Dr Ang Wai Hoong Singapore Curriculum Development and Textbooks in Singapore Dr Ang Wai Hoong Singapore

Evolution of Curriculum and Textbook Development 1965 to present Reliance on imported textbooks MOE started on Civics textbooks Published by MOE EPB 1965 1969 Pioneering efforts in textbook development by MOE Civics textbooks in four languages Designed textbooks for innovative teaching 1970 1979 Institutionalized innovation in textbook development Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore (CDIS) setup to provide textbooks for Primary and Secondary levels of the New Education System 1980 1996 CDIS closed in 1996. MOE focused on curriculum frameworks and syllabuses * commercial publishers provide textbooks * MOE authorize and approve 1997 to-date

Syllabuses to Teaching Materials MOE Syllabuses Teachers Students Provide Objectives Select, prepare Use & learn Content topics teaching materials teacher-prepared Approach Teach materials

Importance of Textbooks Transmit knowledge, skills, attitudes, values Shortage of qualified and well-trained teachers Lack of relevant teaching and learning resources High stakes examinations influence placement in good schools, scholarship/bursary award, job prospects

Phase I 1965 - 1969 Vernacular Schools showed strong orientation to migrants’ motherland MOE set up Education Publication Bureau (EPB)- publish textbooks for Civics and Mother Tongue languages

Commercial publishers supplied textbooks Phase II 1970 - 1979 Commercial publishers supplied textbooks MOE provided textbooks for innovative projects to improve teaching and learning Education for Living Integration of Civics, History and Geography in Mother Tongue languages Primary Pilot project Integration of English, Mathematics and Science

Chinese Language Project Phase II 1970 - 1979 Chinese Language Project Emphasis on oracy and literacy Lower Secondary Science Emphasis on concepts, scientific skills and attitudes Both projects joined CDIS and were successfully implemented in schools

Phase III 1980 - 1996 Implementation of New Education System (NES) Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore (CDIS) set up to develop quality textbook packages On time for sale and use in schools Affordable prices

Structure of CDIS MOE C D I S Writing Teams Humanities Languages Mathematics & Science Department of Education Technology Administration Department

Organizational Structure and Functions of CDIS

Main Functions of CDIS Administrative Department Human Resource Staff Production Specification Time lines Work with Publishers Tenders Publication dates Costs/pricing Project Team Develop conceptual framework Write materials Trial material in Schools Assist in evaluation by NIE Conduct dissemination workshops Department of Education Technology Develop Audio Visual materials Produce Educational Television Programs Provide imported AV materials for loan to Schools Conduct workshops on the use of Education Technology for teachers

Requirements of Textbooks Generally one textbook and work/activity book per grade per subject in primary and secondary levels Each textbook and work/activity book published in two parts for two semesters a year preserve better lighter to carry

Phase IV 1997 to present CDIS closed in 1996 Curriculum Planning and Development Division Prepares syllabuses (except Civics and Moral Education and Mother Tongue languages) for commercial publishers Controls authorization process to ensure quality and affordable prices of textbooks Lists all approve textbooks and prices on website

Available Teaching Resources Imported textbooks 1965 1969 Imported textbooks Locally published textbooks Library resources 1970 1979 CDIS multimedia textbooks packages Imported textbooks Locally published textbooks Library resources 1980 1996 Local commercially published textbooks Imported textbooks Commercially available multimedia teaching resources (computer softwares, websites, e-books) Library multimedia resources 1997 to-date

Singapore’s Experience Scarce resources - textbooks important Plentiful resources - textbooks useful

Singapore’s Experience Textbooks transmit National values – nation building Knowledge and skills – national development

Singapore’s Experience CDIS (MOE) collaboration with commercial publishers produced Quality textbook Affordable prices

Singapore’s Experience Dissemination workshops to model effective use of textbooks for teachers to adopt teaching approaches teach content prescribed by MOE syllabuses to achieve desired outcomes

Singapore’s Experience MOE authorization process ensures Quality textbooks Affordable prices

Singapore’s Experience Textbooks for all students Parents to buy textbooks MOE free textbook scheme for needy students Assistance from schools and other organizations