Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dates of post
Due to the fact that I rarely have the time to blog, I will probably only be able publish posts within a certain time period when I am rather free. The date on my posts is normally the day when I thought of blogging on an issue and not the date that it is actually posted. Unique style of blogging =D
Friday, May 7, 2010
Lowering of weightage of Mother Tongue in PSLE
The Minister for Education, Ng Eng Hen, is currently deciding on whether to lower the weightage of Mother Tongue in PSLE. Their reasons for doing so is for students who are weak in MT (Mother Tongue) but excel in other subjects to move on and not get affected by low MT PSLE results. There have been mixed reactions over this issue. In my opinion, the pros (serves as ‘escape route’ for students who are weak in MT) are certainly not worth the cons. There are two sides to this issue, one side supports it and the other is against it.
Those who support this find that lowering the weightage will benefit those who are good in other subjects but weaker in MT. This will give them a chance to enter their dream schools as long as they excel in the other three subjects. However, this is the only benefit of this decision and it only benefits students who are significantly weaker in MT but the benefits is only for the short-term. I will go on to elaborate on this later.
On the other hand, the cons totally outweigh the benefits. Students who excel in their MT will now be at a disadvantage as MT will count less in their PSLE, this will cause students to take the subject less seriously and eventually neglect it just because it is of a lower weightage. Students will place less emphasis on MT and spend less time studying it. Reducing the weightage could lead to an overall drop in Chinese standards. If this move is implemented it is sending the message that people who master English are superior than those who master MT and not English. Singapore has repeatedly emphasized the importance of bilingual language but isn’t this move sending a contradictory message that MT is not as important as other subjects?
The main reason why Singaporeans do well in other countries is because of the fact that we are BILINGUAL and that gives us an edge over many others from other countries. China has the third largest economy in the world and it is necessary for us to maintain relationships with China via communication. If students were given the chance to shirk of learning of MT, we are simply placing a barrier between us and China. If this goes on, we will lose the advantage we currently possess as other countries are placing great emphasis on Chinese Language unlike Singapore which is considering to lower its weightage (my interpretation would be: lower its importance). Thus, we will eventually lose out in the global market. Is it worth it? My answer is a certain NO.
For me MT has been one of my best subjects since I started schooling and English has been my weakest. I find that it is really unfair as MT would no longer be able to average out with my English marks and result in me having a huge disadvantage. If the weightage of MT was lowered just because some parents came up to protest, why not lower the weightage of every single subject anyone is weak in? Why not remove education (I would be glad to end studying haha)? If students were unhappy about MT pulling down their marks, they should put in more effort in studying it instead of complaining here and there. If every student complains about the subject they are weak in and the MoE does exactly what it is doing now, I guess Singapore will become the truly unique no-education country.
Those who support this find that lowering the weightage will benefit those who are good in other subjects but weaker in MT. This will give them a chance to enter their dream schools as long as they excel in the other three subjects. However, this is the only benefit of this decision and it only benefits students who are significantly weaker in MT but the benefits is only for the short-term. I will go on to elaborate on this later.
On the other hand, the cons totally outweigh the benefits. Students who excel in their MT will now be at a disadvantage as MT will count less in their PSLE, this will cause students to take the subject less seriously and eventually neglect it just because it is of a lower weightage. Students will place less emphasis on MT and spend less time studying it. Reducing the weightage could lead to an overall drop in Chinese standards. If this move is implemented it is sending the message that people who master English are superior than those who master MT and not English. Singapore has repeatedly emphasized the importance of bilingual language but isn’t this move sending a contradictory message that MT is not as important as other subjects?
The main reason why Singaporeans do well in other countries is because of the fact that we are BILINGUAL and that gives us an edge over many others from other countries. China has the third largest economy in the world and it is necessary for us to maintain relationships with China via communication. If students were given the chance to shirk of learning of MT, we are simply placing a barrier between us and China. If this goes on, we will lose the advantage we currently possess as other countries are placing great emphasis on Chinese Language unlike Singapore which is considering to lower its weightage (my interpretation would be: lower its importance). Thus, we will eventually lose out in the global market. Is it worth it? My answer is a certain NO.
For me MT has been one of my best subjects since I started schooling and English has been my weakest. I find that it is really unfair as MT would no longer be able to average out with my English marks and result in me having a huge disadvantage. If the weightage of MT was lowered just because some parents came up to protest, why not lower the weightage of every single subject anyone is weak in? Why not remove education (I would be glad to end studying haha)? If students were unhappy about MT pulling down their marks, they should put in more effort in studying it instead of complaining here and there. If every student complains about the subject they are weak in and the MoE does exactly what it is doing now, I guess Singapore will become the truly unique no-education country.
Hit Counter
I have just reset my hit counter as the previous one was way too simple. Not like my style. =)
Importance of Teachers - not just be done with teaching
To me the responsibility of a teacher is not just to teach but to ensure that we understand as well. Throughout my entire schooling life of almost 8 years, I have encountered all sorts of teachers, those that are committed and do care; and those that can’t be bothered, teach and be done with it.
Last year learning LA was a horror and dreaded period for me. The lessons were simply receive work -> complete it -> submit -> receive marked paper -> brief analysis and the cycle starts again. Lessons were monotonous, boring and absolutely did not appeal to me but I listened on and tried my best. Tests came and went, the grades I obtained were always B4 or worse. LA was “pulling up” my MSG. It was the ACE and OP then which thankfully pushed me over to A1 =) Plus, the teacher had a %$&#$ fiery temper. One of my friends got screwed over because he was drawing (if I remember correctly) and the teacher asked him to stand but that was not the end. The teacher claimed that he was glaring at the teacher disrespectfully, screamed at him and sent him to the door. It did not end there either, the teacher thought he was smirking (from what I saw, he was not showing any signs of disrespect but purely standing at the door looking ahead) and screamed at him repeatedly before calling his parents on the spot. I was like what the hell.
In secondary 2 I expected my LA grades to remain as it was in secondary 1. The teacher was different though. The first assignment on speech that I did on speech came back with a sea of red. I failed it lol. However after thorough analysis and going through of the ways to write a proper speech by the teacher, I improved. During the term test the marks I obtained for speech doubled, yeah!!! Then in term 2, I obtained 19/25 for the TKAM test which was the highest grade I had ever obtained for such tests. LA lessons in secondary 2 were considered a lot more fun than it was in secondary 1. I understood what was being taught and tried my best to apply them, it was great.
Math in secondary 1 was fun and I looked forward to every single lesson. The teacher who taught me captivated us with his interesting lessons and he gave us encouragement too, that was what spurred me to strive hard. He ensured that we understood everything before handing out assignments to us and he would go through it and make sure that we know our mistakes before going on to the next topic, initially I did not do well for maths but through this teacher I improved and my love for math remained.
Sadly in secondary 2 we had another teacher. The way this new teacher taught was absurd. Worksheets were handed out before he taught anything and he expected us to do most of them by the next lesson. How the ^&(* am I supposed to know how to do the questions before him taught them? The terms he used were way too profound for someone like me who was not from primary GEP schools. The way he teaches is plain boring, I could sense that in many of my classmates. The first lesson was already a chore for most of us and the subsequent lessons remained this way. Many of my friends decided to give up on his lessons and self-studied at home. I found that even I myself couldn’t understand anything after his lessons. Math lessons were now dreaded by most of us. This teacher has totally ruined my love for math. The next test is on Monday and I am quite sure I will not do well (mentally preparing myself) as I have yet to understand anything that he has taught. I am devoting the entire of Sunday for revision, the guide books at home should help.
In primary school I have never felt this way but after experiencing one and a half years in secondary school I came to realized the importance of teachers. Teaching is not everything, it is having the students to understand what you have taught that is the point. That’s how I feel.
Last year learning LA was a horror and dreaded period for me. The lessons were simply receive work -> complete it -> submit -> receive marked paper -> brief analysis and the cycle starts again. Lessons were monotonous, boring and absolutely did not appeal to me but I listened on and tried my best. Tests came and went, the grades I obtained were always B4 or worse. LA was “pulling up” my MSG. It was the ACE and OP then which thankfully pushed me over to A1 =) Plus, the teacher had a %$&#$ fiery temper. One of my friends got screwed over because he was drawing (if I remember correctly) and the teacher asked him to stand but that was not the end. The teacher claimed that he was glaring at the teacher disrespectfully, screamed at him and sent him to the door. It did not end there either, the teacher thought he was smirking (from what I saw, he was not showing any signs of disrespect but purely standing at the door looking ahead) and screamed at him repeatedly before calling his parents on the spot. I was like what the hell.
In secondary 2 I expected my LA grades to remain as it was in secondary 1. The teacher was different though. The first assignment on speech that I did on speech came back with a sea of red. I failed it lol. However after thorough analysis and going through of the ways to write a proper speech by the teacher, I improved. During the term test the marks I obtained for speech doubled, yeah!!! Then in term 2, I obtained 19/25 for the TKAM test which was the highest grade I had ever obtained for such tests. LA lessons in secondary 2 were considered a lot more fun than it was in secondary 1. I understood what was being taught and tried my best to apply them, it was great.
Math in secondary 1 was fun and I looked forward to every single lesson. The teacher who taught me captivated us with his interesting lessons and he gave us encouragement too, that was what spurred me to strive hard. He ensured that we understood everything before handing out assignments to us and he would go through it and make sure that we know our mistakes before going on to the next topic, initially I did not do well for maths but through this teacher I improved and my love for math remained.
Sadly in secondary 2 we had another teacher. The way this new teacher taught was absurd. Worksheets were handed out before he taught anything and he expected us to do most of them by the next lesson. How the ^&(* am I supposed to know how to do the questions before him taught them? The terms he used were way too profound for someone like me who was not from primary GEP schools. The way he teaches is plain boring, I could sense that in many of my classmates. The first lesson was already a chore for most of us and the subsequent lessons remained this way. Many of my friends decided to give up on his lessons and self-studied at home. I found that even I myself couldn’t understand anything after his lessons. Math lessons were now dreaded by most of us. This teacher has totally ruined my love for math. The next test is on Monday and I am quite sure I will not do well (mentally preparing myself) as I have yet to understand anything that he has taught. I am devoting the entire of Sunday for revision, the guide books at home should help.
In primary school I have never felt this way but after experiencing one and a half years in secondary school I came to realized the importance of teachers. Teaching is not everything, it is having the students to understand what you have taught that is the point. That’s how I feel.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Projects Competition - Prelims
If it were not included in IS which would affect my overall grade and eligibility for special programmes, I would probably decide to flunk it during the prelims. But now its compulsory =( haha that’s too bad for me. As always, procrastination got the better of us (my group). Before the prelims the only thing we had done was just the plan of what we were going to do. It was only 2 days before the prelims then we started on the powerpoint. It seemed great at first, the powerpoint was nice, the plans were detailed and well structured and we expected to do well. But we failed. We definitely lost marks in the presentation component as we were not really familiar even with our own project (results of last minute chionging), thus, stuttering was inevitable. It was originally decided that I would be the one to do the presentation (I had presented for my group last year too) but I was down with throat infection and my members had to do the speaking. Even I had difficulty understanding what they were saying when I was seated beside them because they were too tense, spoke too fast and unclearly, needless to say about the judges. Furthermore, because of our procrastination we had not included our reflections nor acquired an organization. That probably led to our failure.
We had to go for prelim 2. Joel immediately went to contact organizations to seek their approval. The two of us then worked on the powerpoint and improvised it. We completed that about a week before prelim 2. Failure is not an option, we had to do our best. On the day of prelim 2, we presented. Although the results are not out I believe we did quite well. It was only after failing once did I realize the consequences of procrastination but still it’s inevitable in everyday life. And because of this new system I am so stressed! I have to strive to reach the finals so as not to lose marks in IS. Determination and perseverance is not the key, the only thing that drives me forward is the marks that I must not lose. It seems like I have changed into a calculative person as well. I hate this feeling, it feels as though I am forced to do something. Its tiring.
We had to go for prelim 2. Joel immediately went to contact organizations to seek their approval. The two of us then worked on the powerpoint and improvised it. We completed that about a week before prelim 2. Failure is not an option, we had to do our best. On the day of prelim 2, we presented. Although the results are not out I believe we did quite well. It was only after failing once did I realize the consequences of procrastination but still it’s inevitable in everyday life. And because of this new system I am so stressed! I have to strive to reach the finals so as not to lose marks in IS. Determination and perseverance is not the key, the only thing that drives me forward is the marks that I must not lose. It seems like I have changed into a calculative person as well. I hate this feeling, it feels as though I am forced to do something. Its tiring.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
ACE and OC system
In 2009 they were hopeful components in every subject that could pull up marks. Because of the ACE and OP system then, I managed to obtain 1.0 for my MSG. But now in 2010, they are a new subject that affects our overall score and eligibility to enter the many special programmes. Few have voiced out their opinions only until the recent Level Assembly did I realize I was not the only one who have negative views of this new system as not only did it affect scores, it also affected our way of thinking. Thus, I would like to express my opinions of this new system (hope I won’t get screwed for doing this).
Oral Participation system, currently known as Oral Communication
It is good for urging students to speak up in class to express themselves BUT what if some students are shy or want to keep to themselves? What if some students want to speak up but are ‘ksed’ by over-enthusiastic students (There’s one in class)? In this case it is not fair. Students who are shy and have introverted personalities (like myself, except the shy part) are being forced to speak up, this is against their personalities and they will not feel comfortable in a school where speaking up is graded. It is also extremely unfair for students who get ‘ksed’ because they do not get the chance to voice their opinions as some others will simply snatch their chance. As a result, they may lose out in terms of oral participation scores which ultimately affects their grade. Be it students who are introverted or students who get’ ksed’, they may not be eligible for many special programmes even if they are good academically as OC grade is put into account (I am afraid I may be one of them, I almost failed my OP last term). Wouldn’t that be unfair? Students who are keen to study and learn yet are not given the chance to join the better special programmes because of their personality. Current Affairs discussions are also part of the OC grade and classmates are the ones who grade the participants. The grades given may be biased and would be unfair for many. Although there is a teacher who is involved in grading, the mark given by students will ultimately affect the overall score. Therefore, I really dislike this system.
ACE system, currently known as Independent Studies
It encourages students to take on additional tasks and join competitions BUT it causes students to become very calculative (as pointed out in the recent Level Assembly).” Is there ACE? No ACE? Ok never mind.” Before taking on any additional tasks, the first thing most students will want to find out is if there is ACE for completing them. If no ACE can be obtained, majority will not take on that task. It makes students give up on many opportunities just because there is no ACE to obtain. True enough, I myself won’t do anything extra if I won’t get ACE for it. Now instead of encouraging students to go the extra mile, it instills the over-calculative mind in them which is obviously not a good thing. Projects Competition which was previously only compulsory for Sec 1 and Sec 2 is now a component of this IS system. Getting into the Finals is a MUST if one wants to get a minimum of A1 for their IS grade as it’ is near impossible to max out ACE points for the various subjects. Something that has once been a platform to enjoy and experience has now transformed into a compulsory, dreaded event. Once again, IS is another criteria to ace in order to join the special programmes. Even in the upper secondary levels we still have to take part and attempt to enter the finals for projects competition otherwise GG…
I would recommend IS and OC not be included in our overall grade or be a component to ace for eligibility to join special programmes but instead be something extra for students who have the desire to take part in them and not a compulsory for students who have no wish to do so. All in all these are only my opinions but I believe I am not the only one who feels this way. I do believe there is a majority like me who has other opinions of this system which is supposed to help students but apparently it is unable to do so.
Oral Participation system, currently known as Oral Communication
It is good for urging students to speak up in class to express themselves BUT what if some students are shy or want to keep to themselves? What if some students want to speak up but are ‘ksed’ by over-enthusiastic students (There’s one in class)? In this case it is not fair. Students who are shy and have introverted personalities (like myself, except the shy part) are being forced to speak up, this is against their personalities and they will not feel comfortable in a school where speaking up is graded. It is also extremely unfair for students who get ‘ksed’ because they do not get the chance to voice their opinions as some others will simply snatch their chance. As a result, they may lose out in terms of oral participation scores which ultimately affects their grade. Be it students who are introverted or students who get’ ksed’, they may not be eligible for many special programmes even if they are good academically as OC grade is put into account (I am afraid I may be one of them, I almost failed my OP last term). Wouldn’t that be unfair? Students who are keen to study and learn yet are not given the chance to join the better special programmes because of their personality. Current Affairs discussions are also part of the OC grade and classmates are the ones who grade the participants. The grades given may be biased and would be unfair for many. Although there is a teacher who is involved in grading, the mark given by students will ultimately affect the overall score. Therefore, I really dislike this system.
ACE system, currently known as Independent Studies
It encourages students to take on additional tasks and join competitions BUT it causes students to become very calculative (as pointed out in the recent Level Assembly).” Is there ACE? No ACE? Ok never mind.” Before taking on any additional tasks, the first thing most students will want to find out is if there is ACE for completing them. If no ACE can be obtained, majority will not take on that task. It makes students give up on many opportunities just because there is no ACE to obtain. True enough, I myself won’t do anything extra if I won’t get ACE for it. Now instead of encouraging students to go the extra mile, it instills the over-calculative mind in them which is obviously not a good thing. Projects Competition which was previously only compulsory for Sec 1 and Sec 2 is now a component of this IS system. Getting into the Finals is a MUST if one wants to get a minimum of A1 for their IS grade as it’ is near impossible to max out ACE points for the various subjects. Something that has once been a platform to enjoy and experience has now transformed into a compulsory, dreaded event. Once again, IS is another criteria to ace in order to join the special programmes. Even in the upper secondary levels we still have to take part and attempt to enter the finals for projects competition otherwise GG…
I would recommend IS and OC not be included in our overall grade or be a component to ace for eligibility to join special programmes but instead be something extra for students who have the desire to take part in them and not a compulsory for students who have no wish to do so. All in all these are only my opinions but I believe I am not the only one who feels this way. I do believe there is a majority like me who has other opinions of this system which is supposed to help students but apparently it is unable to do so.
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