Traditional format of school education centers itself around the teacher. Classes usually take form of lectures, force students to compete for teacher's attention, and allow to quiz only a select few per academic hour. It is an emotionally taxing experience that, to make things worse, fails to adequately prepare children for engaging with the world they will be facing as adults. With Singapore school, everything is different.
Dynamic structure of classwork. Teachers have more than 250 forms of in-class activities, called 'structures', which they can freely combine to construct a unique yet tightly organized lesson plan for each topic.
- This flexibility means that classwork becomes more versatile, and therefore more engaging. It constantly stimulates the mind, keeps everyone in class alert and active;
- Through learning to work with and within these versatile yet simple and well-defined structures, children are advancing in self-discipline and effective communication;
- Teacher has the ability to adjust their lesson plan, accounting for current class dynamics.
Communication and cooperation of students lies in the very basis of what makes Singapore method work.
- Instead of an invariable partner sitting next to the student, they are surrounded by a number of potential study partners and can turn to any one;
- For rundowns of previously studied material, class is divided into clusters by their level of academic achievements. Within these groups students are encouraged to listen to each other, share their knowledge and thoughts on questions posed before them, value each others strong points and building up the weak ones;
- Students are encouraged to ask questions and have discussions with the teacher.
During class, everyone is involved: teacher does their best to quiz every student. Combined with frequent group work and constant circulation of study partners, it drives students to develop independent thinking, learn to articulate their thoughts on the spot, and become an active contributor in discussions.
Changing the teacher's role. Instead of acting as 'class police', here teacher acts more as a guide, helping children to navigate the vast terrains of knowledge and their own capabilities. Teacher is no longer the sole source of knowledge in the classroom; information and ideas circulate lively in student circles.