Aussie education made her a confident person
Aussie education made her a confident person
I REFER to Mrs Ng Kim Yong's letter, 'Education without pressure not open to all' (ST, Aug 2).
I have had the privilege of enjoying most of my primary-school education in one of the local schools in Perth, Australia. It was the three years spent there that helped shape the person I am today - outspoken and confident.
Primary school there was nothing like Singapore's. Teachers encouraged discussions, project work and creativity. There was no fixed timetable. Lessons were focused on soft skills such as public speaking, articulating one's opinions, creative writing and experimentation.
There were no exams, no grades, no rankings. All this helped to instil a 'love for learning' and suppressed fear of failure.
That is education, not training one's brain to memorise pages and pages of text and regurgitating them during an exam.
However, I understand that Singapore's only natural resource is its people, and we must invest heavily in terms of education.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that not everyone can excel in mainstream schools, and perform outstandingly at examinations.
Parents have to understand that and realise that just because their child is not academically inclined, it does not mean that he would not succeed in life.
The parents' role is to nurture their children and allow them to reach their fullest potential - be it in sports, the arts, etc. I thank my parents for giving me the space to explore and discover my own niche area.
Remember, education comes in many forms, not just obtaining a university degree.
So for those who are unable to enter a local university and cannot afford an overseas education, seek alternative routes.
It may not be the most glorious, or the most traditional, but the important thing is that you are satisfied and enjoy what you do.
I REFER to Mrs Ng Kim Yong's letter, 'Education without pressure not open to all' (ST, Aug 2).
I have had the privilege of enjoying most of my primary-school education in one of the local schools in Perth, Australia. It was the three years spent there that helped shape the person I am today - outspoken and confident.
Primary school there was nothing like Singapore's. Teachers encouraged discussions, project work and creativity. There was no fixed timetable. Lessons were focused on soft skills such as public speaking, articulating one's opinions, creative writing and experimentation.
There were no exams, no grades, no rankings. All this helped to instil a 'love for learning' and suppressed fear of failure.
That is education, not training one's brain to memorise pages and pages of text and regurgitating them during an exam.
However, I understand that Singapore's only natural resource is its people, and we must invest heavily in terms of education.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that not everyone can excel in mainstream schools, and perform outstandingly at examinations.
Parents have to understand that and realise that just because their child is not academically inclined, it does not mean that he would not succeed in life.
The parents' role is to nurture their children and allow them to reach their fullest potential - be it in sports, the arts, etc. I thank my parents for giving me the space to explore and discover my own niche area.
Remember, education comes in many forms, not just obtaining a university degree.
So for those who are unable to enter a local university and cannot afford an overseas education, seek alternative routes.
It may not be the most glorious, or the most traditional, but the important thing is that you are satisfied and enjoy what you do.
posted by Alex at
1:14 AM
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