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Source:
www.moe.gov.sg |
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2006 PSLE and 'O' Level Mother
Tongue Language and Higher Mother Tongue Language Interim Examination
Formats |
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The 2006 PSLE and ‘O’ level Chinese Language (CL)
and Higher Chinese Language (HCL) examination formats will give greater
emphasis to listening and speaking skills, and reduce the burden of character
memorisation. |
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This is in line with the Chinese Language
Curriculum and Pedagogy Review Committee (CLCPRC)’s recommendation in November
2004 that an interim format for these examinations be implemented in 2006. |
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This will serve as a ‘bridge’ to the 2010
examination format, which will be aligned to the revised curriculum. |
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Interim Examination Format |
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MOE and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment
Board (SEAB) will ensure the overall standard of the examinations remains the
same with the interim changes. Students taking the examinations will not be
disadvantaged by the changes. The following guiding principles were used to
revise the examination formats: |
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a. Minimise
changes during the interim period;
b. Increase
the weighting of oral and listening comprehension by 5%;
c. Encourage
usage of
language in context;
d. Reduce
testing of vocabulary in isolated context (such as write the correct character
and match the correct characters) to lessen the burden of mechanical
memorisation; and
e. Ensure
that overall standard of the interim format is comparable to
that of existing format. |
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Key changes to the existing CL and HCL examination
formats are in
Annex A. |
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Use of Print and Handheld Electronic
Dictionaries |
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Currently, students may use print dictionaries
approved by SEAB in the ‘O’ level CL and HCL composition examinations. From
2006, approved print dictionaries may be used in the PSLE CL and HCL
composition examinations. This will further reduce the burden of memorisation
and encourage practical use of the language. |
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MOE is working with vendors on the production of
handheld electronic dictionaries. Handheld electronic dictionaries will be
allowed in composition examinations in school-based assessments from 2006 and
in PSLE and ‘O’ level examinations from 2007. More details on handheld
electronic dictionaries will be provided when ready. |
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Teacher Preparation |
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Since January this year, briefings have been
conducted for Heads of Department (HOD) and teachers on the proposed interim
examination formats. Teachers welcomed the removal of vocabulary tested in
isolation. Sharing sessions have been organised to prepare teachers for the
changes. |
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Resources such as assessment guidelines and
exemplars were given to all CL teachers. Teachers were advised to pitch school
examinations at an appropriate standard when adopting the interim formats. |
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More training workshops and sharing sessions to
guide teachers on question setting will be conducted from May 2005 onwards. CL
Master Teachers as well as curriculum planning officers will provide further
support to teachers who need assistance. |
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To ensure that teachers have understood the
changes well, MOE will hold sharing sessions at the end of this year to help
schools review their examination papers. |
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Interim Formats for ML and TL Examinations |
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Feedback gathered by the Malay Language Curriculum
and Pedagogy Review Committee (MLCPRC) and Tamil Language Curriculum and
Pedagogy Review Committee (TLCPRC) has indicated a similar need to move
towards listening and speaking skills and the use of language in context. |
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Although the reviews by MLCPRC and TLCPRC are
still in progress, both committees have endorsed the proposed interim changes
to the PSLE and ‘O’ level examinations in 2006. Key changes to the existing
formats for ML and TL are also in
Annex A. |
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Other changes to the ML and TL examinations, as
with the CL examinations, will be incorporated into the revised PSLE and ‘O’
level examinations to be implemented in 2010. |
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Background |
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In February 2004, MOE formed the CLCPRC, to
conduct a comprehensive review of the teaching and learning of CL. The
Government accepted all the recommendations of the CLCPRC which were tabled as
a White Paper and debated in Parliament in November 2004. |
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The CLCPRC received consistent feedback through
focus group discussions, articles and commentaries in the local press as well
as from the Singapore Chinese Teachers Union (SCTU), that even the most
well-meaning teachers place undue emphasis on repetitive drills and writing
exercises because of the current approach to CL testing. |
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The CLCPRC recommended moving examinations away
from an approach where random, individual words and phrases are tested. |
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This would reduce the burden of memorising words
to do well. Instead, the examinations should move towards a more authentic
approach where students’ ability to use CL in context is assessed. This is
likely to improve a student’s ability to retain the language and use it
effectively. |
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More..... |
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Source:
www.moe.gov.sg Press Release 22 Apr 2005 |
Interim Changes to 2006 PSLE & 'O' Level Mother Tongue Exams
