Aligning science teaching, learning and assessment to the I&E vision

Abstract

In October 2003, at the MOE Annual Work Plan Seminar, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister of Education, highlighted the need to focus on Innovation and Enterprise (I & E) for the next 2-3 years (Shanmugaratnam, 2003). As explained by the Minister, I & E is essentially about a key set of life skills, including mindsets and attitudes that every student must have. I&E in essence is about a mindset and outlook of creativity, initiative and self-reliance. In this author's view, the attainment of "soft" goals such as cultivating a mindset and outlook of creativity, initiative and self-reliance cannot be achieved by stand-alone activities but needs to be supported by the teaching of appropriate content, processes and skills in the core curriculum. It also needs to be supported by appropriate methods of teaching and learning, as well as relevant modes of assessment. In a knowledge-based economy, a strong grounding in science concepts, processes and skills should be considered a pre-requisite for the achievement of the I&E vision. This paper discusses how better alignment could be achieved between tbe I&E vision and science teaching, learning and assessment.