Issue 7: Developing Interest in Tamil Amongst Students
Issue 7: Developing Interest in Tamil Amongst Students
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Pre-Panel Discussion
1. How effective is the curriculum in developing interests about Tamil?
• Current Tamil lessons do not have much information about history of Tamils. The emphasis is mainly on grammar and vocabulary which does not create deeper appreciation for the language amongst students. More can be done to teach students about the history and culture of the local Tamil community – the struggles faced by our forefathers to make Tamil a living language in Singapore.
• Although language is primarily used for communication, it also serves as a form of identity. Current Tamil activities and lessons are tailored to fulfil the communication goal but do not address the identity issue.
• Current syllabus’ s main focus is on memorization which is not very relevant for outside world. Primary school syllabus is more relevant than JC syllabus. Primary school syllabus encourages critical thinking and analysis while JC syllabus is more about memory work. There is a lack of emphasis on Tamil history and culture.
2. Who plays the most important role in promoting interest in Tamil?
• Teachers: Tamil teachers in primary school are able to cultivate interest in Tamil amongst students. Many delegates shared that their primary school Tamil teachers influenced them to take Higher Tamil in Secondary school.
• However, in secondary school, there seems to be a sudden decrease in the interest level. Delegates felt that in secondary school, Tamil classes focus too much on exams and grades. This results in classes being textbook-oriented. Moreover, since the focus is on obtaining grades, when an individual does not score well in exams, he or she gradually loses interest in Tamil. Tamil lessons need to be made more interactive and fun.
• However, there are teachers who see teaching Tamil as just a job and focus on teaching students based on the curriculum. They do not make additional efforts to inculcate passion among students for Tamil.
• But it has to be taken into consideration that in some cases even passionate teachers are tied down by the school’ s academic structure and curriculum and instead have to find ways to inculcate passion during non-curriculum hours.
• Some teachers value pride and tend to choose students who are more proficient and passionate about Tamil over the other students. Hence, there is no opportunity for students who are less passionate about Tamil to develop their passion for Tamil.
• Friends: They are the biggest influence; this might be a two-way thing as well.
• Myself: No matter what people say, decisions will be made by the individual and no one changes that.