senseimichael:

SAHM_TAN:

The instruction on the test paper is to use model method.

WHAT! What has happened to an inclusive and open-minded educational system? Oh wait, it was never there in the first place...

janet_lee88:

Models must be shown...in all homework given.

Use of algebra is discouraged until P5.

SAHM_TAN:

The instruction on the test paper is to use model method.

senseimichael:

SAHM_TAN:

Ya, algebra cannot be used for lower primary but when the time to learn algebra, models can be used to make the transition. But not all kids need that transition. But it's a tool that can be used.

It is NOT true that algebra cannot be used, whether lower primary or upper primary. The problem is when kids do not know how to use algebraic expressions properly, destroying all their marks, even the method marks.

I had kids who used algebra in my class before, when I was in the service. When I checked out their understanding, I was quite convinced they know what to do, and did not discourage them from using it.

SAHM_TAN:

I will only sustain such a lifestyle if I was in financial difficulty or I'm building a track record of success cases that I can publicise when I open my own tuition centre.

SAHM_TAN:

Ya, algebra cannot be used for lower primary but when the time to learn algebra, models can be used to make the transition. But not all kids need that transition. But it's a tool that can be used.

janet_lee88:

Kids strong in models have advantage in primary school.

Son is weak in models...hubby used algebra to coach him. Tutor used own methods. It worked and kicked off an interest in math.

To be a 'happy D', why not for those teachers? Knowing what MOE plans to do or implement, charge $85 for 1.5 hours is better money. To be out of school radar means no need to be involved with CCA or whatever agenda.

janet_lee88:

Hi SAHM Tan,

If I didn't read your post wrongly, algebra is NO NO for mid primary. Bcos there are M1 M2 marks allocated for models even if answer is wrong.

Teachers are graded A B C D. Some are contended to be 'happy D'...ie get monthly salary but soar as a tutor. They don't care about promotion.

janet_lee88:

English syllabus has changed greatly...but this thing about Stellar program doesn't quite sit well. I still prefer the way we were taught English.


Math...learn models. But this model thing is not used in secondary school. In fact, son hardly used models during PSLE.

If teachers are given less non-core stuff, chances are some will have more time to give tuition.

osim:

Sorry I beg to differ that teacher giving tuition will help them to teach better. I learned that in NZ, the teachers spent much of their time finding what is the best way to teach the studuents in school, they do research and share their findings with their colleagues. Here in Singapore, the teacher are more into delivering the curriculum dictated by MOE.


How would doing more of the same thing by giving tuition help to better a teacher's skills? You become better only by learning new methods, spend time to reflect on what has been done right or not so right in the class. At the end of the day, the teacher has to better their skill in teaching a CLASS, so how does being proficient in teaching ONE can help? I think that is not a good excuse.

I see the big cars the teachers are driving to school these days, I think they are not doing badly .

senseimichael:

osim:

I see the big cars the teachers are driving to school these days, I think they are not doing badly .

How many of these cars belong to their husbands, or are paid by them? I certainly did not get the chance to drive big cars when I was in MOE!

osim:

I see the big cars the teachers are driving to school these days, I think they are not doing badly .

osim:

One thing I cannot reconcile is how come teachers are allowed to moonlight as private tutors? When they don't get enough rest, how can they do their job well? I also hear them complaining being overworked by MOE, so how do they have time to give tuition.

osim:

One thing I cannot reconcile is how come teachers are allowed to moonlight as private tutors? When they don't get enough rest, how can they do their job well? I also hear them complaining being overworked by MOE, so how do they have time to give tuition.


When I was working, if I had to do work at home, it's work from the company that employed me. Sometimes, I would spend time to read up info to learn and enhance my work proficiency and all these extra time spent was for my actual work , not some moonlighting work.

I think MOE must explicitly disallow teachers from padding their pockets at the expense of giving the children the best in their teaching job.

senseimichael:

TheAnswer:

How do you strike a balance between work and family if working till 11pm is common? Never burnout? How about weekends?

That is why I left. I must say, though, that the MOE of today is different from the one I left in 2002. Teachers teach less periods, and there are more support for them with their work. However, some things, like the tons of never-ending marking, never seem to change.

janet_lee88:

Marking is a teacher's worst headache...1 class of 40 x number of classes x diff level. Yet there are some teachers who can still moonlight.