What's wrong with our education system?

From a friend of mine, a dedicated teacher, yes, a civil servant:

On paper, it appears that our education system is the envy of many around the world. The products of the system routinely outscore their peers in internationally renowned mathematics and science tests. But I wonder is that how success is measured? Success is now merely determined by digits, figures and statistics.


One of the greatest problems I feel having taught in one of the top schools in Singapore is that how the pressure of academic success is stifling the pursuit of creativity and joy in learning. More students are fixated with scoring that perfect slate of distinctions rather than the actual process of getting there. Imagine having students break down openly because they only scored 3 distinctions out of 4 A level subjects.


Seriously, these people need a reality check. Such results would give the opportunity to apply to any top university in the world, and here they are feeling despondent over their failure to get a 'perfect' score. Obsession with perfection is a serious poblem especially in schools where stakes are high.


Another problem seems to be the general lack of resilience and gratitude evident in many teenagers today. I also have friends who teach in other schools and they feel that teenagers today are no longer resilient. Many are easily disheartened at setbacks and give up easily at the slightest hint of failure. For one, we had many students asking to switch subject combinations just because 'I cannot cope', 'I don't like my subjects'. I wonder what happened to rational decision-making. Character education is also becoming a pertinent concern in many schools. Tales of students showing open defiance to teachers abound in many schools. I wonder what's the point of having sterling academic achievements when one's character is flawed.


No one is perfect of course, but when such errant behaviour is becoming prevalent, then I worry about the products of the system. I recall one incident in the school cafe which the manager related to me. He asked a girl to move aside to allow others to quickly purchase milk from a fridge explaining to her that her peers might be rushing for class. She retorted, "Rushing for class, what's the big deal?' I was totally flabbergasted at that kind of behaviour. Frankly, I am saddened by this... and this kind of incident is not the first time. My colleagues also point out the general lack of EQ and sense of gratitude and care for others.
The system has indeed created many academically able students but the soft skills are increasingly relegated whether by design or choice because one's worth/fate is still determined by the paper qualifications. Like it or not, that I think still rings true. That's all I can think of now. Will add on in another message if some more stuff strikes me.

Vote on PAP's track record please

Since the PAP's message is clear, vote based on track record, I'm summarising their track record in terms of Economy, Cost of living, Eudcation, Safety and Accountability since the last GE.

Economy:
1) We were to first Asian economy to plunge into recession during the Lehman-led downturn.
2) Our productivity hasn't grown
3) GIC and Temasek conspired to lose billions in our hard earned reserves

Cost of living:
1) We've had record inflation in the past couple of years- housing, food, transport, utilities and practically everything else under the sun
2) Yet wages only grow on average of 2-3% annually
3) GSTincreased 40% from 5 to 7%

Education:
1) More and more locals being rejected for the preferred course of study at our universities
2) By their own admission, the billingual education policy has failed
3) Singaporeans are balloting against PRs and foreigners for places at primary schools

Safety:
1) Mas Selamat
2) They allowed our trains to be victim of graffiti
3) They let a cold blooded Romanian murderer escape

Accountability:
1) From National Safety Council to Singapore Land Authority to NKF, millions were misappropriated
2) YOG budget ran 3-4 times over and there was no explanation
3) Our young soliders die during training but the system remains the same

I will vote PAP if

1) GST is abolished or least removed for necessities.

2) Immigration  halted totally for a year. During which a migration point system be instituted, much like the ones in Australia and Hong Kong.

3) NS cut down to six months and reservist cycle to 5 years. Conscript army to be replaced by a professional army within 5 years.

4) COE system scrapped since jams are still everywhere. In its place, foreigners and PRs can only purchase a car  if they have stayed in Singapore for minimum 5 years.

5) Public transport nationalised. Unlist listed transport operators. Public Transport Council to be helmed by non PAP or ruling party member. Free transport for elderly and children.

6) Reduce % of places reserved for foreigners at our local universities to just 10%. Free education up until tertiary level. Tertiary fees for Singaporeans to receive further subsidies and foreigners to pick up the slack.

7) Force HDB to reveal exact cost of each public flat. Public housing prices pegged at cost. Foreigners and PRs are not allowed to sell any Singapore properties within 10 years.

To be continued...