Education : The Other Side

As I have pointed out in the previous post, in order to create a fairer picture I would follow up with another article on the merits of Singapore Education system.

To write it off in a single stroke is abit too hasty and not doing myself justice either - since if the Education system is really THAT deplorable as mentioned, than I can be no better, since after all I AM a product of this Education system. Furthermore, since I have not had the benefit of assimilating with people in the lesser instituitions, my commentaries on the dichotomy between students of varying academic calibre remain blinkererd.

The greatest strengths of the education system, i believed, lies in the quality of its teaching force. Teachers to be are carefully scrutinized and lots of effort, both time and money, are invested into the training of every individual teachers. This include a training stints in the National Institute of Education, where standards are set and the quality of the curriculum is streamlined to meet the needs of all children from various backgrounds. One favourable outcome is that teachers are up to date with the curriculum, and are reasonably trained not just in their specialty, but also in other quasi-specialties. This is integral in an age of volatility where having different tools of trade, or different perspectives is the order of the day. Teachers are picked and chosen based on stringent academic requirements as well as background assessments.

Secondly, is the perpetration of technology in every corners of the education system. One cannot help but marvel at the fine state of technology in our classrooms, utilizing virtually every advantages conceived by this age of infocom.What is the advantage? The advantage is pupils are able to access materials at relative ease, and dessemination of education materials, both at teaching level and students level, occurs at a groundbreaking speed. Efficiency is no doubt sped up as more unimpeded information flow indicates less beaurucreacy and red tape. Pupils are able to view their notes online and teaches likewise can set questions online.

Thirdly, it seems to me that the government is indeed aware of the growing disparity between the different academic echoleons - this is demonstrated by the increased publicity of the Institute of Technical Education, which has taken the education world by storm. The once dormant, perhaps embarrassing appendage of education has now been revitalised - thanks to a major shift in Government policy to accord greater effort and significance to technical and vocational education. True to form, ITE has been awarded the Harvard prize for most improved education model in the world, which really bears testament to the efforts spend in transforming the quality and reputation of ITE.

I think this attempt to value-add and enhance the worthiness of an ITE education is commendable to say the least. The effect would not only be greater employability, but will indeed do away with some of the greatest barriers in academic ascension. Many ITE grads are now rewarded in more ways than one, including generous scholarships and internships with renowned firms which could embellish their track record as well as motivate them, especially those with financial constraints, to strive for the better. Also, what i see is not just an attempt to improve the quality but also to render a large scale, wholesome makeover - radically speaking, it is to alter the perceptions of people that ITE is an institute of the lowest esteem, and for the lowest of hierachy. This is important , because people become more encouraging and accepting, employers become more willing to take in ITE grads, and most important, it bolsters the confidence and self-esteem of ITE grads - that they are indeed able to contribute in a meaningful way by virtue of their talents and skills wihout being stiff-armed and snickered at by society.

Also, a review team has been tasked to examine the possibility- and the conditions - to open a new university. This actually addresses the alarmingly low university admission figures for polytechnic graduates. Although how they are going to do it I have no idea, because unless real flexibility is introduced I see little in it but the possibility of duplication. The inanity and insufficiency of present university admission systems might just be spilled over. Hence the new universities must be fundamentally different in their selection process - giving weightage to poly technic grads, or even non academic factors such as work experience and sporting achievements. However this would be in a way going against the notions of meritocracy that the Government has so unfalteringly espoused and promoted. So would the Government set a precedent in this one? How about this advantage would deny real performing JC students a chance of a university education that is different from the present 3? Wouldnt this be a violation of choice? The start of point is in good faith, but the path is wretched and not at all simple so to speak.

Lastly, meritocracy does push students to their true potential since students of high competency when put together, tend to flourish and inter-motivate. The opposite is also true - but what we can see is an overwhelming trend which indicates that the former is more manifestly true. There is no one size fits all approach - less academically inclined students need more time, moderate pace while more academically inclined students cannot be bogged down and handicapped by the limiting factors of weaker students. We cannot pull the reins on the stronger students because in the end potential for greater development will be curtailed and congenital intelligence and brilliance will be snuffed out and castigated. So yet again we have to decide where to strike this delicate balance.