In the previous post about a week ago, I had discussed about differentiated approaches and its validity. However, the point that is brought up is that whilst we should carry that out, we should not commit any act that would marginalize Mother Tongue in today's education policies.

So, what exactly should the Ministry do? Or at least, what direction should the changes be heading towards?

I first plead with everybody reading that this is merely my opinions. I'm but a 20 year old in London who's going to go into the education industry. Please feel free to express your opinions, and comment whenever you disagree. =)

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1) First things first. As stated from the previous post, one important issue should be cleared before we even start to prepare the approaches - The differentiation of students. The general idea of the ministry, as far as I understand, is that they wish for weaker students to at least achieve a minimal ability to converse in Chinese, and for stronger students to achieve their highest potential in the subject. And most importantly, cultivating interest in the subject even after lessons.

Thus, I propose that differentiation to be done from Primary 1 in their Mother Tongue Subjects. And that the differentiation to be done every single year, with students being able to easily move between the classes. Students will also be allowed to opt to move into a higher class, but not to a lower one. They will be taught different levels of the subject, targeted at different portions of the subject. For example, weaker students would have more focus on speech and stronger students would have more focus on writing.

Now to defend my proposals. Firstly, I recognize that differentiation from Primary 1 might be a bit too young for most to take. Even streaming into EM1, 2 and 3 took place in Primary 4. I recognize that bringing in this fact might only cause more kaisu parents to push their child harder and kill their interest in the subject. However, scientifically, the language areas of the brain seem to go through the most dynamic period of growth between the ages of 6 and 13.(From Here.) The exact age is not important, however, it is generally accepted that it is easiest for a child to learn, if not master a language when he is still young, and it gets more and more difficult as age passes. If we can cultivate an interest in young children when they are young, we are also able to then allow the child to go on his own devices and gain a greater ability in the language as age passes. Basically, it is better to start young. Rather than giving in to factors like kiasu-ium. I believe that we should be solving the problem of kiasu-ism instead. I will discuss this more at the end of the article.

Secondly, I also proposed that this differentiation process to be done yearly. Of course, I recognize how much of a logistical nightmare that would encompass. Every single year, we would have to change the classes of every single language students in the school. As well as then plan for the timetabling and teacher's allocation. However, if its any consolation, we should recognize that such differentiation is nothing new to schools in Singapore. With CL'B', HCL and CL classes, this is only but standard practices but only at a larger scale. However, we have to assure the students that such a differentiation is not a case of eternal damnation, as most streaming are seen to be in our educational landscape. Rather than 2 years of EM1 or 4 years or Express or NA, we should allow students to be in a class only a year before we recalibrate them such that they are in their optimal class yearly.

Thirdly, students will only be allowed to move up the classes but not down. This is simply to allow for students an option to push themselves, and also not to allow students to take the 'easy way out'. Of course, students who move up will be closely monitored to ensure that they do perform in their new class before they remain they permanently.

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2) There are plenty of generic methods around that educators are engaging to engage students. Most do more work well enough to be termed as a complete success. I believe that one thing that is always neglected in today's education is that we should focus on the genuine content of the subject rather than the examinable content.

Long gone are the days of memorizing phrases and sentences. We have to move away from exams, and more into the interesting content that the subject that provide for the student. It is really a very simple concept. We should be treating the subject with more importance than simply examinable topics.

To illustrate my point, for anyone reading this post that took Chinese, tell me the full story of Journey to the West. How many can even state half the list of demons encountered on the way? How many even know who 金庸 is? Our meritocratic education is too skewed towards subjects being a competition between students to determine the 'best', leaving many casualties in its wake. We have to abandon this mindset, and remember that what is learnt, is more important is what memorized.

Now to make it clear. My point, is that we should, be viewing subjects MORE as the opportunity to gain new content. Not just in Chinese but all subjects. We should not be viewing them JUST as an opportunity to score in exams and move on. I'm NOT saying exams are unnecessary. I believe that exams are ESSENTIAL in our meritocratic society. However, we should move from, subjects are ALL about results, to subjects are about LEARNING and RESULTS.

Also, some might also think about the paradox of concentrating more on results, then talking about yearly recalibration. My point is the same as before. Recalibration yearly is still essential to ensure that they are learning at their optimal pace.

Some will also criticize this recommendation as one that is an extremely 'ideal' one and almost impossible to achieve.

I agree.

It is difficult to achieve. But its better to have a direction than none at all. As simple as that. Its just hope that Singapore continues to grow towards this utopia. But trends are not positive.

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I have ran out of non-generic recommendations. Will come out with more perhaps, but typing from 12am to 1.30am is nothing close to conducive. I will also probably leave the point of kiasu parents to another post. Please look forwards to it. =)