Blog Prompt 4

To what extent do you agree with the issues that the student has raised here? Point out some issues of agreement and possible contention.

I agree to a certain extent on the issues that Janelle, a Secondary 4 student form Nan Chiau High School has raised in her open letter to the Education Minister, Mr Heng. In her letter, she stated that from her personal experience, she found that 'students are often not taught to ask ‘Why?’'. This is somewhat true, for I can also see that this phenomenon has also occurred in our lives too. In the past, only hard-working students are rewarded, they spend all of their time reading books and studying, with no computer or internet access. And if they are REALLY poor, they have to copy books as their only form of getting information. Nowadays, with the introduction of computers and internet, we can easily find and compile useful information, which is extremely easy. Most Singaporeans have the money, and internet access is not a problem.

However, she pointed out that 'To get an A1, all we have to do is memorise our textbooks inside out and upside down'. This is not really true, for example, in Hwa Chong, we are encouraged to research online to find valid, resourceful and useful information. The textbooks and notes that teachers give are often not exhaustive. It is therefore easy to get an A1 as long as you know how to find information and study the fast and effective way. Thus, memorising text in our textbooks is not the only way to get good grades.

She also stated that civics and moral values are 'eating up classes' and schools are putting it in the last priority. This is not necessarily the case. In HCI, we often have compulsory PCME lessons during Assembly. During that period of time, we are not allowed to do anything else. A topic is started by the teacher and then we can discuss and answer questions. It is an effective way, and no time is wasted. Although parents also have responsibility in teaching the children moral values, I disagree with Janelle's statement that good parenting are more effective than teachers, as teachers may have more experience than parentas, and they may be more willing to teach these values.

Examine her tone and attitude in this letter. Do you think it’s a well-crafted letter with the appropriate tone?

I think that it's a well-crafted letter. In the beginning, she brought out some main points and was quite informal. However, as the letter progresses, she became more serious and formal. And she voiced out our opinions that might have never made it the the Education Minister. Her tone is unwavering, so I think this letter is well-crafted.

If you should write a letter to Minister of Education, what are some issues you would raise? Remember- your intention is to make the system better for society’s betterment via CONSTRUCTIVE ideas.

 

I might raise the point that we should follow the education system like China. 45 mins of lessons and 15 mins of break. It would not be too stressful and short breaks will allow us to further relax ourselves and digest the information we were given with a calm mind.