, the new changes in the Singapore education system has much more benefits than costs and they help to crack down on the main current problems such as stress, students being too overwhelmed and being disadvantaged by their different academic ability in different subjects.
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