A tale of two parents

Source: The Straits Times 31st May 2010

The 20th Century parent vs. the 21st Century parent. Whose children will benefit?

与其调整比重，不如改革测试

2-3 weeks ago, I commented (in Chinese) on the PSLE Mother Tongue weighting reduction saga, the most talk-about education issue in Singapore the past month:

其实心情是矛盾的。无庸讳言，我一向对考试制度不太苟同，认为以一个统一测试来断定学生的表现是十分残酷的。我有时甚至认为统一测试有朝一日将会被另类评估如协作/专题作业或数码学习档案（Digital Portfolio)所取代！

就算我是多么否同考试制度，无可否认的是大家对它的观念早已根深蒂固，不是一朝一夕能改变的。教育部在努力提倡灵活有创意的华文教学所做的工作确实不遗余力。计划减少PSLE成绩比重其实为了配合先前的检讨和改革。照理来说，我这个不认同考试的家伙应该高兴才对。

但是，令人担忧的是，此项教改纯粹是针对母语而来的，并非全方位的改革考试制度。要是各科比重一起减少，取而代之是另类评估的成绩，就非常理想了！譬如说，学生的各科成绩比重为20%。最后的20%综合了课外活动、专题作业、德育、美术、音乐等非主流科系的表现，那无疑是打造出拥有21世纪软技能（21st Century Skills) 的学生的一大步了！

当然以现在的教育大环境来看，以上的教改简直是天方夜谭！如何改变领导人，教育家，家长，学生的传统科举心态与观念，我无法提出任何方案。依个人浅见，在其他科目比重毫无调整的情况下调低母语比重，母语在家长、学生甚至教师的心中的地位肯定会动摇。

有趣的是，专家学者所说比重减少，教师就能“跟着学生兴趣跑”。我想华文老师每天还是追着学生的功课多一些，看来以后会追得更辛苦了:p

To sum up in a few words, the most important task is improve the teaching and assessment of the languages. Weighting adjustment is not the one size fits all solution.

Mighty Mouse Mischief!

One thing for sure is that Microsoft Mouse Mischief beats IWB hands down in terms of collaborative potential, budget and simplicity.

First thing: ‘Catch’ some wireless mice. The Logitech Unifying mice came to my mind as they seemed to be the cleanest solution. Bought a couple and tried them out. Sadly they did not work with the software

I guess I will get the Belkin USB hub and another few wireless mice to explore further. I should be planning a simple lesson which is group work based to have some hands-on experience with this tool. Will update here again. Thanks Alvin (@alvintch) for his tips and advice!