Are you anxious about the midyear exams removal in Singapore? Most parents can’t help but stress over the effects of the mandate on their kid’s education. Thankfully, an educator shared her insights and opinions on how to prepare for its possible impacts.
In this article, you’ll read:
- The Possible Impacts of Midyear Exams Removal
- Assisting Parents to Adapt to the Latest Development Easily
- Supplemental Activities at Home That Will Help Develop Your Child’s Proficiency
Mrs Lily Chew is a teacher and the founder of Lil’ but Mighty. According to her, she has a passion for creating relevant and easy to understand materials for children. Mrs Chew finds joy in unlocking creative and different ways of helping each child achieve their personal best.
In an exclusive interview with theAsianparent, she shares her thoughts and opinions about the midyear exams removal in Singapore. She also lists some supplemental activities that parents should practise at home to develop their child’s proficiency.
The Possible Impacts of Midyear Exam Removal
The midyear exams removal for primary and secondary levels was entirely unexpected for educators like Mrs Lily Chew. It was especially surprising because some children will take the national examination by the year-end.
“I can see how removing the examinations will provide a less stressful learning environment in school,” she said.
It will likely offer less anxiety for educators to complete the syllabus before the exam. As a result, there will be potentially in-depth learning of various concepts based on the students’ interests.
Aside from that, schools can also offer enriching activities that will provide pupils exposure to various subjects. Additionally, children will be free from the rigorous weeks of examinations.
Less stress for students
Aside from being an educator, Mrs Lily is also a mother. According to her, removing examinations will help students enjoy learning with less stress. They will likely be more enthusiastic about going to school.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) says that schools will still have the autonomy to conduct assessments in various forms. They will be removing summative examinations, but other conduct assessments like quizzes, performance tasks, class participation, and presentations will remain.
Furthermore, some parents are becoming more interested in enrolling their children in enrichment centres. It is because there will be less pressure to master the subject content. It could also be an opportunity for children to explore programs which cater to their areas of interest.
Meanwhile, being unable to track their child’s progress through midyear exams makes some parents anxious. Before the mandate, midyear exams allowed parents to gauge how their child is doing based on paper.
Assisting Parents to Adapt to the Latest Development
It will be entirely normal for parents to express their concerns about the changes in school and their effect on children. Along with this, schools must be ready to provide support and assurance to parents. It will be an excellent way to address and clarify any questions or misconceptions parents may have.
On the other hand, parents need to recognise that consistency is always the key. Building on children’s strengths will always be an excellent place to start.
It takes time for skills in a particular area to be built. During the process, it is essential to emphasize repeated exposure. Parents must give importance to trying. They must seize the teachable moments and invite their children to share more about what they see and experience.
Supplemental Activities at Home That Will Help Develop Your Child’s Proficiency
Mrs Lily Chew shares some supplemental activities parents should practice at home. By taking note of these suggested activities, you can help improve your child’s proficiency:
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Starting Conversations With Your Children
Taking time to communicate and starting a conversation with your child is essential. During discussions, parents must never forget to be vulnerable with their children.
When your child is sharing, it is vital to give them your undivided attention. Remember to avoid giving comments when they are not yet finished talking. It will set up future opportunities to have honest conversations with your child.
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Capitalising on Movie Nights
Image source: iStock
There are also activities that parents can weave into the regular activities they do with their kids. Parents can also take the chance to clarify any exciting words, expressions or jokes used in the movie or show with the child.
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Focusing on the Exams Preparation
Some parents are keen to focus on more academic aspects of the language in preparation for the examination. Mrs Chew suggests doing goal setting with the child to identify areas of strengths and to work on those areas. Along with this, consistent practising is essential, but it does not necessarily need to be overwhelming. Lastly, consider how to provide variety in your child’s learning.
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