Universities In Singapore: Address The Research-Teaching Conundrum

Progressive plans to expand the university by the Ministry of Education (MOE) - in the news report, "Building Bridges, finding niches" (29 October 2011) by Mr. Tan Weizhen) - his good intentions and very important. But if our teachers and administrators remain abroad in search of inspiration and improvements, they are obliged to inform the inherent research training, puzzles that plagued our local high schools, and introduction of relevant amendments to the ever growing concern for solving .

Too much emphasis on research and Ranking?

Recently, local universities, such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), provided that their advertising efforts almost solely on their performance in various ranking exercises, and also of having world-class research faculties in the house. Unfortunately, these pedantic concentrations not only ignored the importance of developing good teaching or pedagogical frameworks of the institutions, but also override the need to mold the students outside their lonely academic or scholastic dimensions.
Although the alleged disproportionate emphasis on research has led to anecdotal feelings about the alleged decline in the quality of teaching, as a result of diffuse approach and focuses misplaced. The conflict between research and teaching is certainly not limited to the landscape in Singapore, USA, noted that while the research university model, improved doctoral courses and strengthen the school resolved through writings and publications, students tend to the losing end. Reduction of teaching load for tenure track faculty meant that inexperienced students - even some who find it difficult to communicate fluently in English - more learned, learning outcomes can be accidentally compromised, because external factors from the research products are not necessarily to the benefit comes across the board .

The next step forward

If an accident on the research angle is allowed to manifest itself, the consequences may be harmful in the long term.

With this paradigm shift will usher in new changes in the status quo to help our universities to continue international education games.
In the near future, it would be constructive for the MOE to create viable feedback channels - such as focus group discussions, qualitative sessions, etc. - for current students to articulate perspectives on the above research. Management of the quantitative studies, through representative student associations, the government would one meter from the current challenges and to explore aspects that require more attention or involvement.

On a larger scale, will Singapore be possible to emulate the French plan to form clusters in different institutions, in the sense that the respective research and educational colleges are made clear and explicit, without loss of quality. In this sense, parents and potential students able to make more informed decisions about the kind of education trail and the model is most suitable for themselves. This adaptation and specialization to stakeholders to understand the different comparative advantages, to make good choices and the level of productivity.
Transparency and clarity are important considerations, as dissatisfaction with the research angle is allowed to manifest itself, the ramifications be harmful in the long term.

Career Guidance in the Singapore Education System Seem Lacking

After his education in Singapore since 1998 (secondary 3), and after once been a teacher in training under the Ministry of Education in Singapore, I think one of the many shortcomings of the education system of Singapore is that it is a good career / missing guidance for education students.

Well, I suppose you could argue that the education itself, what is missing, but an oversight (or indifference) of the Ministry of Education in the thought that people know what you want, and will be happy with the choices they made on the age of 16. But believe me when I compare the education of the Ministry of Education.For those not familiar with the education system in Singapore.

At the age of 16 or 17 years, after taking the GCE O-level, the student must choose whether he / she wants to go to the Polytechnic, where he / she has a degree in a specialized area (eg, Engineering, Business, Accounting , mass communication, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Information Technology, etc.) or to study in the first study for the GCE levels or International Baccalaureate diploma. The GCE A Levels and the IB diploma program are essentially similar - students choose a number of topics, from a group of subjects available, such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, literature, geography, economics, etc. In other words, words Everything is quite common, and students are not limited to any particular field.

What worries me is when most students opt for the route Polytechnic. In fact, I'm all for the idea of ​​an HBO school, because I personally feel that the other route is a waste of time (after the experienced). But this applies only if the student knows, at the age of 16 or 17, what he or she is interested and wants his / her career to build.Which brings me to my point that the lack of career / education guidance or counseling in our educational system. Students go to the colleges, the choice of courses that have very little idea, and just discovered they hate the course. While some may leave and re-application of the course to another course more, ultimately perpetuating that mistake, and pursue careers in fields that do not want.

Therefore it is necessary that students have a clear idea of ​​what they ask, what options they have and the different types of careers that would need to follow a certain course given.

Students often choose courses based on the following factors:

1. Not knowing what they want

2. Options for friends3. Selection of parents4. Ministry options (such as the Ministry of Education actively promote the life sciences, everyone rushed to the course. Ditto Info-Tech courses)5. Not having an option due to lower-than-stellar results on the O

And sometimes hate students to complete their studies because:

1. They knew that the course would look like2. They were not aware of the career choices (most of that study life sciences I never thought that I would end up in the lab every day watching cells grow or something)

3. They received only a general description of what the course is about, but not in depth information from the various modules (materials should be given to the students to read, instead of just an overview of the brochures faculty)In that case it painfully clear that the students career / education guidance is lacking, especially after O-level is very general, very general and A-Levels (these roads are the name of the General Certificate of Education GCE for a reason too), because after these tests is to choose the specialties of colleges and universities, which affect their future career.

Of course, a certain discipline to the work force is not entirely impossible, but not the point of education to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to efficiently implement and efficiency of a work in the future? Would not it be a waste of resources to train an engineer, but that he / she goes to another job completely separate?

The remedy for this, maybe it reduce or minimize errors in the decision making stage, and I feel it can be done through the right career / educational guidance.ETA: As I write this, it is also clear to me that it might be better for career guidance are provided by a party that is neutral, not directly related to or influenced by the Ministry of Education. But I am good in both directions (outside of the Ministry of Education, preferably the first), provided that is not provided by the school that the student is considering, for obvious reasons not exactly going to be impartial .

Beyond the writing in Singapore

Comment "good writing is more than getting the 'A' (9 June 2011) by Mr. Chew Hui Min made the sharp observation that the memorization and regurgitation of the heart - especially the language of instruction - you useful useful short-term trials but could have potential ramifications. lasting episodes of "cram" the interest of students studying in the tooth in the long run, irritate and creativity due to the repeated need to follow a fixed model of response and expression.
In the general context of language teaching in Singapore, it seems a disproportionate importance is placed on writing and thus reading, listening and speaking are overlooked.
Exposing students to the stock phrases for compositions, however, is not necessarily the use of non-constructive and active role of familiarity with the phrase can build vocabulary, increase the level of expression, and increase Understand literary terms by creating metaphors and word games . Line eyes turned when the student grows to be solely dependent on them, do not have the ability to use them with wisdom and skill, not knowledge in content or writing related measures in its examination. The expression language itself - even if superficially, built by the common phrase - has a bit, if the user is not the process of thinking about knowledge of crane.
In the general context of language teaching in Singapore, it seems a disproportionate importance is placed on writing and thus reading, listening and speaking are overlooked. Of course, students can easily feel disabled in presentations, or even pieces of research vis-à-vis the interaction of the conversation simply because they have the ability to apply what they learned.
Emphasis on writing looks very impressive based on the fact that the leading candidate for the standardized exams test your linguistic skills, especially through writing. Unfortunately, the ability of listening, reading skills and oratorios that are important to the general understanding and practical application of language. Through various channels, and only involving multiple forms of interaction and focus, the teaching-learning to be more attractive and productive for students and educators. So, instead of the convenience of the status quo, teaching in educational institutions should be adapted creatively to reflect the above aspects.
Perhaps, if the other students and parents become more aware of the real value of language learning is the way of learning and not the end result itself, they have fewer problems and often continue to produce notes based on examinations. More important, parents and teachers focus on the success of students who do most of their language

Unbelievable tuition fee in Singapore, which we may have to live to.

I must say that Howard has my article on its side for a while. He called on me emotionally. Nothing like a picture of some children to participate in teaching hours and hours immediately after school, it can also be thoroughly entertained ... iPhone or iPad (I doubt very young today enjoy their time in playgrounds). But the second time I read his article, I silenced part of my brain still pray the best for the child, so you must forgive me, you sound a little too pragmatic sometimes.
It really is the overuse of private education in Singapore?
General assertion that Howard screening points, including "massive overuse of a good thing." First, private tutoring is a service. Well, I'm kidding, I do not want to open up debate. I will try to de-establish his statement. Are there really over? We know that Overfishing results in costs, in this case. Significantly lower than the benefits achieved
It teaches that yield real benefits?
How do we know whether the benefits are actually a strong argument for parents who send their children to horde? The research was carried out (yes, your homework is still important, even if you are not in school). Howard did not believe references. He is a skeptic. I was skeptic too. I keep a healthy amount of doubt about the results of the first research consultant agency based in Britain. Of 150 families found, jump in the degree of maturity and level of 2 degrees on average in the lower layers of class D in D. Moreover, those who teach in the 3 to 6 months jumped an average of 1.5 degrees over skinny <a class for those by private tutors for less than 3 months. It seems likely, until he told me that 95% of the families also recommended that the first teacher.
I mulled the studies [1], which performs Nus Department of Economics, and showed that 10% more hours of instruction in subjects such as math, English and Korean students are given study in South Korea with awe-inspiring 0.03 0 , 3% increase in percentile ranks. Let's say that 74% of students there and they just may interrupt their stress. After all, pay on average $ 2,600 per year to attend hagwons. Finland, the only European country that regularly perform as well as Koreans, spend less on public and private education. Only 13% of students have after school to remedy. Considered by Time magazine in which Koreans just does not seem smart - he sleeps during the student teaching is a common sight.
Statistical and Economic Analysis
Considered by Time magazine in which Koreans just does not seem smart - he sleeps during the student teaching is a common sight.
South Koreans are just jjang / daebak (better) comes under the Guidelines. Former Minister of Education Dr. Eng Hen Singapore by placing his confirmation, saying very significantly "Sorry, not as bad as the Koreans." Dr Ng also believe that the return to education decreases. I look at the basic statistics, and I can only agree. If spending on education should be seen as a positive investment and income from education as a whole (either from school or private lessons), and zero sum, so yes, Dr. Ng is correct. The government has doubled spending on public school student, anywhere from 1.5 to 2 times at other levels of education.
We follow this logic: spending and investment in education increases, returning from school tuition to go up, and zero-sum returns to education down.
No, Howard, no, it's not the end. As you do, whether public or private school teachers are particularly effective in transmitting the appropriate study skills for children to fend for themselves. We do not recognize the ability to study. It is quite difficult to understand. I can absorb a textbook, because I just pure genius, and Howard could do the same thing, knowing that the visual learning style, and he chose a book full of info-graphics. Prove me wrong, find a way to measure it, I was glad. After all, if I have children of their own one day I would like to know whether studying smart.
Absolute Reliance through teaching, not the way forward either
And with this knowledge, I want to know if you did not study hard, smart, or affected by other problems. Howard points out that parents should not be considered a panacea for education when their child does not expect. The debate between the confirmed (no doubt) a striking impact learning, I must say I agree. Sometimes victims of bullying, or bad company, resulting in a lack of academic performance. Favorite quote my friend "to get the donkey to the lake, but you can not make it drink" seems quite appropriate in this situation.
It is also the parents, if your child needs help with his studies or extracurricular problems in nature. In a separate sign, I do not want to sit with the child as his studies for an hour or more everyday things. You'll just be distracting him talk to him about his time at school, and setting the bit to sit for him. Engage your children at mealtimes. Call your teacher for a brief chat (and remain calm under all circumstances).
It is for parents to know if your child needs help in studying or extracurricular problems in nature.
It's hard being a parent, I know. My mother was impressed, as I understand basic English.
There are additional costs for excessive training. And I do not think that a simple monetary costs. While many letters did at first expressed concern about this issue, we are certainly not at the same level again in South Korea. With the new rules, and even patrols to ensure that the student center open around 10 at night. Two studies, one of Korea's teaching staff of schools Workers Union, one of the Youth Counselling Korea Institute found that 43% to 48% of students with regard to suicide. We go up to this level? I hope not. But let us consider the variant where children do not have the training and stress over how well they are adequately prepared for the upcoming test.
Any offer creates its own demand
I thought I would finish my point by asking questions that are not yet finalized. Is there really will appreciate for teaching? There should be some, because it is always in high demand right? Howard believes that is the case of market failure. I prefer to see it as expensive as UNESCO [2] is smooth, put it into words:
"The first reason is that in some areas, supply creates demand. Under these circumstances, management, because the manufacturer to be available and we encourage students to take advantage of the availability and / or because consumers know that the product is available and then decides to take advantage of them, though they do not want to be required if these services are not available. "
There is certainly incomplete information, no standardized system of accreditation or industry standards to meet. After Tute took my brother in medium 3 mathematics, and help him finally expelled from the end of tests, I would say that qualification is not a good way to evaluate teachers as well. All that glitters is definitely not gold, and the same note, I can be a bar of gold in the mud. Education should not be given to their children academic improvement by leaps and bounds, too, but the traffic itself may provide the assurance that both parents and child needs. That in itself is an advantage.
Self-improvement can not be a problem
To be honest, the amount to be learned at all levels of education is still growing, and training can help you get ahead of others.
We will not be too quick to ascribe value to it. After all, learning that Howard mentions that teaches students how to study independently, which needs time to understand the force and only by the specific academic scores. Education is really long-term investment. Certainly not the fact that in some centers, all of spoon feeding knowledge, which is carried out. You can create the knowledge prison mushrooms once, and most of it is lost. But it may be a short term solution for late bloomers, such as our education system is not entirely encouraging direction.
Does it take? To be honest, the amount to be learned at all levels of education is still growing, and training can help you get ahead of others. After all, it should be complementary in nature. In this case, the benefit outweighs the monetary cost. Overuse ceases to exist. While my argument seems pretty basic, I think I should do as opposed to the view of Howard.
Maybe we have it all wrong about the true value of education. Possibly. The hardest at the end of the day is like this: get the right coach.
The author, Lee, Jie Yang (Mr.), is a friend of both Kwan Jin Yao (MR) and Howard Chiu (MR). He used to write a blog, a student siding, back when he was a little more fun.

Bilingualism In Singapore

By the way, most people complain that the current standards in language teaching less than impressive, and much more can be done not only to generate interest among students, but also, fundamentally, think about the way languages ​​are taught by teachers in schools. More often than not, and strategies implemented by the media focuses disproportionately on the previous deficit - that is, application methods Premiere on the fact that students are terribly banal - with the new-fangled of technological solutions and innovative teaching process learning. Unfortunately, these efforts will simply fall into the water or the Ministry of Education (MOE) and its stakeholders can not recognize the problems inherent in language teaching.
The base of the tongue - especially the mother - is not well structured and therefore more emphasis on strengthening early childhood education.
In my view, the challenges and proposals relevant three. The first is the base of the tongue - especially for the natives - is not real structured and therefore more emphasis on strengthening early childhood education. Second, standardized tests and examinations for languages ​​that are mainly favors write and understand the possibilities, and thus wider diversification is desirable to incorporate the essential reading, listening and speaking. Third, students are bored to tears by the monotony of inspiration and study used the program to fill, so Moe and schools need more responsive, flexible and less rigid in their choice of books and topics for study and class discussion.
Practice makes perfect, so it is no coincidence that students who have had the privilege of the asset is exposed to two languages ​​at home often excel in school and possibly functionally bilingual. The simplest way in which these measures of learning can spread would be to revise and improve processes in various nurseries and kindergartens. This may be related to the formal establishment of a free-for-all online archives portal where the resources - such as spreadsheets, activity guides and planners, can be downloaded for reference and use by parents. Opportunities abound: from strategic partnerships with the National Library Board (NLB) can provide custom playlists for different age groups, and to provide additional read-a-long sessions for households in the neighborhood .
Emphasis on writing based on techniques should also reduce the long term. Especially for languages ​​like Chinese, beginning with the spelling pedant use it is to recall the writing exercises or a recipe for disaster languages. Although the national final exams are based on written documents, teachers are proactive in setting the playback features and value-added speech classes.
Traditionally, language teaching, many have used - sometimes only - manuals good in itself. The importance of increasing interest and skills in reading comprehension and analysis should not be underestimated, as a student at a more gradual, begins the advantages of easy communication appreciate, they will naturally be of accelerate their commitment to increase with the language. Reading resources will also be relevant and inspiring to get them to read independently and learn more. Instead of just having newspaper clippings or stories of moral responsibility to take the current discussions or commentary, satire and musical texts, even the experience of reading a real healthy, colorful and meaningful to do.