PSLE questions crafted in way that lets students show what they've learnt

PSLE questions crafted in way that lets students show what they've learnt

POSTED: 22 Nov 2013 18:13

The more challenging questions in this year's PSLE were crafted in a way that lets students show what they have learnt while keeping the standard high, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat.

SINGAPORE: This year's Primary Six Leaving Examinations (PSLE) had one small refinement.

The more challenging questions were crafted in a way that lets students show what they have learnt while keeping the standard high.

Education Minister Heng Swee Keat said the questions were structured to guide the student's thinking and give points for each of the steps he goes through, and not just for the final answer.

Writing in a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Heng added that the PSLE results also showed that the many programmes put in place by the ministry and schools to level up all students made a difference to many.

He said bringing everyone's focus back from chasing points to really learning is exactly what the ministry wants.

And the students themselves showed a lot of motivation to do well.

All this, he added, showed the ministry is on the right path and will continue on this path.

Mr Heng stressed that the PSLE questions are still of a high standard but the student finds them more accessible, and as he goes through the opening steps well, the student gains confidence to continue.

And even if the student does not get the right final answer, if he gets the first few parts right, the student has shown that he understands his material and gets the points for it.

Mr Heng shared the observation of exam invigilators who saw the Primary 6 students working on the questions right up to the last minute rather than give up on some.

And teachers said their students felt the papers gave them a chance to do well, and they felt confident about their learning.

Mr Heng said putting the focus on learning rather than chasing points is what the ministry wants.

He hopes parents agree that this is the right way to help children learn.

He noted that many more students did well this year, and parents should be very proud of them.

Mr Heng said he would share his thoughts on choosing a secondary school soon.


- CNA/ir

- wong chee tat :)