Tuesday, February 27, 2007
I refer to the article titled “Foreign students post strong 0-level showing” on The straits Times February 10 2007.
As the title suggests, the foreign students here in Singapore are doing exceptionally well in the O-level examinations. In fact, about half of the students with nine A1s were not from Singapore. The article also explores the views of various parties regarding this, as well as some of the strategies adopted by these students for studying.
While their teachers think they deserved it, and it certainly seemed like these foreign students have earned it; the local students are worried they might ‘lose out’ to these students. Although I can understand why the locals are concerned that they are losing out their spots in local polytechnics or junior colleges to these ‘foreigners’, every cloud has a silver lining. With this harsh competition set, there is little students can do except to strive and work harder to keep their places in the schools, which would mean that the competition will push many to do their best. However, many are complaining about the stress that students have to face these days. Now students not only have to compete among themselves, they have to work against students from other countries as well. This, in fact, is the harsh reality of modern society. With globalization and commercialization, the world has become a tougher environment to survive in. And this education system conditions our students for the real world, where competition is fierce and the only way to advance is through hard work. It is better that the students are exposed to these conditions now, before they become lost when they step out into the commercial world is what I feel. Another question comes to mind while reading the article. How is it that students from China ‘with barely a Primary 4 foundation in English’ (from the article) are able to best students who have studied English for 10 years? Apparently, it would be because of their mentality and spirit. Before coming to Singapore, they knew beforehand that school life here would be really tough. They were at a disadvantage since they may not know English very well; therefore, they had to make up for it through their determination and hard work. However, as can be seen from the article, these students weren’t just ‘muggers’. Besides studying hard, they had to study smart. A student interviewed by the Straits Times recounts how she memorized a dictionary to brush up on her English, to no avail. She decided to change tactics and started reading the classics. Eventually, it paid off. Instead of just competing with them, it would be beneficial for local students to learn from them. If we can adopt their motivated and indomitable spirit, we will have benefited from this competition, instead of losing out. Which brings me back to my first point, and perhaps the most important lesson I have learnt from the article, that attitude makes all the difference. Instead of wallowing in what seems to be a disadvantageous situation, why not turn it around to your advantage?
Blogged @ 5:14 AM
