Voices Of Youth

Give students more time to learn

Give students more time to learn

A key global study has ranked Singapore's students the world's best in mathematics and science ("Singapore students top maths, science rankings"; Nov 30) but personally I don't think that is true.

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) tested only Primary 4 and Secondary 2 students, with the statistics derived from only a small sample.

The Ministry of Education attributed the improved TIMSS scores to the more inquiry-based system of teaching.

While this system is a step in the right direction, it is too time-consuming, as students need to learn to "ask questions, collect evidence and explain things".

I suggest that the ministry either increase the lesson time in school or trim the amount taught, allowing more effective learning.

Hasel Soh Wan Qi, 12, Primary 6 pupil

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 21, 2016, with the headline Give students more time to learn. Subscribe