The Writing Life

A writer’s life is fraught with many distractions. A looming deadline for a huge project, unmarked exam scripts, lesson preparation for that class on sociology, and a sick parent’s medical appointment, these are important and unavoidable duties and responsibilities.

Even if I were to rank them, all would be equally important and cannot be excluded from the priority list. So, when do I write that blog which I promised myself and how will I find the time to update it daily.

What started out as an enthusiastic venture full of personal resolve and dedication gave way to other necessary activities and obligations that had become routine commitments.

To add insult to injury, my fertile mind was racing ahead with ideas, opinions and arguments about breaking news, emerging trends and tabloid gossips. Many thoughts and reflections were colliding to be recorded and published, but my vanity was curbed by a healthy dose of cynicism that chastised me with a put down that nobody cares about my “ two cents” worth views.

But I reminded my hurt self that I write for myself. And if others were to read them and are pleased, it will be a bonus for my effort. Otherwise, this is for me from myself. I know critics may cringe in derision at my egoistic aplomb, but I believe one should stand up and right for one’s convictions. It is a self-realization of sorts. If I fail, I will learn to try again. If I succeed, I will learn to do better.

The PSLE Is Not A Great Leveller

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's view that the summative Primary School Leaving Examinations(PSLE) as a great leveller may not be the experienced truth for some students.

Among the many variables that collude or collide to impact student performance, the social class and socio-economic status of a family has the strongest influence. A child from a poor dysfunctional family may never receive the preparation and training that would give him or her the headstart to well paying prestigious jobs. In comparision to a child from a stable or rich family, a disadvantaged child may need to overcome many hurdles to stay in school. That child must remain motivated enough to pass an exam, and in many cases, to ace it to be considered for accolades and rewards.

According to economists Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, schools foster competition through well organised systems and reward or punish performance through grades and assessments. Thus a child who is capable of learning  a skill may feel like a lousy failure after failing a few assessments and being norm referenced or compared with his or her classmates in terms of performance.

In a globalised world, being first and fast has its advantages and opportunities are often hoarded by those who arrive early. All students do not start primary school at level zero and those who enter the system with many gaps and lack the support and resources to overcome disadvantages may be left behind. Potential in a child does not guarantee success, that child with the potential needs to be identified, nurtured and sometimes sheltered from the storms of life to bloom. The world is not always fair to late developers, some give up and others will always be playing catch up with the rest. Where is the level playing field here?

Informed dissent is a sounding board for a better tomorrow