As a graduate of the supposedly best education system (based on PISA scores, Singapore ranked 1st), there is a good experience and gauge of what is a good education.
What is good education?
1. Access to Quality Curricula: Access to quality curricula that focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
2. Student-Centered Learning Environment: Flexible learning environment that encourages self-discovery, primary research, and creativity.
3. Well-Developed Instructional Materials and Resources: provision of access to various print and digital materials and resources as well as effective tools for remote learning.
4. Quality Teachers: Highly qualified teachers
1. Access to Quality Curricula: Access to quality curricula that focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
A good education begins with having access to quality curricula that focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as an understanding of modern technology. Students need to be able to explore new topics in a flexible learning environment that encourages them to become engaged learners and make connections between the real world and what they are studying.
For example, you can find the (best education system) primary school curricula focused on:
- Subject-based learning such as languages, mathematics, science, art, music, and social studies.
- Knowledge skills through subject-based learning and project work.
- Character development through daily interaction, Character and Citizenship Education, and co-curricular activities.
While subject-based learning was the priority in the early years, there is more focus on knowledge skills and character development to prepare students for an ever-changing world.
A bad education system would focus only on acing the subject without understanding it (e.g. focusing on answering past questions through question banks or 10-year series).
2. Student-Centered Learning Environment: Flexible learning environment that encourages self-discovery, primary research, and creativity.
A student-centered learning environment should stretch students to their potential while not penalizing them for their weaknesses.
There is no perfect system as focusing on discovery (and too little on grade) makes it harder to personalize learning based on aptitude, which will penalize the best students for the sake of the slower learner.
The Singapore system had gone through various changes and the latest version is a mixed banding system to
- Stretch their potential in subjects they are strong in (Standard level)
- Build up their understanding of subjects they need more help with (Foundational level)
For the 4 core subjects (English Language, Mother Tongue Language, Mathematics, Science), students could either be taking one of the following in Years 4, 5, and 6 in primary school.
- 4 standard subjects (i.e. fastest learner)
- 3 standard subjects + 1 foundation subject
- 2 standard subjects + 2 foundation subjects
- 1 standard subject + 3 foundation subjects
- 4 foundation subjects (i.e. slower learner)
The problem is a competitive parent will naturally force their child to take 4 standard subjects and assume it is best for their child not to be left behind. A richer parent can afford special tuition or personal tuition, while a poorer parent could not help their child.
3. Well-Developed Instructional Materials and Resources: provision of access to various print and digital materials and resources as well as effective tools for remote learning.
Good education requires well-developed instructional materials and resources that are accessible to all students. This includes access to various print and digital materials and resources, as well as effective tools for remote learning. By providing these materials, teachers can ensure that all students have the same opportunity to learn regardless of their location or access to technology.
As an example, I knew a poorer person who was thankful the school can loan their child a laptop for online learning (due to the pandemic). If the education system was bad, the student without laptops would probably be disadvantaged.
4. Quality Teachers: Highly qualified teachers
Highly qualified teachers are essential for providing a good education. They should have the necessary qualifications and experience to teach their subject, as well as the ability to engage with students and motivate them to learn. Highly qualified teachers can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their studies, while also inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Singapore paid teachers higher than normal as it is a taxing job, with little time for leave and required passion. A bad education would definitely pay teachers poorly, leading to poor material and environment for students.
Conclusion
Good education is the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life. It can be defined as the process of gaining knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs that help to prepare individuals to lead successful lives. A good education enables individuals to achieve personal growth and professional development by providing them with the necessary tools to thrive in their chosen field.
Education teaches self-discipline, critical thinking skills, organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, creativity, and a sense of responsibility. Good education encourages curiosity and exploration which leads to an increased understanding of the world around us and allows us to draw connections between relationships between different scientific fields. Furthermore, good education reinforces sound ethical values within each individual so they can work towards meaningful contributions to make our societies better places. As such, it is essential for economic prosperity as it gives people the opportunity to find gainful employment in their areas of expertise or pursue higher levels of learning if desired.
Do you know what drives educational institutions? If your answer is academic excellence, there’s something more too and we have the best visions and missions of educational institutions.