Should Schools spend on Renovation and Repainting?
A conducive environment is important for studying. But what is the extent to which the hefty spending on beautifying schools can be justified?
The Ministry of Education, Singapore has an ongoing programme called Programme for Rebuilding and IMproving Existing Schools (PRIME) Launched in 1999, the primary purpose was to "to ensure that all students have access to facilities that can support a wide range of educational programmes."
Recently I had a conversation with a student who graduated from a Secondary school in Sengkang. Her school was new (younger than 7 years old) but had been repainted several times. She noticed that the repainting was done when the surrounding HDB flats were repainted.
I had also heard comments that physical beauty of the school is a good testimonial of the school and a good showcase. The experience of a visitor would cast a good impression. Grades and Discipline of students, shaft it aside and we'll talk about it another day.
Which leaves one to ponder how much aesthetics matter upon education?
Reference:
http://www.moe.gov.sg/initiatives/prime/
Labels: Schools
Teacher Biasness
Erik M. DellUnfortunately teachers can become biased as the school semester drags along. Certain students became hard to deal with while others are accepting of the challenge and excited to be in school. You don't want to be biased but then again you want someone to get excited about what you are teaching. You want class participation, you want enthusiasm.
Teachers have a hard job and they are frequently underpaid then they are asked to deal with all sorts of problems while they are trying hard to treat the other 20 kids equally. In the end the teacher must be hard on themselves and cognizant of their effect on students from their biasness.
Students can become more alienated from the class if they feel the teacher is shunning them. Conversely the favored student can grow with this newfound attention. That may seem like a good thing but lets not forget there are many other kids in class, each of them deserving of the attention and time of the teacher. Biased teachers can have a huge impact on the development of a student through high school even affecting his future education goals.
Labels: Students, Teachers
We Care Tuition Agency is now in FaceBook!
Yes, the title says it all.
We Care Tuition Agency is now in FaceBook! This means that you can now poke and add We Care Tuition Agency as a friend in cyberspace.
You might have noticed this label at our
Tuition Agency Home Page. By clicking on it, you can enter We Care Tuition Agency FaceBook profile page.
Labels: Students, Tuition Agency, Tutors
Fourth Singapore university should cap intake at 2,500, says study
The next Singapore university should be a publicly-funded institution offering disciplines such as Design and Architecture, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Business and Information Technology, with an integrated approach centred on these disciplines.
This was the recommendation made by the Committee on the Expansion of the University Sector in a preliminary report released on Tuesday.
The committee also proposed that the fourth local university should set an annual intake of about 2,000–2,500 students and provide the bulk of the additional university places required to achieve the target 30 per cent cohort participation rate outlined by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 2007 National Day Rally.
While recognising the progress made by Singapore's existing universities, the committee - which began studying the education landscape last September - asked that consideration be given to the introduction of a liberal arts education in Singapore.
Since the the National University of Singapore (NUS) has already proposed the setting up of a liberal arts college (LAC) as an autonomous institution under the NUS umbrella, the committee recommended a deeper study of issues relating to the LAC, such as a possible partnership and funding model.
In addition, the committee said there is scope to offer students more opportunities to pursue degrees in niche areas currently not offered as publicly-funded degree programmes.
This, it said in its report, will complement the demand in strategic sectors of the economy, and the committee encouraged local polytechnics to explore more tie-ups with specialised institutions for niche degree programmes.
It added that the number of places available through such tie-ups could grow beyond the current target of 460 by 2010 to 700 in the longer term.
The committee, which will submit its final report to the government next month, has also recommended public funding for a limited number of students taking up bachelor degree programmes in high-quality independent degree-awarding institutions in Singapore, such as those brought in by the Economic Development Board under its Global Schoolhouse Initiative. - CNA/sf
Adopted from: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/356087/1/.html
Labels: News, Students, University
Deriving the Passion in Studying
Half of 2008 has passed. It is now time to reflect on the goals and aspirations you have set for the year. To achieve good grades, it would be taxing for you if you study for the sake of studying. Deriving a passion in studying is thus important for students so that learning can be an enjoyable and fruitful journey.
Asking "WHY" is a good way to help start the process in deriving your passion towards anything. The usual reply to that is that studying could provide you with a good qualification which could translate into a high-paying job. Look beyond materialism. Studying could also provide you with more knowledge, to appreciate life, etc. Having a strong "WHY" would motivate you to study.
A conducive environment helps when you are doing your assignments or revising your work. Some would prefer soft music, rock music or no music at all. Some would prefer doing it alone and some would prefer studying in groups. This varies from person to person. Optimise your studies by selecting the right kind of environment that suits you.
Study and Play Hard. Words of the old adage. Well, leisure time is crucial for you to relax and get off studies from time to time. Spending time with your family is a good way to relax yourself. Get encouraged by your parents and share your stories with them.
Labels: Passion, Students
Family Volunteering
Recently, I spent some time volunteering for a charity organisation together with my family. This really changed my perspective of family volunteering. I used to prefer volunteering as an individual, offering my service to wherever needs me.
Family volunteering creates a double advantage. First of all, you are volunteering your service. Secondly, you are spending quality time with your family. I say quality time because through participating in an activity together, can you then understand each other better and see the strong points of one another.
Many organisations have come to appreciate the benefits of family volunteering. When families volunteer, they would tend to make an arrangement for family members to be in a team. Families make the best team possible.
Try family volunteering today. Look out for charity events and volunteer your family today! It's enriching and memorable.
Labels: Charity, Family Volunteering
It's the June Holidays again!
To many of our students, the much awaited June Holidays have finally arrived. Some of you might not be intending to go overseas for a vacation, so where are some of the places of interest in this small little island that you can check out during the holidays?
1) Check out the
Singapore Flyer"Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel. Standing at a stunning 165m from the ground, the Flyer offers you breathtaking, panoramic views of the Marina Bay, our island city and beyond. There's also a wide range of shops, restaurants, activities and facilities."
--
http://www.singaporeflyer.com2) Take up a
Course or participate in
Activities in your neighbourhood
There are a wide variety of choice in courses and activities conducted by the Community Clubs all round the island city. At the convenience of yourself, you can choose to participate in one of the CCs at your neighbourhood.
--
http://www.onePA.gov.sg3) Stroll down the
Ridges"The Southern Ridges comprise a 9-kilometre chain of green, open spaces spanning the rolling hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park before ending at West Coast Park.
It is an area steeped in history and is home to some of nature’s greatest gifts of flora and fauna. It is also one of the best spots in Singapore to catch panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands. "
-- http://www.nparks.gov.sg/southernridges.html
We Care Tuition Agency understands that most students would be required to go back to school during the holidays. We believe that our students need a break from time to time and we hope that our dear students can really relax themselves and recharge for the new semester :) Enjoy the vacation!
Labels: Students
