Chinese language instruction in Singapore primary school classrooms: A study of pedagogical practices

Abstract

"In this paper, we describe Chinese language instruction in Singapore primary school classrooms and discuss its relationship with the government policy of language in education. We use a classroom coding approach to examine whether there are similarities and differences between EM1 and EM2 classroom instructional practices and to explore whether the goals and priorities of the policy are achieved at the level of implementation. Specifically, we examine how Chinese classrooms of the two different streams are socially organized, what pedagogical activities are carried out, what knowledge or capabilities are emphasized and how they are classified. Based on the findings, we discuss the major features of Chinese language instructional practices in the two streams in relation to the policy goals and priorities, and highlights some implications for policy implementation and pedagogic reform in Singapore and internationally."-- [p. 1].