Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Is this learning?

I shall not be ranting or cursing or swearing SEAB for the killer econs paper. But I do want to question their motives. Many have criticised Singapore's education system as one in which the exam smart excel. And as history has proven, the exam smart are not necessarily the best people for the top jobs in our country. Indeed, Singapore needs thinkers who are flexible, creative in thinking etc. So that should involve a major upheaval in the education system on the basis that it nurtures and develop the young in their learning. However, setting difficult examinations should not be validated by this reason. Students who have devoted endless time into studying- studying what has been taught, do not deserve to be casualties of such a major change. Yes, I am a student and may be biased in my opinion, yet, my stand is agreeable. Because I do laud a revision in the system, the much required change but just not the style in which it is done. 

At least allow us to pre-empt the style or the thought process to understand such types of questions. The specimen papers and past year ones pale in comparison in terms of difficulty as compared to this year's paper. The education system has enough rigours and challenges that many struggle. To make the final examination a difficult one... is definitely a finishing blow. 

I do hope and pray that tomorrow will prove to be a better day.