Streaming - Are we widening the divide?
Date: 28 Feb 2004
Speaker: Ms Kana Gopal
Time: 2:00 pm
Quick Links:
[ Quotes | Definitions | Resource Materials | Guest Speaker ]
Speaker: Ms Kana Gopal
Time: 2:00 pm
Quick Links:
[ Quotes | Definitions | Resource Materials | Guest Speaker ]
Streaming is a distinctive feature of the Singapore education system. We recently introduced integrated programmes or "through train" tracks for students in elite schools, which some may say will further accentuate the divide between those who succeed academically and those who do not.
How successful has streaming been? Does it maximise opportunities for students to learn and realise their potential? How does it identify ability and potential? Does it produce better outcomes for any or all students? Whom does it benefit? What are the risks? Should - and could - school systems be more egalitarian, more diverse? Are there better ways to do this?
Talk with us. Share your views.
How successful has streaming been? Does it maximise opportunities for students to learn and realise their potential? How does it identify ability and potential? Does it produce better outcomes for any or all students? Whom does it benefit? What are the risks? Should - and could - school systems be more egalitarian, more diverse? Are there better ways to do this?
Talk with us. Share your views.
Quotes
"Ah, but you say, JC students get better and therefore more expensive teaching. Well let's look at the figures. The recurrent operating cost for JC is $11 million and $7,879 per student per year. For ITE, $10.5 million and $ 8,030 per student per year. The ITE student is worth 102% compared to the JC student in terms of spending. And for both JC and ITE students, government charges for their education a 'princely' sum of $25 per month. Let me say that MOE does not a priori provide educational programs to different aptitudes based on equivalent spending. Our guiding principle has and will be, enable each student according to his aptitude to realise his potential."
- Speech by MOS Ng Eng Hen at Parliamentary Debate, 26 Nov 2002
"I find it very difficult to believe that any policy-maker or education expert is able to accurately forecast which 12 year-old child is going to be suitable for a more flexible curriculum offered by the special "through-train" or the more structured curriculum offered by the normal coach track."
- Joycelyn Woo Yen Yen (full text of article in readings below)
- Speech by MOS Ng Eng Hen at Parliamentary Debate, 26 Nov 2002
"I find it very difficult to believe that any policy-maker or education expert is able to accurately forecast which 12 year-old child is going to be suitable for a more flexible curriculum offered by the special "through-train" or the more structured curriculum offered by the normal coach track."
- Joycelyn Woo Yen Yen (full text of article in readings below)
Definitions
Streaming means arranging students in classes by achievement levels; also known in other countries as Setting, Tracking, and Ability grouping.
Resource Materials
Closing Speech at The Parliamentary Debate on Junior College/Upper Secondary Education on 27 Nov 2002
Author: RADM Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education
Summary: Argues for the need for educational reform at the JC level. Also defends the many facets of the current system, including streaming and school rankings.
For more information on JC review, visit this page.
Through-Train on the Right Track?
Author: Joycelyn Woo Yen Yen, U.S-based Singaporean
Summary: On recent reforms to education system, and an expanded version of a letter to The Straits Times. She argues that examinations diminish meaningful learning, critiques the relative rigid, science-focus of our education system, and questions if it can provide for and benefit diverse children from poorer backgrounds. She also suggests developing alternative schools that can maximise the potential of more and diverse children.
Schools Shaping Elitist Mindset
Author: Seah Chiang Nee, journalist and editor of www.littlespeck.com
Summary: Quotes online forum postings as evidence of how streaming can create an elitist mindset, possibly breeding a class division in Singapore. Questions whether future leaders and bureaucrats from these elite schools will be insensitive to society's needs.
Author: RADM Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education
Summary: Argues for the need for educational reform at the JC level. Also defends the many facets of the current system, including streaming and school rankings.
For more information on JC review, visit this page.
Through-Train on the Right Track?
Author: Joycelyn Woo Yen Yen, U.S-based Singaporean
Summary: On recent reforms to education system, and an expanded version of a letter to The Straits Times. She argues that examinations diminish meaningful learning, critiques the relative rigid, science-focus of our education system, and questions if it can provide for and benefit diverse children from poorer backgrounds. She also suggests developing alternative schools that can maximise the potential of more and diverse children.
Schools Shaping Elitist Mindset
Author: Seah Chiang Nee, journalist and editor of www.littlespeck.com
Summary: Quotes online forum postings as evidence of how streaming can create an elitist mindset, possibly breeding a class division in Singapore. Questions whether future leaders and bureaucrats from these elite schools will be insensitive to society's needs.
Guest Speaker
We're happy to have Ms Kana Gopal join us at this session as a guest speaker.
Kana Gopal is the Singapore coordinator of Living Values: an Educational Program(LVEP). LVEP (www.livingvalues.net) is a global partnership among
Kana Gopal is the Singapore coordinator of Living Values: an Educational Program(LVEP). LVEP (www.livingvalues.net) is a global partnership among
