<![CDATA[Are comments in report books to be believed?]]>What do you parents think of comments given by teachers in report books? Are they usually good and diplomatic? My child gets complaints now and then by teachers (though not that often), but the report book seems to have quite a glowing comment about him. Just wondering if it’s true or the teachers don’t want to write something negative in report books. Any parent has feedback that is not that "positive" and true about your child?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/24130/are-comments-in-report-books-to-be-believedRSS for NodeSun, 03 May 2026 12:49:05 GMTWed, 20 Jul 2011 15:06:45 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:15:22 GMT]]>

deminc:
[quote=\"ksi]In the education world, we live in the fantasy land. Teach less but expected to learn more... Behave well, expect sabotages. Behave badly, expect glowing comments. Everything seems to be a make-belief and depends on what picture they want to paint. It was never so bad during our time. so what has changed? Pace of life.

It's not the change in pace of life. It's the culture of positive thinking and pc-ness, mainly an American culture influence.

The problem with this, and the teach less learn more, is the main person in charge has to understand HOW to do it. YOu can tell a loud disruptive child you appreciate his expressiveness and it was interesting, but at the same time, tell him that it is also important to listen to others and take turn. It's all about balance. Same with teach less learn more. The whole point of it is to implement an inquiry-based approach, the rationale being that when children are involved in the inquiry process, the understanding is deeper and leaves a lasting impression. Young children have a natural affinity for this and it is a sound approach if it is correctly implemented. But it takes a skilful enthusiastic teacher, a good class size ratio, and TIME to do this properly. Our system is not very conducive for this. Ironically by JC and university level, inquiry based learning takes over again and is expected. Many \"good\" students will struggle by then.

Ok, OT liao. :siam:[/quote][/quote]

:goodpost:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/504224https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/504224Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:15:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 09:49:27 GMT]]>

markfch:
I'm so glad someone started this interesting topic, but also a little apprehensive cos ds tends to get good comments in his report book, so now must take everything with a pinch of salt.


So 'independent learner' actually means he doesn't pay attention to teacher, 'keen reader' becomes likes to read anything but text, 'mature beyond his age' becomes overgrown baby. Luckily don't have 'deep thinker' comment otherwise I'll *roll my eyes*.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: I'll just take all positive comments at face value.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/504141https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/504141Sat, 23 Jul 2011 09:49:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:07:56 GMT]]>😄


No lah. Some of these remarks are actually true because these are the characteristics shown by the child in the class. Just take the remarks and place beside your kid and compare. Should be able to tell if remarks are genuine. 😉

Eg.
Independent learner can also mean child is motivated and does not need loads of nagging from the teacher and still produces acceptable work.

Keen reader is also for kids who loves to read a lot and most stuff, and also prob read when they have completed their work in class.

😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/504088https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/504088Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:07:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:47:20 GMT]]>I’m so glad someone started this interesting topic, but also a little apprehensive cos ds tends to get good comments in his report book, so now must take everything with a pinch of salt.


So ‘independent learner’ actually means he doesn’t pay attention to teacher, ‘keen reader’ becomes likes to read anything but text, ‘mature beyond his age’ becomes overgrown baby. Luckily don’t have ‘deep thinker’ comment otherwise I’ll roll my eyes.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/503756https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/503756Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:47:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:55:12 GMT]]>Mine is opposite. No complaints from teacher. In fact teacher praised her during meet parents session, said so many positive things, eg. leadership ability, good team player, blah blah blah


But report book comments not extremely glowing, even got 1 or 2 suggestions on area for 'improvements'. Conduct is 'very good' instead of 'excellent'. Huh :scratchhead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/502596https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/502596Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:55:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:44:58 GMT]]>The report book (and that little comment/remark section) as it is has been around for decades. I can see its relevance in the days letters and pens, but now…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/502571https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/502571Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:44:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:17:38 GMT]]>:goodpost:


I fully agree. In fact, my hubby used to tell me the same thing about \"quiet, obedient\" ones who may struggle later in their academic path.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/501116https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/501116Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:17:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:56:29 GMT]]>[quote=\"ksi]In the education world, we live in the fantasy land. Teach less but expected to learn more... Behave well, expect sabotages. Behave badly, expect glowing comments. Everything seems to be a make-belief and depends on what picture they want to paint. It was never so bad during our time. so what has changed? Pace of life.[/quote]


It's not the change in pace of life. It's the culture of positive thinking and pc-ness, mainly an American culture influence.

The problem with this, and the teach less learn more, is the main person in charge has to understand HOW to do it. YOu can tell a loud disruptive child you appreciate his expressiveness and it was interesting, but at the same time, tell him that it is also important to listen to others and take turn. It's all about balance. Same with teach less learn more. The whole point of it is to implement an inquiry-based approach, the rationale being that when children are involved in the inquiry process, the understanding is deeper and leaves a lasting impression. Young children have a natural affinity for this and it is a sound approach if it is correctly implemented. But it takes a skilful enthusiastic teacher, a good class size ratio, and TIME to do this properly. Our system is not very conducive for this. Ironically by JC and university level, inquiry based learning takes over again and is expected. Many \"good\" students will struggle by then.

Ok, OT liao. :siam:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/501043https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/501043Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:56:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:42:30 GMT]]>

sall:
Another student who sleeps in class becomes a deep thinker.

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/501012https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/501012Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:42:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:13:29 GMT]]>wah, I very outdated leh… didnt know world works like that now.Where was I for the past many years. But why must it be so hyprocritical even in school environment? Don’t need to call a spade a spade, but do away with all the "too positive" comments, and just stick to the general remarks la.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/500191https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/500191Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:13:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:44:32 GMT]]>

sall:
The school principal orders the teachers to write very good comments. So a talkative and disruptive student can become enthusiastic and contribute actively in class. Another student who sleeps in class becomes a deep thinker..

Hi sall, yes I agree with you. I recall when I was in Pri 6, our form teacher told us not to look at the comments at face value. He did share too, that if we come across comments such as active participant in class or outspoken etc, it means that the person is talkative in class! 😂 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/500035https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/500035Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:44:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:11:43 GMT]]>

tankee:
which parents want to read negative comments about their little prince or princess?

I agree with Tankee that this statement is true but it cannot be the driving factor.

In the education world, we live in the fantasy land. Teach less but expected to learn more... Behave well, expect sabotages. Behave badly, expect glowing comments. Everything seems to be a make-belief and depends on what picture they want to paint. It was never so bad during our time. so what has changed? Pace of life.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499942https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499942Thu, 21 Jul 2011 03:11:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:58:10 GMT]]>

ksi:
Brenda10:

[quote=\"ksi\"]Principal's remarks during our time, we also have already....maybe that time Principal very \"eng\". 😂


Now principal is very on lah! Even collected some onsponge book from dd class and personally go through! Also petrolling more to P6 classes this year! :nunchuk:

Now is On!...last time was \"eng\"...during my time...even I was super \"eng\"...could play everyday and still blur blur graduated from PSLE... :rotflmao:[/quote]Ya lor! Last time don't have so many assessment books, PSLE workshop, past year papers and supplementary class also can go to a reasonable sec school! Unlike now, attend workshop, working on past year papers yet still don't know what will come out after PSLE! :nailbite: :scared:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499906https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499906Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:58:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:51:10 GMT]]>

Brenda10:
ksi:

Principal's remarks during our time, we also have already....maybe that time Principal very \"eng\". 😂


Now principal is very on lah! Even collected some onsponge book from dd class and personally go through! Also petrolling more to P6 classes this year! :nunchuk:

Now is On!...last time was \"eng\"...during my time...even I was super \"eng\"...could play everyday and still blur blur graduated from PSLE... :rotflmao:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499888https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499888Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:51:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:46:25 GMT]]>

ksi:
Principal's remarks during our time, we also have already....maybe that time Principal very \"eng\". 😂

Now principal is very on lah! Even collected some onsponge book from dd class and personally go through! Also petrolling more to P6 classes this year! :nunchuk:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499873https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499873Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:46:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:42:41 GMT]]>which parents want to read negative comments about their little prince or princess?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499865https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499865Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:42:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:41:39 GMT]]>

Brenda10:
ksi:

[quote=\"jedamum\"]
no wonder i keep getting 'a quiet student', 'hardworking' these one-liners all those primary schooling years!!! i think those teachers didn't even know me at all! 😢

Times have changed, jedamum. I used to get 2 lines in my report card, now my child gets 5-6 lines in hers and they are all typed out in small fonts.

If you got any A* in the record book that the principal will add some more remarks on addition to teacher remarks![/quote]Principal's remarks during our time, we also have already....maybe that time Principal very \"eng\". 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499862https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499862Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:41:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:40:03 GMT]]>

ksi:
jedamum:

[quote=\"hquek\"]
I would say the old adage should hold true - if one doesn't have anything good to say, keep quiet. A bit pointless to turn the negative to positive.

no wonder i keep getting 'a quiet student', 'hardworking' these one-liners all those primary schooling years!!! i think those teachers didn't even know me at all! 😢

Times have changed, jedamum. I used to get 2 lines in my report card, now my child gets 5-6 lines in hers and they are all typed out in small fonts.[/quote]If you got any A* in the record book that the principal will add some more remarks on addition to teacher remarks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499858https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499858Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:40:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:25:31 GMT]]>

jedamum:
hquek:


I would say the old adage should hold true - if one doesn't have anything good to say, keep quiet. A bit pointless to turn the negative to positive.

no wonder i keep getting 'a quiet student', 'hardworking' these one-liners all those primary schooling years!!! i think those teachers didn't even know me at all! 😢

Times have changed, jedamum. I used to get 2 lines in my report card, now my child gets 5-6 lines in hers and they are all typed out in small fonts.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499817https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499817Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:25:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:00:44 GMT]]>

hquek:

I would say the old adage should hold true - if one doesn't have anything good to say, keep quiet. A bit pointless to turn the negative to positive.
no wonder i keep getting 'a quiet student', 'hardworking' these one-liners all those primary schooling years!!! i think those teachers didn't even know me at all! 😢

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499749https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499749Thu, 21 Jul 2011 02:00:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:55:52 GMT]]>well, but report books follow the child through life. that said, I do sympathise with the teacher becos they have to be PC (politically correct) or face grilling from displeased parents.


I would say the old adage should hold true - if one doesn’t have anything good to say, keep quiet. A bit pointless to turn the negative to positive.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499729https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499729Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:55:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:51:57 GMT]]>The school principal orders the teachers to write very good comments. So a talkative and disruptive student can become enthusiastic and contribute actively in class. Another student who sleeps in class becomes a deep thinker. In one school, the principal even adds on some more glowing comments in the students’ testimonials. These students do not deserve such compliments at all. The principal does not know these students at all.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499715https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499715Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:51:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Are comments in report books to be believed? on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:16:43 GMT]]>I think it depends on the school principal, but relatives who are in the teaching line tell me that they are not allowed to write anything negative, so that would be three different schools with the same policy. If it’s too negative they have to re-write it. So "talkative" becomes something like "interactive" or "expressive". One elderly relative will write glowing reports (must go through principal), but during PTM, he will ask the parents if they want his honest appraisal verbally.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499395https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/499395Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:16:43 GMT