Chinese language review

THE Ministry of Education (MOE) will announce changes to the teaching and testing of the Chinese language during the Committee of Supply debate in Parliament in March.

Some things which are set to change include a more systematic look at a student's language abilities from Primary 1, with teaching modes that will vary right through secondary school.

The ministry is also looking at teaching models from China, the United States and Switzerland, which have tests and programmes that are less focused on writing, and more targeted at helping students speak the language.

The changes were made to adjust the teaching of the language to an increasing number of students who are coming from English-speaking households.

The teaching of the Chinese language has been a big topic of discussion in the past year. Both the Prime Minister and Minister Mentor have weighed in on the debate on the mother tongue, especially the teaching of the Chinese language. English- speaking Chinese students have found the lessons tough-going, and examinations even more so.

Chinese in schools to undergo changes Teaching to be tailored to a pupil's abilities, with new ways of testing.

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