Singapore's education system produces a 'jack of all trades but master of none'? - Singapore's Online Community

Fool · 13-07-2007, 10:00 PM

I had come across this topic several times. Thougt it would be interesting to learn about the views of fellow Singaporeans on the issue.

Since young, primary school students have to take up English and their respective mother tongues. There is a variety of subjects, some compulsory while some are elective, in primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges. With so many different subjects to cope with, the students are often unable to focus on a single one. Not to mention that the scoring system is based on the collective performance of a student in the different subjects, such as in the case of PSLE and 'O' Levels. That is to say, you have to be equally proficient in each subject.

Of course, there are polytechnics, ITEs and specialised institutes in the various fields. But these are tertiary institutions. In the primary and secondary school level, we are still encouraged to take up a range of subjects (should I say 'forced'?) so as to explore our interests and identify our strengths. Isn't it a bit too late considering one spends not as many years in the tertiary institutions compared to, say, in primary and secondary school?

There are programmes offered for students especially talented in certain aspects so as to provide them the opportunity to develop their talents further. AEP, MEP, 3rd Language, etc. But as many wonder, how many of them perform exceptionally well?

We are also encouraged to be bilingual since young, with the rapid expansion of China's economy, transforming it into a major economic powerhouse in the near future. But, how many of us have actually acquired proficiency either or both of these languages, comparable to native speakers?

Even much of our culture is 'rojak'. One good example is Singlish - a mix of English, Mandarin, Malay, and other colloquialism. The English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, and all of the other languages and dialects we speak are barely close to that of the native speakers. Try getting a typical local to speak English to an American, chances are they do not comprehend a single thing you say. They'll go like "What? Pardon me? Huh?"

So do you agree that the local education system produces a 'jack of all trades but master of none'? In a way, I think so.

**monkeybusiness** · 14-07-2007, 12:50 AM

basically, sg's education system only teaches us how to be an employee, but not an employer

**Texcoco** · 14-07-2007, 01:20 AM

Considering how younger kids nowadays behaves, the education system needs some major overhaul...

**weeable** · 14-07-2007, 12:05 PM

I do think at the pri and sec school level, it is better for the children to be exposed to a large "base". This is for them to explore and find out where their interest lies. Then after that, they can choose to specialise. However, in the economy now, that may not be a good thing. People are expected to be all-rounders. Thus, you'll see polys and uni offering elective cross faculty modules to their students.