This is just another incident reinforces my belief that \"Ultimate Power Breeds Corruption\" , perhaps, in Singapore's context - not so much an outright \"Corruption\" but rather \"Collusion\".

Our founding Fathers fought hard and made tremendous self-sacrifices to make Today's Singapore, however, as time goes by, the next next new \"groomed\" leaders take over - becoming more egocentric / less empathy - that compounded by the lull of big \"salaries\". the implicit promise of future carrer opportunities & closed-door accesses.
Our simple trust for our leaders is eroding fast ... Just like any civilization in the history of mankind .... it shall meet its final destruction by its people's revolt if not by the force of the nature / the wrath of God - If things go unchecked, no action being taken to mitigate.
First thing first, why \"Collusion\"? It is because it is so hard to prove and can be cleverly circumvent the existing regulatory & judiciary systems. For instance,
Public Open Bidding is a system does provide certain level of transparency however it is by no means \"fool-proof\" one. Sensitive systems (in this case IT systems used by Town Council for that matter) originally developed by PAP, it makes sense to be transferred to the hands of ex-MP run company. So, one can argue that the Public Open Bidding system is just a conduit to justify the intension of transferring.
Let's face it, other private market bidders, if any, can not bid for such \"proprietary sensitive system\" at lower costs without prior knowledge and if they DO ultimately they will meet the certain DEATH by the Tender Committees in due process.
To have \"ex-MPs\" (even without getting director fees) on its board, one of the overriding reasons is to keep an eye - an Invisible EyE (away from Public).
There is no reason to make the life of opposition wards easy, after all they are not of the same kind.
As we come to the closing of 2012, with so many high-level events have been unfolding as compared in the past years. WHY now? Food for thought indeed.
It reinforces once again the above-mentioned belief. ONE valuable lesson if any for all ordinary Singaporeans - like me is: \"the future of our children is in our hands, we should not, NEVER, blindly leave it to the established SYSTEMs - they can not be always RIGHT and, further more, is inevitably riddled with the fallacy of human\" - the Older generations fought their lives with convictions, sadly the Newer generations take those hard-fought ones for granted and think this is their entitlement.
What should we do? My view is a simple one:
1) Have more responsible / passionate (not just be compensated by Big $$$) / intelligent individuals to come forward to serve / to check / to mitigate the existing Establishments (especially like ours when a political party almost equates to a government).
2) We should NEVER NEVER give up our individual's human right - a true democracy is to have its people to decide its country's destiny with information presented as is it - Good or Bad. The social media (though it is a double-edged sword) is our ENABLER - a soft power that is not so easily \"suppressed\" by any authorities without public's notice and out-cry. Don't ever lose it.
3) Usher more healthy & responsible competition to the existing Establishment (no matter how reliable they are), it serves 2 purposes: To make the existing Establishment more accountable/transparent and to provide them more \"practical/realistic\" trainings - please bear in mind that our New Generation leaders are \"pampered\". It is self-defeating to think that someone will offer \"his own cheek to be slapped by his own hand\" - for instance, having the same party members to \"question\" the same party members who are in executional position- if it works it may work for a short while. You need True/Healthy competition to bring the best - Iron sharpens Iron. Who can make a difference? An insignificant (as an individual) YOU and ME...

These are some personal thoughts as 2012 draws to an end, and looking forward to 2013 with hope ..making Singapore - A Truly Unique Place on the planet.

I am another that is misled by this thread. I thought it is a type of Korean bag.

Picolo:

limlim:

[quote=\"Imami\"]

VK turns into a porcupine once in a while. I suppose he clicked the \"submit\" button too fast... He usually meant well but can be very pointed sometimes... ok ok, I am a fan of his posts :siam:

http://i45.tinypic.com/237ehe.jpg\">


hmmmmm........






picture kope from FB.. http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c46.0.403.403/p403x403/377618_393602810703873_169907800_n.jpg
Not sure who to credit..

Very endearing animals ... but no, these are not porcupines. They are hedgehogs...

So people, do you mean vk more like porcupine or hedgehog... :siam:[/quote]
He's a hedgehog that behaves like a porcupine?

oxyleo:

buds:

[quote=\"Musings\"]

I think this is already happening in many schools. Fees can be paid for by Edusave so effectively it is free for students.

Musings is right. It is already happening and yes in many schools and in fact in many schools too! Government tops up Edusave and children can earn more in their accounts by doing well or being the most improved. Apart from that the children are also entitled to a bursary sum as well... if the family income is within a certain capped amount pre-determined.

Purely for discussion purposes only, and just sharing my observation. I do not know if it is many schools that have these external vendor programs, but will do my part to ask around more. In my son's school, an all-boys' mission school, there is no Heuristics program or Creative Writing program for P1 and P2 boys, unlike what I seem to have gathered from Musings and another forummer.. Not saying it's good or bad, cos like some one said, it is left to the discretion of the school. But this also points to a lack of uniformity in terms of what is offered in each school, purely from an academic perspective.

BlurDad:

I would think MOE/Schools could do more. As someone mentioned, the Edusave may be insufficient. Most schools offer “Enrichment” programs – not so much on “tuition” classes which is essentially to help the students grasp the concepts better (more time / at slower pace) or to make their learning experience more pleasant. However, I have the strange feeling that nowadays the students may need to be “enriched” in order to cope with the normal school assignments. The line between “Enrichment” and “Tuition” is blurred / confused ie. Top Schools papers are in great demand J.

There has always been such help rendered to ALL students pertaining to this.
It is termed as remedial. Students zoomed in to have underlying foundation issues and under-performing students ie. failing or almost failing (Band 3s and Band 4s) will receive 'invitation' to attend. However, better performing ones have been known to be welcomed into this extra after school lesson as well.

Yes, this is my observation also, in terms of Supp and Remedial classes offered by the teachers, but I'm just wondering if BlurDad was referring to tuition classes offered by external vendors and offered in the school premise. Pure guess, to be confirmed by BlurDad.

I was referring to tuition classes conducted by external vendors held in school premise. Sometimes, I wonder: is it because these tuition teachers possess certain skill sets that seem to able to deliver the lessons more interestingly or some methodologies that seem to be able to help the students to grasp the concepts better? Perhaps, MOE/Schools can find out more and might even consider to adopt these/enhance in their teaching approach. Perhaps, MOE/Schools might want to engage the so called \"Super Tutors\" as their \"Advisors/Consultants\" (make sense?). My thought is: Broadly speaking, here we have people with distinctive roles in 3 entities: \"MOE/Schools\", \"Tuition Centers\" & \"Home\" - if we could provide a \"integrated & neutral\" platform we might be able to \"cool down\" THIS fever. For instance, for simplicity sakes - \"MOE/Schools\" have its own sets of goals/KPIs, \"Tuition Centers\" - P/L driven organizations by and large, \"Home\" - own unique circumstances; Now a very outstanding retired teacher can choose to go this alternative \"integrated & neutral\" platform to reach out instead of just volunteering his/her service to particular Schools/Communities thus restricting its impact. At the same time, this individual can enjoy the freedom/flexibility while doing this. At least, in Pri/Sec educations if we could bring \" essential basic knowledge\" at \"affordable cost/convenient way\" to majority of Singaporeans I think the reliance on \"Tuition Centers\" may reduce.

BlurDad:

Getting some older students to assist the younger / weaker students is certainly a good idea. However, the effectiveness may be “limited” as a more structured/consistent approach provides a platform for us to leverage – basically to reach out more for those in need.

I'm not sure about older students but the school my daughters used to attend has graduating students who are currently undertaking poly diplomas or in jcs (etc) come back for mentorship programme to tutor weaker students some of whom have been identified to have learning difficulties. The approach is consistent and structured as these graduates apply the techniques using the lesson plans and methodologies created for this separate programme termed, Learning Support Programme. I was invited a few times to pilot the complete tried tested and proven Montessori Math programme in a few primary schools (by recommendation from fellow teacher-friends) for their teachers and former-student volunteers. Children identified to undergo this LSP are observed to be lacking in basic foundation to move forward with the ongoing curriculum and hence require to go back to have basic concepts embedded to move on with the rest of their peers. Once these students overcome that hurdle and are performing well, they are not required to come for the LSP sessions anymore. This bridges the gap some children may face... ie. for children who fall within the cracks of the system... perhaps due to parental ignorance of basic preps.. perhaps due to lack of funding for early childhood education.. perhaps the kindy or childcare didn't prepare them sufficiently or well yah.. perhaps the teachers in kindy didn't teach either even with a given curriculum. Many possibilities. Do not be surprised when i share that there are some of my own friends who do not believe in early childhood education at all.

I share your observation here too. That schools are identifying weaker students and having older children help them, or parent volunteers help them. Not in an extensive manner though. In my son's school, it is through the Buddy Reading Program. Upper Pri boys, and a few PVs comes in every morning to read to the younger boys who need help. Not many of us though, like 2 grandparents and me, and 1 young grad on temp basis. I agree with BlurDad effectiveness is likely limited, but in the absence of anything else, we are filling the gap. There is improvement, but we also wonder if it could be better.

I however believe that that is where children really start. All that learning thru play is the real thing.. the real learning begins then.. the foundation of what they need is via those absorbent years. As i follow up with former students i have taught, there were many who were auto pilot ie. did not need tuition for the foundation was concrete and prepares them beyond primary school for the Montessori Education prepares a child for life. Failures included.

Early Childhood does seem to be the focus point now by MOE/MCYS. Hope it brings about good things for the children.

BlurDad:

In addition, I got an idea (not sure if it makes any sense) whereby the MOE/Schools might want to experiment it:-



a) We are quite used to the word “integrated” like “Integrated Resource”…etc – Can we consider integrated “After-care” service platform in our Schools?

b) This “After-care” service platform comprises “tuition” as one of its components but run by selected external vendors. They rent the a small office space from School and use the classrooms/facilities of the School to deliver lessons.

c) Just like the School canteen operators, they provide “affordable” and “nutritious” food to our children because the Rental is low (running cost).

d) Volunteers like older students, retired teachers, educated homemakers, part-timers… can leverage this “After-care” service platform to help the needy students.

Once again, this is already in place. There are schools in Singapore that offer in-house after school care service. Parents can fetch by 7pm. Whatever the typical after-school care offers.. these service does the same and at an attractive price. A cousin paid only like $250-ish per month. Lunch, homework, revision, supervision, pick a sport plus indoor educational games. Her son has finished O levels now. So this has been in place for that long... perhaps even way earlier.

Here I think you are referring more to the homework supervision and revision, food part when you say it is already happening? Just trying to clarify. I think Blur Dad is suggesting (a)-(b) too, which is tuition classes within the After school Care hours. What is currently provided is homework supervision and revision by the student themselves. the After care I/cs don't teach or tutor the children.

My humble sharings.

Thanks for sharing. :-)[/quote]

BeContented:

Haha. Think most will say tough, DD too.

Those who find it easy will likely be the top 30 & gold

Did your child attempt all 20 questions? Mine tried 17 but already found 3 wrong so far. Her classmates mostly attempt 10-15 question

Oh. Asking my P6 DS to try so that the sister can check tomorrow. He also found it tough & cannot finish the 20q in 1.5 hours. (he managed a silver last year)

Thank you for your reply. My kid could not finish all the questns. If the child can finish all, really must be very talented in Maths. Now just hope can get a silver because I read from a parent here that 2nd round maybe just bronze.

Any feedback from your children about today’s Special round papers? My kid says quite tough

Musings:

BlurDad:

4. What are the possible / practical solutions? In my opinion:
a) MOE/Schools can leverage on selected external vendors (tuition centers) to complement their supplementary classes for weaker students by subsidizing heavily (according to kids' household income) the fees - this will help the teachers (who may be overly-stretched by schools' KPIs, multiple roles demanding of them) and assist those low income kids who genuinely need assistance.

I think this is already happening in many schools. Fees can be paid for by Edusave so effectively it is free for students.

I would think MOE/Schools could do more. As someone mentioned, the Edusave may be insufficient. Most schools offer “Enrichment” programs – not so much on “tuition” classes which is essentially to help the students grasp the concepts better (more time / at slower pace) or to make their learning experience more pleasant. However, I have the strange feeling that nowadays the students may need to be “enriched” in order to cope with the normal school assignments. The line between “Enrichment” and “Tuition” is blurred / confused ie. Top Schools papers are in great demand J.



Getting some older students to assist the younger / weaker students is certainly a good idea. However, the effectiveness may be “limited” as a more structured/consistent approach provides a platform for us to leverage – basically to reach out more for those in need.



In addition, I got an idea (not sure if it makes any sense) whereby the MOE/Schools might want to experiment it:-



a) We are quite used to the word “integrated” like “Integrated Resource”…etc – Can we consider integrated “After-care” service platform in our Schools?

b) This “After-care” service platform comprises “tuition” as one of its components but run by selected external vendors. They rent the a small office space from School and use the classrooms/facilities of the School to deliver lessons.

c) Just like the School canteen operators, they provide “affordable” and “nutritious” food to our children because the Rental is low (running cost).

d) Volunteers like older students, retired teachers, educated homemakers, part-timers… can leverage this “After-care” service platform to help the needy students.

Wow! Everyone has his/her own valid/strong views on this hot topic. This is mine:


1. Due to Global Competition and in order to educate/equip our young ones to face tomorrow’s world, MOE is shifting the emphasis from one of rote learning to one of creative learning style which requires higher order thinking like heuristic maths (Honestly speaking, I have a great deal of difficulty to understand/to help my son).
2. Due to late marriages, parents who have primary school going kids with age gaps being 30-40 years, they may not be able to coach their children even though they are graduates .
3. So those who can afford tuition, they can "outsource" it to someone else. This inevitably fuels the demand for tuition centers. Besides creating more stress for everyone ie. children, parents & teachers, it creates an uneven playing field as those parents who have financial resources ,are in better position to help their children.

4. What are the possible / practical solutions? In my opinion:
a) MOE/Schools can leverage on selected external vendors (tuition centers) to complement their supplementary classes for weaker students by subsidizing heavily (according to kids’ household income) the fees - this will help the teachers (who may be overly-stretched by schools’ KPIs, multiple roles demanding of them) and assist those low income kids who genuinely need assistance.

b) In the same manner, MOE/Schools can leverage on selected external vendors to conduct "train-the-trainer" classes for parents who want to coach their children on those new topics which they have not been exposed to when they were in primary school (fees can be lowered because of economy of scale).

c) Retired teachers/Passionate educators/parents can consider to come together to put their knowledge on the websites - sponsored by MOE/Philanthropic individuals something like the Khan Academy website is worth exploring - make Learning (relevant in Singapore’s context) "Free" or "Affordable" for everyone (especially the low-income families - at least they have some venue to turn to). We have Next Generation Network now, the subscription for high speed LAN can be sponsored by Government/Telco (as part of their social causes out reach). This "one-way" video streaming & "one-to-many" delivery via internet can reach out to many students in Singapore & beyond.
Perhaps, some form of charging model can be introduced in this service for those who want more "interactive" learning - with two-way video chats, white boarding, scripting - to assist the explanations. The current technology allows retired teachers/educators/parents to sign up as volunteers and at the comfort of their home to deliver lessons - who knows? This can be one of those Social Enterprise projects that Government have been talking about all these while. IDA can spearhead this initiative.

My 2-cent worth of thought. Cheers!

By the way, what’s the General Ability Test paper? What kind of questions will be asked?

Looking at dunnoleh, I've reservations if it really makes people happy, but no doubt it can make people go :siao: :lol: