Lessening Student Stress through a Broader Definition of Success

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the level of stress and pressure faced by students in Singapore's education system. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing acknowledged this issue at the Social-Economic Nexus Speaking Engagement Forum, where he emphasized the need to adopt a broader definition of success to alleviate student stress.

According to Mr. Chan, corporate leaders have pointed out that they are looking for more than just academic grades and soft skills from students. Instead, they want individuals who can apply what they learn to solve real-world problems. This shift in focus requires a fundamental change in the way we approach education.

The minister shared his conversation with secondary school and junior college students, where he asked them how they would feel if the Ministry of Education decided to cut their subject syllabus by half. The students' feedback was telling - they cautioned him that this move could lead to everyone trying to 'ace the remaining half' rather than striving for a balanced approach.

In response, Mr. Chan suggested that the extra free time should be used to pursue new skills, interests, or hobbies. This approach might seem counterintuitive, but it could paradoxically increase stress levels if students focus solely on academic grades during their free time.

The minister believes that adopting a broader definition of success can help create a more diverse and resilient society. By doing so, we can equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in various aspects of life, not just academics.

In conclusion, it is clear that there needs to be a shift in our approach to education in Singapore. By focusing on a broader definition of success, we can help reduce student stress and prepare them for the challenges they will face in the future.

Stress but everyone sings it