Are teachers overworked? (feat. Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing) | Roundtable EP1 Part 1 – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECBpcQcYnbY
This discussion on whether teachers in Singapore are overworked touched on many key aspects of the profession. Here are some of the biggest takeaways:
1. Why Teachers Choose the Profession
- Many teachers enter the field because of a desire to make a meaningful impact, often inspired by their own teachers.
- Some transitioned from other careers (e.g., corporate jobs, aviation) in search of greater purpose.
- Despite the challenges, the reward comes from students’ growth and appreciation.
2. The Reality of a Teacher’s Workload
- Teaching is only part of the job—teachers also handle administrative work, student welfare, and discipline.
- The first priority is building relationships with students, especially those with higher needs.
- Responsibilities include marking, lesson planning, attending meetings, managing CCAs, and even taking on roles like social worker, psychologist, and sometimes even a “bus driver”.
3. Class Size Debate: Does Smaller Always Mean Better?
- Some assume smaller class sizes automatically lead to better learning, but the reality is nuanced:
- Very small classes (6 students) can be difficult—if students are too quiet, discussions lack depth.
- Larger classes (20-30 students) create richer discussions and engagement.
- Primary school class sizes vary based on students’ needs, ranging from 1:3 for special needs to 30 for general learning.
4. Technology as a Tool to Reduce Workload
- Marking is emotionally and mentally exhausting due to constant decision-making.
- AI tools and automated grammar/spelling checks can help teachers focus on higher-order thinking skills.
- The ideal goal is to free teachers from repetitive tasks so they can focus on personalized education.
5. Balancing Academics and Holistic Development
- CCA participation is crucial, yet parents often prioritize grades over extracurricular learning.
- Teachers recognize that students excel in different areas—some weaker in academics thrive in leadership or uniform groups.
- The challenge is shifting mindsets so that parents value skills beyond exam scores.
6. Teacher-to-Student Ratio & School Closures
- With declining student enrollment, some schools are closing.
- The argument: Instead of closing schools, could existing teachers be redistributed to reduce class sizes?
- Minister Chan explained that optimal school size matters—too small, and program quality suffers.
- The key challenge is how to balance class sizes, resources, and teacher workload effectively.
7. Parental Pressure and Expectations
- Some parents are overly aggressive with teachers, even pointing fingers and making demands.
- The discussion highlighted that letting kids fail (e.g., forgetting to bring things to school) is a learning experience.
- While most parents are supportive, a vocal minority can create additional stress for teachers.
Conclusion
Teachers clearly take on more than just teaching, and workload management is a key issue. While technology and administrative support can help, the larger challenge lies in balancing class size, school resources, and societal expectations.
What stood out to you the most in this discussion?