Is Singapore’s examination culture inhibiting student creativity and learning? How can Assessment for Learning play a role in supporting holistic student development?

What the Research Study Is About

This article analyzes Singapore’s evolving assessment policies and their impact on the education system, revealing tensions between high-stakes examinations and new assessment practices aimed at supporting holistic student development

Key Findings

Examination Culture vs Holistic Learning

• • • Historically, there has been an emphasis on high-stakes examination in Singapore, which has supported academic excellence.
    • Recent education policy reforms have focused on holistic education and the development of learners’ 21^st century competencies. This has reduced the emphasis on exam preparation.

Role of Parents

• • • Parents significantly influence the examination culture, driving their children towards academic success through tuition and parental pressure.
    • Teachers must recognize this dynamic and work to engage parents in understanding the value of holistic assessment approaches.
    • Parents need to consider the importance of 21^st century competencies acquired through schooling.

Implementation of AfL

• • • Teachers are encouraged to adopt AfL practices that enhance student learning and engagement, but implementation can be constrained by existing beliefs about assessment and institutional factors, such as limited time and curriculum coverage.
    • Professional development and collaboration with school leaders are crucial for successful implementation.

This research summary was generated by Coral AI and has been reviewed by the authors.