MY CHILD is in Primary 3 and started taking science lessons this year.
During one lesson, her teacher told the class there could be only one correct answer phrased in a specific way for a particular question.
The school also organised advisory sessions for parents of Primary 6 pupils, so the parents could learn how the questions should be answered in order for their children to score in the Primary School Leaving Examination science paper.
I question the logic behind crafting answers to conform to a set standard. Science should encourage inquisitiveness.
This may seem idealistic, but in the long run, do we want to instil inquisitiveness in our children, or do we want them to do things in a specific way just to get good grades?
Can the Ministry of Education look into the "model" answers and allow for permutations, since science is a dynamic subject?
It may be years before the curriculum can be changed, but we should explore the changes now so our children will have the courage to seek alternatives with an inquisitive mindset.
Ashley Chan Kway Lan (Ms)
During one lesson, her teacher told the class there could be only one correct answer phrased in a specific way for a particular question.
The school also organised advisory sessions for parents of Primary 6 pupils, so the parents could learn how the questions should be answered in order for their children to score in the Primary School Leaving Examination science paper.
I question the logic behind crafting answers to conform to a set standard. Science should encourage inquisitiveness.
This may seem idealistic, but in the long run, do we want to instil inquisitiveness in our children, or do we want them to do things in a specific way just to get good grades?
Can the Ministry of Education look into the "model" answers and allow for permutations, since science is a dynamic subject?
It may be years before the curriculum can be changed, but we should explore the changes now so our children will have the courage to seek alternatives with an inquisitive mindset.
Ashley Chan Kway Lan (Ms)
