Debated in Parliament on 8 May 2017.
Ms Chia Yong Yong asked the Minister for Education (Schools) (a) what has been the progress on the "Teach Less, Learn More" policy since its implementation in 2005; and (b) in light of students continuing to have heavy schoolwork, how will the Ministry review and implement that policy.
The "Teach Less, Learn More" movement was launched in 2005 to encourage our teachers to adopt a range of effective teaching approaches to engage students and enable them to develop enduring knowledge and skills for life. More classroom time was given for student interaction and exploration, opportunities for expression, and learning of life-long skills.
An evaluation of schools’ efforts in "Teach Less, Learn More" showed that students were more engaged in learning, teachers were more reflective in their practice, and schools had developed a culture of innovation.
Similar observations were made from international benchmarking studies. In Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015, our Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students responded that they like Mathematics and Science, and that their teachers are good at explaining concepts. Similarly, for the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015, more than 80% of the Secondary 3 students indicated that they have fun when learning Science and enjoy acquiring new knowledge in Science.
MOE is committed to continue making learning meaningful and engaging for our students. Teachers will also need time to become more skilful in designing and implementing more inquiry-based and applied learning experiences.
To support these efforts, the Ministry of Education (MOE) monitors and regularly reviews the students' curriculum load and time. As part of the regular syllabus reviews, we elicit feedback from teachers and students to ensure that the curriculum load is manageable. Curriculum content has been reduced by 30% on average across subjects since 2005 to ensure the curriculum load is manageable. MOE and schools will also continue to monitor the implementation of its homework policy, keeping in mind the need to ensure that the amount of homework given is appropriate, meeting the needs of students and enabling them to have adequate time for family bonding and rest, and to pursue personal interests and hobbies.
We will work with schools to strengthen teaching and learning practices so that students continue to experience the joy of learning.
PAPERCUTS