Why Singaporean Students Excel in Mathematics and Science

Singapore is one of the countries with the best quality education in the world. This is proven by the achievements achieved by Singapore for three consecutive periods in the International Student Assessment Program (PISA) 1. Its hard work in advancing the quality of education has resulted in Singapore’s achievements in this three-year event continuing to increase.2 From the fifth rank (2009), the second (2012), until finally reaching the top position in 2015, which led it to be the number one country in the field of mathematics, reading skills , and science among 72 countries.3 Not only that, according to the results of the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 4, 20115 and 20156, Singapore also excelled in the fields of mathematics and science. Singapore’s achievement at the world level finally raises the question, “What actually is the education system in Singapore?”

In contrast to most teaching models in other countries that let students to learn independently, in Singapore, the teacher remains a leader in the classroom. This teaching model was once criticised because it was thought to give birth to mathematicians without creativity.7 Although still maintaining conventional teaching styles, Singapore proved of being capable of producing students with critical thinking skills.8

In the field of mathematics, for example, elementary students are offered the concept of Singapore Math9 which contains three main phases. In the first phase, Concrete, students are invited to use concrete tools to understand teaching material. Next, in the Pictorial phase, students design their own tools to solve problems. Until finally, in the last phase, Abstract, students can understand mathematical symbols without tools.

Not only in terms of mathematics, the Singapore education system also encourages students’ reading skills by honing critical thinking patterns and creativity. Students are routinely asked to write narrative essays based on the titles and collections of images provided by the teacher. Thus, students are increasingly keen to find clues, absorb information, and draw original and rational conclusions.

Likewise, in the field of science, students are trained to discover science concepts by estimating, analysing, evaluating, concluding, and communicating findings in their daily activities. Through an approach like this, students can present scientific concepts supported by scientific evidence.10

The birth of quality education from the country nicknamed the Lion City is inseparable from the initiative of the Singapore government who dared to implement a reform of the education paradigm holistically and co-ordinately. All reform efforts are studied, tested and monitored thoroughly before they are applied, starting from textbooks, worksheets, to teaching methods. As a result, harmony is created between policies, assessment systems, and teaching methods.

Recently, the Singapore government abolished the test / exam and assessment system based on report cards for elementary and middle school students. The Singapore education paradigm is now not only oriented towards academic achievement, but also the ability of social interaction and student competence in decision making. In 2023, the plan will also apply a series of “applied learning” programs to improve student skills. 12

Armed with planned teaching modules and supportive government roles, Singapore proves the quality of its education in the eyes of the world. In fact, the United States and Britain adopted several teaching models from Singapore. Therefore, Indonesia should also take positive values from the Singapore education system.13

As one of the trusted educational institutions in Indonesia, Mentari Group through Mentari Books and ASTA Ilmu Sukses provides international curriculum-based textbooks, including the Singapore curriculum. Mentari Group also collaborates with the best publishers in Singapore, including Marshall Cavendish, Singapore Asia Publisher, and Shinglee Publisher. Through this partnership, Mentari Group hopes that Indonesian education can be one step ahead.

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Source:

1. OECD, “PISA 2009 Results: Executive Summary” is accessed from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisaproducts/46619703.pdf.

2. OECD, “PISA 2012 Results in Focus” is accessed from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/keyfindings/pisa-2012-results-overview.pdf.

3. OECD, “PISA 2015: PISA Results in Focus” is accessed from http://www.oecd.org/pisa/pisa-2015-results-in-focus.pdf.

4. Nces.Gov, “Highlights from TIMSS 2007” accessed from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009001.pdf Published in September 2009.

5. Nces.Gov, “Highlights from TIMSS 2011” accessed from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2013/2013009rev.pdf.Published in December 2012.

6. Nces.Gov, “Highlights from TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced 2015” accessed from https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2017/2017002.pdf.Published in November 2016.

7. Economist, “What Other Countries Can Learn from Singapore’s Schools” is accessed from https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/08/30/what-other-countries-can-learn-from-singapores-schools. Published on August 30, 2018.

8. The Schooling Society, “PISA Champions: Why Singapore Students are No.1 in the World” is accessed from https://www.theschoolingsociety.com.sg/blog/2018/09/26/pisa-champions-why-singapore-students-are-no-1-in-the-world/ Published September 26, 2018.

9. Singapore Math, “Why Singapore Math?” accessed from https://www.singaporemath.com/Singapore_Math_s/331.htm

10. The Schooling Society, “PISA Champions: Why Singapore Students are No.1 in the World” is accessed from https://www.theschoolingsociety.com.sg/blog/2018/09/26/pisa-champions-why-singapore-students-are-no-1-in-the-world/ Published on September 26, 2018.

11. Economist, “What Other Countries Can Learn from Singapore’s Schools” is accessed from https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/08/30/what-other-countries-can-learn-from-singapores-schools Published on August 30, 2018.

12. Kompas, “Singapore Changes the Education Paradigm,” Learning Not Competition “is accessed from https://edukasi.kompas.com/read/2018/10/12/14144221/singapura-change-paradigma-penducation-learn-not-competition?page=all# Published on October 12, 2018.

13. Economist, “What Other Countries Can Learn from Singapore’s Schools” is accessed from https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/08/30/what-other-countries-can-learn-from-singapores-schools Published on August 30, 2018.