Education in Singapore: 5 Things We Can Learn from Singapore

Singapore’s education system is undoubtedly the best in the world. In fact, it’s one of the top-performing worldwide with students consistently scoring high in the OECD PISA rankings.

Besides, numerous studies have found out that Singaporean students are smarter than those in Europe and North America.

Is this because of the professional and unmatched Tuition in Singapore?

What could be the reason why Singapore’s education system is the best in the world?

What lessons can we learn from them?

In this article, you’ll learn five lessons from Singapore’s education system.

But before that, let’s take a look at the education system in Singapore, briefly.

An Overview of the Singapore Education System

Education in Singapore is managed by the Ministry of Education. The government directs around 20% of the national budget to education.

The education system is divided into three stages: six years in primary, four years in secondary, and around between one and three years in post-secondary.

Education in Singapore is compulsory for everyone.

In an interview with Financial Times, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the education system is designed to train students for the jobs they can fill.

That’s why when students graduate, they get employment right away.

Singapore’s Education Institutions are also responsive to education trends and changing needs of educators.

Their school management programs are developed by expert academic teams through rigorous educational research to improve performance.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg because there is a lot to learn from Singapore’s education as you will read below.

Let’s start learning.

 

  • Curriculum Teaches Problem-Solving and Creative Thinking Skills

 

Singapore’s curriculum focuses on teaching students creative and problem-solving skills.

Students are taught specific subjects that provide practical knowledge and skills that enable them to solve real-world challenges.

Besides, all education stakeholders are constantly reassessing and improving the school system to improve performance.

This is evident when in 2017 students reported increased levels of stress and psychological due to academic rigour when the education authorities stopped ranking students in examinations. 

 

  • High Teaching Standards

 

The Ministry of Education in Singapore is lauded for selecting qualified and proficient teachers.

Before educators are fully employed, they are passed through a rigorous screening exercise.

Educators are also trained and developed skillfully before they are recruited.

Once potential candidates are selected, they are taken through professional training recommended by the National Institute of Education.

After completing the training, prospective teachers take a professional development training course that takes 100 hours.

 

  • Unmatched English Program

 

Education authority in Singapore created the English Language Learning and Reading program in 2006 that helps to teach multilingual students the English language.

The program incorporates drama techniques and role-plays to improve student’s language skills.

 

  • Mastery Approach to Mathematics

 

Although mathematics is the most complex subject for most students worldwide, Singapore’s education system produces the best students in mathematics around the world.

This is because of the education institution’s mastery approach that encourages students to learn math using visual and hands-on aids such as bar charts, blocks, etc.

Also, students are given ample time to learn. Students can only progress to the next level after passing the previous one.

 

  • Varied Learning Pathways

 

Singapore’s school system provides students with varied learning pathways and preferences.

The education system is designed to encourage students to find their passion.

Singaporean students are given two vocational learning pathways, polytechnics, and junior colleges that lead to university education.

The school system is tailored to promote specific student’s learning abilities and strengths.

This provides all students with equal opportunities in the real world.

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, Singapore is one of the countries with the best education system thanks to the country’s first-rate education system and culture.

It’s no secret that we can learn so much from Singapore on matters of education to improve our education sector.