From 2019, Singapore is moving its educational system from conventional one to a flexible one. Instead of using exams as a tool access the child’s ability and intelligence now, classroom discussions, homework, and quizzes will be used to mark the performance of young students. Also, the primary levels (year 1 and 2) will be having “no exams”.
The senior students i.e. the elder primary and secondary class students will be provided with a less competitive environment where they would be learning more than focusing on their results. All the results would be rounded off. No result shall be disclosed in “decimal places” as it tends to hinder healthy competition among students and builds unnecessary stress.
According to the Minister of Education of Singapore, Ong Ye Kung, Singapore is on its way to make positive changes in its educational system. These changes shall encourage each student to focus on his learning and development rather than engaging in comparisons with their fellow classmates.
The primary and secondary schools will no more “position” the students according to their marks. There will be no highlighted “pass” or “fail” on report cards.
This new educational setup of Singapore is in contrast to that of its neighboring countries.
What effect would this have on the economy?
By grooming kids that are less stressed about exams and grades and are more of social and talented, the economy of Singapore shall be seeing some very positive changes in the future. The students who will be encouraged to develop their social skills, self-awareness and decision making skills can uplift the economy like no other!
Also, the new series of educational reforms are working on growing the services sector which is one of the most essential for any economy. By 2023, the country will be able to initiate an “applied learning program” which will help them develop skills useful for real-world applications. Such a program will also help them focus on sports, drama, computer industries, robots, and electronics. A career guidance team is also been developed which shall encourage students to opt other professions than the typical banking, civil service, and medicine.
Shall this compete with future?
Yes, with the passage of time, the skills required at the workplace are also changing. These changes can only be met by changing the educational system. According to the World Economic Forums, there would be a shift in workplace skills by 42%.
