Learning for exams is also learning for life

Singapore’s education curriculum has often been emulated by many developed nations around the world. While we perform well at examinations, we need to look beyond examination grades.

I read a recent Straits Times article on examinations, and it highlighted two main points. Examinations are not just about how well one performs but serve as a benchmark for improvement. The article asserted “What you learn in school today is not only useful for scoring in examinations but is also the knowledge that will come in useful after you graduate and join the workforce”.

Students need to understand what school really is about. The skills learned in school are not just for performing well in examinations. Skills such as critical thinking can be applied at work and make them more competent. Examinations are useful tools for improvement. They are good test beds to learn from mistakes and improve. One example is the O-Level rubrics assessment for oral examinations. It assesses students on criteria such as being able to read with awareness of purpose, as well as being able to sustain a discussion by introducing new ideas and opinions. Students should recognize the benefit of this assessment as one that helps them hone their communication skills.

Students must also be aware that scores are not as important as the skills acquired. AFEA aims to future-proof the next generation of students with 21st-century competencies through the art of acquiring skills. Our expertise is backed by professionals with up-to-date resources and a wide array of educational tools.

 

You can read the full straits times article here:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/learning-for-exams-is-also-learning-for-life

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