Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 43

Issue 7: Developing Interest in Tamil Amongst Students
Topic of Interest: How can we further improve the Secondary Tamil Language Syllabus to enhance
students’ interest in the Tamil language?
CASE STUDY: Secondary Tamil Language Syllabus, MOE
Goal of Singapore Tamil Education
To make Tamil a living language amongst students
21 st Century Skills in Secondary Tamil Education
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Innovation and Creativity
• To think of new ideas and present in a creative manner
during language activities
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• To be able to think deeply, and consider different angles
when solving problems
Productive Conversations
• To be able to effectively express their opinions via
writing or speaking
Groupwork
• To be able to work with the members of the group and
other groups to achieve the objective
Skills of Sensitivity and Empathy
• To develop an understanding so as to work productively
with people of other race, language and religion
Information Processing
• To be able to process information in an intelligent
manner
Social Media Usage and Exchange of Opinions
• To be able to assess the objective, impact and
consequences of information and news received via
media before thinking about its usage
Information Technology
• To be able to gain clarity by assessing the values, feeling
and usage of information and news received through IT
gadgets.
Adaptability and Flexibility
• To be able to take on varied tasks and responsibilities
and be flexible to change to meet the requirements
Leadership and Responsibility
• To be able to recognise others’ strengths and
weaknesses, and manage them to achieve the objective
Themes and Sub-Themes of Secondary Tamil Education
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Relationships
• Friendship
• Family
Community and Nation
• Community service
• Values
World and Us
• World-known people
• Tourist attractions
Fantasy World
• Mystery stories
• Magic stories
Heritage and Tradition
• Traditional values
• Literary stories
Objectives of Secondary Tamil Education
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Students will be able to comprehend passages suitable for
their age and experience via either reading or listening
Students will be able to converse fluently in spoken Tamil
Students will be able to express opinions via writing as well
Students will be able to read poems, shorts story and essays
suitable for their age
Students will be able to write different types of Tamil essays.
Strengths of Current Syllabus
According to some experts:
• There are new aspects added to the syllabus to make it
relevant to the current age.
• The 21 st Century Skills is a good example. As this
component was only newly added in 2011, these skills
can be better integrated into the curriculum.
• There is also an increased weightage for oral
examinations which correctly places more importance
on the verbal communication aspect of Tamil
• There are multiple skill sets that are being taught
• There are various skills that are included in the syllabus
ranging from foundation language skills such as reading,
writing, listening and speaking all thee way to 21 st
century skills such as information technology skills.
• However, some experts feel that there may be better
linking between the skill sets.
• There is also an increasing trend of integration of technology
into Tamil teaching and learning.
• Students are strongly encouraged to learn how to type in
Tamil and there have been pilot studies done on having
e-examinations
• Oral examinations in Secondary Schools are also
conducted based on videos which slows a slow but
steady integration of technology.
Some Areas for Improvement in Current Syllabus
According to some experts:
• There could be better foundation in Tamil.
• There is a huge increase in expectation between primary
school Tamil students and secondary school Tamil
students.
• There can be a better transition between the primary
school Tamil curriculum and secondary school Tamil
Curriculum
• The content can be more relevant to the Tamil Community
in Singapore.
• The themes and sub-themes presented in the syllabus
discuss mostly Singapore or World issues.
• There can be more content that introduces students to
details specific to the Tamil community in Singapore.
This will enable students to have a deep insight into our
community
• Tamil lessons can also be conducted in a more fun and
interesting manner so that students develop passion for the
language rather than just studying it as an exam subject.
Issue 7: Developing Interest in Tamil Amongst Students
PAGE 43