A Critique

Chan Soo Keng, Fang Siew Fong Hamimah Ali, Phua Hui Bing

Allow curriculum to develop students holistically

Foster student-centered curriculumStudents choose subjects based on aptitudes

and interestStudents study at their own paceMore group work and class discussion

Allow schools autonomy on curriculum and administrative matters

10 year basic common curriculum schemeAbility-driven and minimised of detailed

content guidelinesReduced core subjectsIncrease number of electives

Emphasis on reading (Korean and Foreign languages)

Emphasis on creativity and moral sensitivityUse of outdoor activities for team buildingStudents encouraged to do community

involvement projectsStrengthening the use of ICT

Differentiated learningFast learner: advance programmeSlower learners: supplementary programmes

Expansion of the humanity subjectsExtention of curriculum time

27 hours per week

Partnership with various stakeholdersParents

Parental support for home-based character buildingCommunity

IndustriesSocial organisations

Early Childhood EducationMass media

Foster local and foreign understandingImprove communication skills

Reading ProgrammeTo read outside of curriculum (Korean and foreign

language)A variety of authorised textbooks to be used in schools

Flexibility in operation of curriculumTracking staff (AEDs, FTSC)English Language to be taught in 3rd grade

(Cluster System)Introduction of “Discretion Hours”

Introduction of Experiential LearningShift from knowledge-based to practice-

orientated learningGlobalisation

Linking Korean history to world historyIntroduction of Chinese Language as an

elective

Introduction of New CurriculumLevel orientedIn-depth and supplementaryElective oriented

Change in assessment modeEthical, emotional and practical inputs

Integration of Moral Education into every subject

Incorporation of Special education and education for the gifted

Basic CurriculumFrom Kindergarten to 2nd/3rd year high school

linked to common curriculum is it possible?Compulsory subjects, ECAs and Discretion

Hours contradict development of students

ResourcesThe engagement of circuit teachers will it

affect the bonding? Is there any consistency in the teaching of the moral values?

Autonomy of schools diluted curriculum with every school? Too decentralised?

Reading materials advocated by municipal and provincial education department is there a political agenda? Condusive for critical thinking?

The use of mass media what about the use of cyber space