Pre-reading questions:
- For you, what is education?
- How does education affect our future?
- How does your country ensure quality education for all?
Singapore’s Ministry of Education will implement an aptitude-based program, which focuses on students’ natural ability and talents, in place of the traditional academic-based system. This new program will be implemented in the Institute of Technical Education, polytechnics and universities in the country.
According to Ng Chee Meng, Ministry of Education official, general academic ability will no longer be used in assessing students. Ong Ye Kung of Higher Education and Skills stressed the need for the country’s post-secondary educational institutions to have an additional mission – to uncover and develop diverse talents.
Vocabulary:
implement – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
uncover – to make known
diverse – various
revolution – change
Comprehension Questions:
- What kind of program will Singapore’s Ministry of Education implement?
- What will be the focus of the program?
- In which institutions will it be implemented?
- What will no longer be used to assess students?
- According to Ong Ye Kung, what should be the additional mission of the country’s post-secondary educational institutions?
Express Your Opinion:
- What do you think of an educational system that focuses more on students’ talents and skills rather than on theories and academics? Discuss.
- In this day and age, who do you think will be more successful, a book-smart or a street-smart?
- What is your general impression of Singapore’s educational system?