2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[psle2011mum]

Chenonceau:

psle2011mum...you're a blessing in more ways than one.

Thanks Chenonceau :hugs:

Commonsense should prevail and I for one take the view that we should not and need not be defined by what is told to us, \"compulsory\" textbooks included.

Secondary textbooks have more words and these textbook writers take it that most who use their books will be [and should be] on an independent learning path; hence they are written in a style which suits self-learning.
So yes, by all means, they are excellent resouces for those who can self-learn.

DD1's Sec 1 teacher recommended O-level Guide books when I asked for help with resources for DD1 to use on her own -- so that's what I bought for her from Sec 1 on. I'm all for anything that helps my kids learn on their own.

[Chenonceau]

psle2011mum:

Secondary textbooks have more words and these textbook writers take it that most who use their books will be [and should be] on an independent learning path; hence they are written in a style which suits self-learning.
So yes, by all means, they are excellent resouces for those who can self-learn.

That's the irony. They did say they wanted to teach less and have our kids learn more. If teachers teach less, then students need to do independent learning right? How to do independent learning when reading materials are so lacking?

[2ppaamm]

delete this and post it somewhere else. http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=30745&p=701518#p701518

[2ppaamm]

psle2011mum:

Chenonceau:

psle2011mum...you're a blessing in more ways than one.

Thanks Chenonceau :hugs:

Commonsense should prevail and I for one take the view that we should not and need not be defined by what is told to us, \"compulsory\" textbooks included.

Secondary textbooks have more words and these textbook writers take it that most who use their books will be [and should be] on an independent learning path; hence they are written in a style which suits self-learning.
So yes, by all means, they are excellent resouces for those who can self-learn.

DD1's Sec 1 teacher recommended O-level Guide books when I asked for help with resources for DD1 to use on her own -- so that's what I bought for her from Sec 1 on. I'm all for anything that helps my kids learn on their own.

Really. The only textbook I use is the Chinese text book, because I don't know better. The Math, English and Science texts are just meant to show support to the school. Btw, in case you are wondering. Yes, I still buy them just in case my kids decide to jump back into public school. And I still pay fees.

[fifiyeo]

psle2011mum:

This is my Utopia ...


In Teachers We Trust: An Interview with Finnish Education Expert Reijo Laukkanen
By Claus von Zastrow on September 29, 2008 for PUBLIC SCHOOL INSIGHTS

[See link at :http://www.learningfirst.org/teachers-we-trust-interview-finnish-education-expert-reijo-laukkanen]

Finland draws its teachers from the top 10 percent of college graduates, and teaching regularly beats out law or medicine as a top career choice among high performers. \"We can trust that [teachers] are competent,\" Laukkanen told us; \"They know what to do.\"

PUBLIC SCHOOL INSIGHTS: What do you think are some of the major reasons for [Finland's] success?

LAUKKANEN: Teachers. They are the most important [aspect of] Finnish success. But there's also other issues. The second one is that we take care of all our children. And the third big issue is that we have set our objectives or the standards of education high.

PUBLIC SCHOOL INSIGHTS: The concern here [in the United States] is often that national standards might limit the work of schools and teachers.

LAUKKANEN: I can understand the hesitation of some people in the USA [to support national standards] if they hesitate for that reason, because we have sometimes [asked] would it be better to set minimum objectives. And we have found out that it's not clever, because if you set minimum objectives for the schools you'll always reach low objectives. And that's why we set objectives high, and we never set objectives in the way that they would prevent teachers [from using] their own capacity to broaden education. We only talk about the objectives, not the methods of education. Because teachers, if they have high-level education, should be given leeway enough to use their own innovation capacity.

:

In Finland, they believe in taking care of all their kids and no one gets left out simply because everyone has a niche and that's what makes a society complete. Here, education is a competion. The amount of time our kids have to spend behind their books really kills creativity. There is actually so much more to learn beyond those assessment books.

[rains]

2ppaamm:

the Education Minister was asked this very question. Why are we not looking at the Finland education system model, that is rated the best in the world, and adopting some of their policies?


His answer? He sent a person to study their system. But he also found out that they are here to study our system. The impression given was that we have a better system than theirs. Nothing short of surprising, as all teachers in Singapore claim that we have the best education system in the world, without proof, support or validation.

Wow! A true-blue live-in-the-ivory-tower minister. I was right when I said the only change would be for the worse when a new minister took over.

[2ppaamm]

rains:

2ppaamm:

the Education Minister was asked this very question. Why are we not looking at the Finland education system model, that is rated the best in the world, and adopting some of their policies?


His answer? He sent a person to study their system. But he also found out that they are here to study our system. The impression given was that we have a better system than theirs. Nothing short of surprising, as all teachers in Singapore claim that we have the best education system in the world, without proof, support or validation.

Wow! A true-blue live-in-the-ivory-tower minister. I was right when I said the only change would be for the worse when a new minister took over.

:sad: The responsibility is now thrown back at the parents.

[laughingcat]

Without the parents involvement, i don’t think Singapore Education system is where it is today.


I doubt MOE or the education minister are going to revamp the age old system (given today’s fast moving technology and thinking) since they know that the system by itself will be able to sustain naturally especially Singapore parents are kiasu who do not want their children to "fall" badly.

[2ppaamm]

laughingcat:

Without the parents involvement, i don't think Singapore Education system is where it is today.


I doubt MOE or the education minister are going to revamp the age old system (given today's fast moving technology and thinking) since they know that the system by itself will be able to sustain naturally especially Singapore parents are kiasu who do not want their children to \"fall\" badly.

Wah, so happy to read this. Exactly my views! Yeah, somebody thinks like me! :hi5:

[laughingcat]

Hi 2ppaamm,


I hear you clearly and i know what you are driving at. In fact i am totally freak out when i read your sharing on Hikkikomori thingi. That is why i PM you as i need your help.