Instruction
Singapore is particularly well known for its math instruction. “Singapore Math” is currently being exported to other countries, including the US. Singapore’s approach to math instruction was developed in the 1980s, and is focused on mastery of central mathematical concepts. The role of the teacher is to instill “math sense” in students, so they will know how to approach unfamiliar mathematical problems without being drilled on problems first. Teachers rely on visual aids, and take the approach that there is no one right approach to solve a problem. As a result, Singaporeans leaving the sixth grade have approximately the same math skills as US students leaving the eighth grade, and have already been exposed to basic concepts in algebra and geometry. All Singaporean teachers receive training in this unique math curriculum. Instruction in science and the humanities draws on the lessons from the Singapore math curriculum. Learning is viewed as a form of inquiry, and teachers promote the idea that there is no one right answer, particularly in more creative disciplines like the humanities. Students are encouraged to view academic subjects as useful outside of school, and so teachers place emphasis on how scientific concepts affect everyday life.
Over the past decade, Singapore has trained increasing numbers of teachers. The Ministry has announced that rather than use the excess teaching force to reduce class size across the board, it will implement a needs-based system for teacher resourcing. In other words, more teachers will be moved to programs for slower learners. As of 2014, the ratio is one teacher for every 18 students in primary schools and one teacher for every 14 students in secondary schools, which is comparable to the OECD average.