1. To what extent do you agree with the issues that the student has raised here? Point out some issues of agreement and possible contention
Ans: I agree with her to a certain extent. Firstly, I would like to point out that not all subjects require "factual memorisation" some like maths require loads of practice, however subjects like Science, Integrated Humanities do, in my opinion, require memorising. Why don't you look at a different point of view? Why can't you say that factual memorisation is a test of who wants it more, who is more persistent, who is the best? In my opinion, I believe that Janelle is just unhappy with the fact that she was unable to score well, if not why would she complaining instead of learning how others cope with their work? On another point, that "students are often not taught to ask ‘Why?’", I feel that it is a matter of the parents in this case, teachers are paid to teach, to be able to produce excellent students, "virtues" such as the asking 'why' is something that the parents should have instilled in their children before adoloscence.2. Examine her tone and attitude in this letter. Do you think it’s a well-crafted letter with the appropriate tone?
In my opinion, it is indeed a well-crafted letter in terms of grammatical, fluency. However, I feel that her tone is a bit inappropiate, it seems to me like she thinks she's the only person who is facing the problem, that no one else has the problem. But in fact, thousands of other out there are facing the problem but the only thing different is that they are ACTUALLY trying to do something about it. I feel that the education system is set this why to sieve out the ones with the real potential, as by being able to score extremely well in a national exam such as A level, goes to show that that person has a high level of patience, persistence, very good at time management.3. 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 would raise that fact that teacher should not judge a student based on how they good they are in a certain subject and to reduce the importance of test marks in students.Thank you!
Wei Jin
Weijin, let me ask you a quesition. If a teacher is paid to teach, produce excellent students, but does that means teachers are only paid to teach? And neglected to need to instill virtues in students? Does the role of instilling virtues on children/students falls on the parents only?
ReplyDeleteHi, Weijin. I am Darrel. I totally agree with all your points. Firstly, not all subjects require factual memorising and this is something not everybody has come up with. It is good that you acknowledge some subjects which needs these factual memorising and others which doesn't. Also, you ended by saying that we should not judge a student just by their results. Good job, Weijin!
ReplyDeleteWei Jin, different people have different talents. Photographic memory, unfortunately, is a talent. Perhaps you do not see people with difficulty memorising facts in secondary, but you should be able to see that in primary school, some students, no matter how hard they try, they just cannot get a fact into their head.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the parents' duty to instill the inquisitive nature in children, I feel that children already have that character since young. Besides parents, teachers still have a part to play as they can answer the children's questions, instead of stating that this answer is standard and they should learn by heart.
Yes, Albert Einstein may have stated that a Genius is 1% talent and 99% percent hard work, but the Singapore school system is designed that only those with the ability to memorise hard facts and retain that knowledge would be distinguished as a good student from the rest in PSLE. A few people are street smart and actually excel in their career which they like, though they may not have performed well in studies.
As for your answer to your 3rd question, I agree with your points. You can also try suggesting emphasis on the section you wish government to increase.
Overall, good job in construction of your post.
Gregory Tan 2O3(25)