When I Was Young

Here is a look at the same situation from another’s viewpoint…

Letter from Tan Choon Heng

I REFER to “7 in 10 killed on roads were jaywalkers” (May 13) and “Road to a Solution” (May 14).

Being a densely populated country, I believe the only way to minimise and prevent road accidents in Singapore is for all road users, regardless of age, nationality, transport class, transport mode, to learn, understand and strictly conform to a common code of practice and conduct on the road.

I think we should start young and nurture them on the basic knowledge and understanding on how to behave and protect themselves on the road. The best approach here is to introduce a modified “basic theory” as a compulsory subject for primary school kids because a weekend getaway at some road safety park is not much better than going to an amusement park.

There should also be a compulsory simplified basic theory test for all foreigners to ensure they are familiar with Singapore’s road system and safety practice. Drivers who do not signal should also be given heavier fines.

From TODAY, Voices; Friday, 15-May-2009

Letter from Edmund Kwan

05:55 AM May 11, 2009

I REFER to “Aware’s, other sex ed courses put on hold (May 7) and “Did MOE do its homework?” (May 8).

I am certain the Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools would have been prudent in dealing with external vendors. How is it then that a “slip-up” occurred? Could it be that teachers and educators are overworked, despite the fact that more manpower and resources have been dedicated?

I have a child in primary school. His lessons were behind schedule because teachers across subjects did not complete the syllabus in time.

Homework was “dumped” on the pupils right up to the day before the commencement of the current mid-year assessments. My son’s classmates told me a teacher had not taught much during curriculum time and had asked the pupils to do their school work at home.

Teachers were in a rush to complete their lesson plans so that they could be accountable to their head of department. A form teacher told pupils verbally that exam dates had to be changed in spite of an official timetable posted on the school’s website earlier. After that had caused some “panic”, she apologised and said it was based on hearsay from another teacher. Could it be that she had too many things on her mind? Colleagues relate similar incidents in other schools too.

Taking off from the recent Comprehensive Sexuality Education issue, parents should take a greater interest in their child’s school work as well as actively engage with the school. This must go beyond just the parent support group role. In some countries, parents form national associations to seek a say in school affairs and education policies.

I hope that more parents are now encouraged to step forward to contribute towards an education tripartism, comprising MOE, educators and parents and pupils.

From TODAY, Voices – Monday, 11-May-2009