Child Underperforms Because Tested Above Cognitive Level

[concern2]

buds:

How come suddenly so many deleted posts?

:rotflmao: Sh...girl-talk, girl-talk... We auto-MOD

[buds]

Personal experiences are what separates many n I am trying to grasp the frustrations of many from the small not-so-pleasant experiences we’ve had. Just that most times issues of whatever kind have been resolved quickly n positively btwn teachers and/or HODs/Principal.


But I do agree tt our system is not world class.

With the kind of Science textbooks we have, far from it I say…

[beanbear]

Chenonceau:

doodbug:

I am afraid, many of us, who are less verbose, and less determined, will succumb to accepting the system as it is, and expending whatever strength we have left to help our kids through the system.

I salute you though, Chenonceau :udawoman:

Give us a chance. When gentle autumnbronze surfaces as her wintersteel alter ego, I wouldn't pick a fight with her. It doesn't take much. Just speak to people. Talk about it. Explain. Chat. Post your thoughts. Every one you talk to and convince is one more voice. Write in Facebook, those who know how.

A revolution also begins with small steps... sweeping changes may not occur in our lifetime or our children's lifetime.... We can begin to act by refusing to give in to what we consider as unreasonable demands.

After I started sharing with friends that I got DS to withdraw from supplementary classes, they followed suit not because they are doing copy-cat but they thought through their own reasons and stood up to the school. School gave them a very hard time. They then had to still pick up their courage and follow-through with their decision.

Each of us needs to take small actions of courage in a system that has been well-oiled to get compliance from not just students but parents as well. The word \"compulsory\" is already enough to trigger fears of even the smartest parent. When we are afraid, we comply. When we are afraid, we stop thinking.
When we speak up or act to move against the tide, we are also standing up against our own fears.

[concern2]

beanbear:

Each of us needs to take small actions of courage in a system that has been well-oiled to get compliance from not just students but parents as well. The word \"compulsory\" is already enough to trigger fears of even the smartest parent. When we are afraid, we comply. When we are afraid, we stop thinking.
When we speak up or act to move against the tide, we are also standing up against our own fears.

:goodpost:

[Funz]

buds:

Personal experiences are what separates many n I am trying to grasp the frustrations of many from the small not-so-pleasant experiences we've had. Just that most times issues of whatever kind have been resolved quickly n positively btwn teachers and/or HODs/Principal.


But I do agree tt our system is not world class.

With the kind of Science textbooks we have, far from it I say..

I so agree with this. With DD, I hardly have any issues. Maybe cos she is still in lower Pr. With DS however, I am facing some frustrations. It could be the school, it could be the teacher, it could be due to DS himself. He is only in P1 so I reserve judgement.

I like that MOE has done away with exams for P1 and 2, wish it could be done away with all the way to P4 and if I want to be idealistic, no PSLE at all. I like the introduction of Stellar for teaching English. Models for math, however, is driving me nuts. The move to single session is also something that I am in favour of, would be better if they can mandate that all schools start only at 8am and school buses will have to follow that schedule. I wish they will start Science at P1 and not only at P3 :yikes:

For now, I do really see the teach less learn more thing working where DD is concerned. I see DD's school doing away with rote learning and drilling and more experiential learning. I see more emphasis on verbal and presentation skills, on reasoning and thinking skills. So far, I have not yet experienced the testing beyond cognitive level or what has been taught. Then again, like I say, DD is only in P3.

Then when I look at DS, I'm trying to reconcile the 2 experiences. Stellar according to DS is totally different from what DD had experienced. His school/teacher still does a fair bit of rote work and they believe in homework. To date, not much emphasis on verbal/preso skills (aka show & tell). I am still hoping that since it is only P1 and we are only into the 2nd mth, what they are doing is laying foundation and things will get interesting for DS soon.

So far, my kids are pulling band 1 grades on most of their mini tests so I don't feel so strongly about this issue. Give me another year or 2 and I may be on a similar war path as Chen, then again, maybe not, it all boils down to what we experience with our kids.

[Chenonceau]

I absolutely understand. If you had asked me in end-P4, I would have maintained that we have a world class system too. Besides, I ain't on a warpath... I'm on something of a ladylike, gentle mission. Voilà! A bit of nuance there...

[concern2]

Chenonceau:

I absolutely understand. If you had asked me in end-P4, I would have maintained that we have a world class system too.

So is it really for the preparation of PSLE that the pressure builds up for all - schools, teachers and parents? I heard that by the time one gets to P6, one would be immune to it. How does that make you feel?

[Chenonceau]

concern2:

Chenonceau:

I absolutely understand. If you had asked me in end-P4, I would have maintained that we have a world class system too.

So is it really for the preparation of PSLE that the pressure builds up for all - schools, teachers and parents? I heard that by the time one gets to P6, one would be immune to it. How does that make you feel?

No... I only started paying attention in end-P4. Before that, I left it to DS, and helped when asked. Never go the extent of analyzing textbooks and papers... and all that. I had a life too you know... which incidentally, I haven't got anymore.

[beanbear]

Chenonceau:

No... I only started paying attention in end-P4. Before that, I left it to DS, and helped when asked. Never go the extent of analyzing textbooks and papers... and all that. I had a life too you know... which incidentally, I haven't got anymore.

Yah lor, me too. I was in ignorant bliss until DS was in P5 & DD was in P4. Wake-up call was harsh and punishing. But there is a blessing in disguise. Being more involved with the children has awaken greater responsibility on my part as well the children. Discovered more creative & strategic thinking tools along the way. Learning Primary school work all over again was certainly not part of my plan when I became a parent. Going through 2 PSLEs for 2012 & 2013 will definitely toughen me up as a parent.

[pixiedust]

beanbear:

.. they followed suit not because they are doing copy-cat but they thought through their own reasons and stood up to the school. School gave them a very hard time. They then had to still pick up their courage and follow-through with their decision..

Very encouraging post, thanks beanbear. Just to mentally prepare myself : what did your friends' school did to give them a very hard time ?