Parents happy with their children's schooling: IPS poll
Survey of 1,500 shows over 90% are satisfied with quality of schools, education system
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
Some people may doubt the slogan "Every school, a good school", but most parents in a recent poll do believe it.
More than 90 per cent of them felt that Singapore's education system is among the best worldwide and were satisfied with their children's primary schools, according to an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) survey. But the results also show that about a quarter of parents had trouble enrolling their children into a school of their choice.
They also felt fairly stressed about helping their children with school examinations and syllabuses, and large amounts of homework.
IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews, who led the survey - the first of its kind here - said the findings dispelled the myth that many parents are very unhappy with the education system.
In his research on marriage, parenthood and singles, he had observed that people sometimes said they hesitate to have children partly because of the stress of the education system. He wanted to hear from parents if the school system is really as "daunting" as it is made out to be. The survey of 1,500 Singaporean and permanent resident parents conducted last year, however, found that most were contented with their children's primary schools, he said.
The sample of parents, whose median age was 42, had a proportionate number of children in almost all the 180 or so primary schools here.
Dr Mathews said: "Most people do feel that the school their kid goes to is a good school. Even if they didn't think so, they are satisfied with the (school) quality.
"(The results) also busted the myth that most parents are in a mad rush to get (their children) into a good school by volunteering and moving house to get a place in that school," he said. "Sometimes, we play up the notion that most of our parents are 'kiasu' (Hokkien for competitive). That may not be the case for many, at least now."
Close to three-quarters (73.6 per cent) of parents said they could enrol their child in a school of their choice. More than three in four respondents did not undertake activities such as volunteering to secure a school for their child.
However, about 28 per cent of parents said they had experienced challenges in enrolling their child in a school of their choice. Of this group, more than half said there were too many applications to the school. More than 30 per cent also felt places for children with no alumni links were limited and there were few "good" schools nearby.
Dr Mathews said the overall findings are a reflection of the gradual shift in parents' mindsets. "Many of us as parents grew up in a system that placed a lot of emphasis on examinations and grades, so that pattern is still prominent in our mind."
But parents today are also concerned about their children's character and socio-emotional development, he added.
Survey of 1,500 shows over 90% are satisfied with quality of schools, education system
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
More than 90 per cent of them felt that Singapore's education system is among the best worldwide and were satisfied with their children's primary schools, according to an Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) survey. But the results also show that about a quarter of parents had trouble enrolling their children into a school of their choice.
They also felt fairly stressed about helping their children with school examinations and syllabuses, and large amounts of homework.
IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews, who led the survey - the first of its kind here - said the findings dispelled the myth that many parents are very unhappy with the education system.
In his research on marriage, parenthood and singles, he had observed that people sometimes said they hesitate to have children partly because of the stress of the education system. He wanted to hear from parents if the school system is really as "daunting" as it is made out to be. The survey of 1,500 Singaporean and permanent resident parents conducted last year, however, found that most were contented with their children's primary schools, he said.
The sample of parents, whose median age was 42, had a proportionate number of children in almost all the 180 or so primary schools here.
Dr Mathews said: "Most people do feel that the school their kid goes to is a good school. Even if they didn't think so, they are satisfied with the (school) quality.
"(The results) also busted the myth that most parents are in a mad rush to get (their children) into a good school by volunteering and moving house to get a place in that school," he said. "Sometimes, we play up the notion that most of our parents are 'kiasu' (Hokkien for competitive). That may not be the case for many, at least now."
Close to three-quarters (73.6 per cent) of parents said they could enrol their child in a school of their choice. More than three in four respondents did not undertake activities such as volunteering to secure a school for their child.
However, about 28 per cent of parents said they had experienced challenges in enrolling their child in a school of their choice. Of this group, more than half said there were too many applications to the school. More than 30 per cent also felt places for children with no alumni links were limited and there were few "good" schools nearby.
Dr Mathews said the overall findings are a reflection of the gradual shift in parents' mindsets. "Many of us as parents grew up in a system that placed a lot of emphasis on examinations and grades, so that pattern is still prominent in our mind."
But parents today are also concerned about their children's character and socio-emotional development, he added.
Almost all parents - 94 per cent - listed teacher quality and an emphasis on character building as important reasons for picking a school. Factors such as a competitive environment, affiliation with a good secondary school and parents' alma mater were ranked lower.
At least 97 per cent indicated that the features of a good school included having teachers who cared about the socio-emotional development of students, and providing opportunities for students from different family backgrounds.
Slightly fewer - about 73 per cent - said a record of high Primary School Leaving Examination scores made for a good school, and only 24 per cent considered having a huge amount of homework as important.
In response to queries, the Ministry of Education said it is "heartened" that parents "have confidence in our education system, and are increasingly supportive of schools' efforts to provide a holistic education for their children".
"We are encouraged that they themselves are putting more emphasis on character development, and considering broader factors when choosing schools for their children," said a spokesman.
Dr Mathews said parents' attitudes play an important role in their children's education, especially in primary school.
"If a parent thinks that the school is bad, there's a high chance the kid will also think the school is bad. If parents think the school will not help the child, you can be sure that the child will believe so too."
"If a parent thinks that the school is bad, there's a high chance the kid will also think the school is bad. If parents think the school will not help the child, you can be sure that the child will believe so too."
Torn by conflicting desires, goals for their kids
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
Parents want everything, it seems.
Over half of those surveyed wished for schools to focus more on moral education, but also wanted them to put greater emphasis on academic subjects such as English and mathematics.
They said they were satisfied with their children's schools and teachers, but also wanted school curricula to be more manageable.
These desires might seem contradictory but people do have many considerations to weigh, noted Dr Mathew Mathews, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies.
On the one hand, he said, they would like the school system to be more manageable.
"At the same time, they don't want to lose out. They know the reality is that their kid needs good proficiency in academics, even IT skills and many soft skills."
Parents face a tussle between wanting their child to be both academically competent and an all-rounder, one whose moral values and development are not neglected, he added.
When asked about their child's future, about 66 per cent believed university qualifications would still be more important in securing better work opportunities, compared with acquiring skills through schemes such as SkillsFuture.
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
Over half of those surveyed wished for schools to focus more on moral education, but also wanted them to put greater emphasis on academic subjects such as English and mathematics.
They said they were satisfied with their children's schools and teachers, but also wanted school curricula to be more manageable.
These desires might seem contradictory but people do have many considerations to weigh, noted Dr Mathew Mathews, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies.
On the one hand, he said, they would like the school system to be more manageable.
"At the same time, they don't want to lose out. They know the reality is that their kid needs good proficiency in academics, even IT skills and many soft skills."
Parents face a tussle between wanting their child to be both academically competent and an all-rounder, one whose moral values and development are not neglected, he added.
When asked about their child's future, about 66 per cent believed university qualifications would still be more important in securing better work opportunities, compared with acquiring skills through schemes such as SkillsFuture.
"This suggests that many parents still cling to the traditional Singaporean mindset that a prerequisite for a successful career is getting a first degree," said Dr Mathews.
Ms Jamie Chan, 36, a corporate communications officer, said she makes a "conscious effort not to impose my expectations on my children, and to appreciate them for who they are".
Said the mother of two daughters, aged six and eight: "As parents, our job is to get to know our children, and help them discover their strengths."
Ms Mabelyn Ow, 45, who works in the creative industry and has two sons, aged five and 11, said: "There's always this sense of conflict.
"You feel so much for your child when you see him tired and crying from juggling everything - co-curricular activities, supplementary classes, trying to finish his homework.
"Yet, you want the best for him - you want him to do well so he is not left behind."
"Yet, you want the best for him - you want him to do well so he is not left behind."
Many parents say PSLE necessary, but helping kids study is stressful
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) is still seen by many parents as necessary.
A slight majority of those surveyed by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) did not agree that it should be postponed to a later age.
There had been calls to do away with or postpone the exam, which some say leads to unnecessary pressure for young pupils who are sorted into secondary schools and academic streams.
But IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews said the survey results show there is "no clear consensus" on the PSLE. Less than half of respondents agreed or strongly agreed it should be postponed.
"Most people are not against the idea of high-stakes exams, a good proportion of Singaporeans still accept that," said Dr Mathews.
Last year, the Ministry of Education announced that come 2021, the PSLE would use wider scoring bands, instead of a precise aggregate T-score, to reduce the obsession with academic grades.
Meanwhile, schoolwork, exams and the syllabus were common concerns for parents in the IPS survey.
About 71 per cent of parents said helping their child with numerous tests and exams was stressful, while almost 60 per cent felt anxious as they did not know how to help their child with the challenging syllabus.
About half of the parents said they were concerned their child could not keep up with what was taught or was not achieving the grades he was capable of.
Ms Jamie Chan, 36, a corporate communications officer, said her Primary 2 daughter has good teachers, but she also hopes the school syllabus will not get too tough.
"Her Chinese teacher, for instance, is doing a good job in capturing her interest in the subject, but the syllabus looks harder than what I recall from my time.
"I am concerned that it will get exponentially harder in the years ahead," said Ms Chan.
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
A slight majority of those surveyed by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) did not agree that it should be postponed to a later age.
There had been calls to do away with or postpone the exam, which some say leads to unnecessary pressure for young pupils who are sorted into secondary schools and academic streams.
But IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews said the survey results show there is "no clear consensus" on the PSLE. Less than half of respondents agreed or strongly agreed it should be postponed.
"Most people are not against the idea of high-stakes exams, a good proportion of Singaporeans still accept that," said Dr Mathews.
Last year, the Ministry of Education announced that come 2021, the PSLE would use wider scoring bands, instead of a precise aggregate T-score, to reduce the obsession with academic grades.
Meanwhile, schoolwork, exams and the syllabus were common concerns for parents in the IPS survey.
About 71 per cent of parents said helping their child with numerous tests and exams was stressful, while almost 60 per cent felt anxious as they did not know how to help their child with the challenging syllabus.
About half of the parents said they were concerned their child could not keep up with what was taught or was not achieving the grades he was capable of.
Ms Jamie Chan, 36, a corporate communications officer, said her Primary 2 daughter has good teachers, but she also hopes the school syllabus will not get too tough.
"Her Chinese teacher, for instance, is doing a good job in capturing her interest in the subject, but the syllabus looks harder than what I recall from my time.
"I am concerned that it will get exponentially harder in the years ahead," said Ms Chan.
Alumni, clan links least of considerations
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
Alumni links and affiliations with religious organisations or clans were the least of most parents' considerations when it comes to picking a primary school for their children, according to a survey by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).
This is contrary to the perception that such connections are important in getting children into good schools, said Dr Mathew Mathews, who led the study.
Factors related to a school's external network were less important than attributes such as teacher quality, emphasis on character building and proximity to home. More parents - about seven to nine in 10 - also indicated that support for weaker students, facilities and infrastructure, and range and performance of co-curricular activities were essential qualities.
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 17 Jul 2017
This is contrary to the perception that such connections are important in getting children into good schools, said Dr Mathew Mathews, who led the study.
Factors related to a school's external network were less important than attributes such as teacher quality, emphasis on character building and proximity to home. More parents - about seven to nine in 10 - also indicated that support for weaker students, facilities and infrastructure, and range and performance of co-curricular activities were essential qualities.
New school of thought afoot among Singapore parents
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 20 Jul 2017
When former education minister Heng Swee Keat popularised the slogan "Every school, a good school" a few years ago, it was met with some disbelief.
But a nationwide survey conducted last year has found that most parents are satisfied with their children's primary schools.
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) poll of 1,500 Singaporean and permanent resident parents showed that a majority of them felt that most primary schools here provide high-quality education.
The sample of parents had a proportionate number of children in all the 180 or so primary schools here.
And the concept of what makes a good school is more fine-grained than most would think.
Beyond high academic grades, most parents felt that a good school is one that can help students from all backgrounds and has teachers who care about their socio-emotional development.
Other criteria that they ranked highly included an emphasis on discipline, character and values.
Academic achievement remains important, and the pressure to do well still exists - as seen by the significant proportion of parents in the survey who said helping their child with examinations and homework is stressful.
But perhaps other things such as character-building, support for weaker students and the notion that every school might be a good school in its own way is slowly sinking in.
The Ministry of Education has, over the years, taken steps to make sure that every school is able to live up to that slogan, by encouraging schools to build up their own strengths and specialities.
The process of shuffling experienced principals across schools also allows them to share their best practices and decades of insights.
Against this backdrop, it is encouraging to see that most parents are accepting of different schools, whether they are deemed prestigious or not.
IPS study: Which kind of parent are you - loving lion, old school or new school?
'Loving lion' parents may pass on their stress
IPS study identifies parents who want everything for their primary school kids
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 1 Sep 2017
There is a new kind of parent in Singapore - the "loving lion".
The term, coined by researchers at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), is an echo of the well-known "tiger mum" - a mother who is hyper-focused on her children's achievement and performance.
"Loving lions" want everything for their children, said IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews yesterday. He was sharing the findings from a study he led on parents' attitudes towards primary schools.
"They know academic grades are no longer enough, that their children need other soft skills and competencies," said Dr Mathews at a forum on parents and schooling. It was organised by IPS and held at Orchard Hotel. "They want to provide a happy environment, but also want good results."
All these desires cause these parents to be highly stressed, and they then pass on this stress to their children, Dr Mathews said.
He added that he used the word "loving" because the parents care for the well-being of their children.
Some 30 per cent of respondents in the study that IPS conducted last year belonged to this category.
The survey polled 1,500 Singaporean and permanent resident parents. Its main findings were released in July this year.
Overall, the study found that a majority of parents were satisfied with their children's primary schools.
The study also grouped parents into two other categories - 34 per cent of them were "new school" and 29 per cent were "old school".
New-school parents tend to be more hands-off, and do not worry so much about academic results or achievement, said Dr Mathews.
Their concern is more about helping their children pursue their passions and build character.
Old-school parents, on the other hand, just want good grades, Dr Mathews added.
Parents in the "loving lions" group were the most involved in their children's lives. For instance, nearly 85 per cent of them said it was important for parents to ensure their children had all the resources to excel, in contrast to 37.5 per cent of new-school parents and 75 per cent of old-school ones.
Some 86 per cent of "loving lions" also said they needed to keep in touch with what the school and teachers were doing for their children, compared with 39 per cent of new-school parents and 77.6 per cent of old-school ones.
The IPS study found that despite their differences, almost all parents - 94 per cent - want to provide a happy environment for their children rather than focus solely on good grades. "However, how this is implemented may differ substantially," said Dr Mathews.
Parents said they are increasingly seeing the need for their children to have good character so that they make sound decisions.
Madam Janice Ong, 48, who has an 18-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son, said values are more important to her than good grades. "Having an academic foundation is important, but beyond that, I have to understand my children's abilities," said the housewife. "I always tell them to put in their best efforts and not focus on the outcome."
She added: "When they are responsible, everything falls into place. They know their duties as students.
"More importantly, our children must be mentally healthy. I let them pursue their passions and interests, not so much getting As, so that they'll be happier."
IPS Forum on Parents and Schooling -31 Aug 2017
By Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 20 Jul 2017
When former education minister Heng Swee Keat popularised the slogan "Every school, a good school" a few years ago, it was met with some disbelief.
But a nationwide survey conducted last year has found that most parents are satisfied with their children's primary schools.
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) poll of 1,500 Singaporean and permanent resident parents showed that a majority of them felt that most primary schools here provide high-quality education.
The sample of parents had a proportionate number of children in all the 180 or so primary schools here.
And the concept of what makes a good school is more fine-grained than most would think.
Beyond high academic grades, most parents felt that a good school is one that can help students from all backgrounds and has teachers who care about their socio-emotional development.
Other criteria that they ranked highly included an emphasis on discipline, character and values.
Academic achievement remains important, and the pressure to do well still exists - as seen by the significant proportion of parents in the survey who said helping their child with examinations and homework is stressful.
But perhaps other things such as character-building, support for weaker students and the notion that every school might be a good school in its own way is slowly sinking in.
The Ministry of Education has, over the years, taken steps to make sure that every school is able to live up to that slogan, by encouraging schools to build up their own strengths and specialities.
The process of shuffling experienced principals across schools also allows them to share their best practices and decades of insights.
Against this backdrop, it is encouraging to see that most parents are accepting of different schools, whether they are deemed prestigious or not.
IPS study: Which kind of parent are you - loving lion, old school or new school?
'Loving lion' parents may pass on their stress
IPS study identifies parents who want everything for their primary school kids
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 1 Sep 2017
There is a new kind of parent in Singapore - the "loving lion".
The term, coined by researchers at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), is an echo of the well-known "tiger mum" - a mother who is hyper-focused on her children's achievement and performance.
"Loving lions" want everything for their children, said IPS senior research fellow Mathew Mathews yesterday. He was sharing the findings from a study he led on parents' attitudes towards primary schools.
"They know academic grades are no longer enough, that their children need other soft skills and competencies," said Dr Mathews at a forum on parents and schooling. It was organised by IPS and held at Orchard Hotel. "They want to provide a happy environment, but also want good results."
All these desires cause these parents to be highly stressed, and they then pass on this stress to their children, Dr Mathews said.
He added that he used the word "loving" because the parents care for the well-being of their children.
Some 30 per cent of respondents in the study that IPS conducted last year belonged to this category.
The survey polled 1,500 Singaporean and permanent resident parents. Its main findings were released in July this year.
Overall, the study found that a majority of parents were satisfied with their children's primary schools.
The study also grouped parents into two other categories - 34 per cent of them were "new school" and 29 per cent were "old school".
New-school parents tend to be more hands-off, and do not worry so much about academic results or achievement, said Dr Mathews.
Their concern is more about helping their children pursue their passions and build character.
Old-school parents, on the other hand, just want good grades, Dr Mathews added.
Parents in the "loving lions" group were the most involved in their children's lives. For instance, nearly 85 per cent of them said it was important for parents to ensure their children had all the resources to excel, in contrast to 37.5 per cent of new-school parents and 75 per cent of old-school ones.
Some 86 per cent of "loving lions" also said they needed to keep in touch with what the school and teachers were doing for their children, compared with 39 per cent of new-school parents and 77.6 per cent of old-school ones.
The IPS study found that despite their differences, almost all parents - 94 per cent - want to provide a happy environment for their children rather than focus solely on good grades. "However, how this is implemented may differ substantially," said Dr Mathews.
Parents said they are increasingly seeing the need for their children to have good character so that they make sound decisions.
Madam Janice Ong, 48, who has an 18-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son, said values are more important to her than good grades. "Having an academic foundation is important, but beyond that, I have to understand my children's abilities," said the housewife. "I always tell them to put in their best efforts and not focus on the outcome."
She added: "When they are responsible, everything falls into place. They know their duties as students.
"More importantly, our children must be mentally healthy. I let them pursue their passions and interests, not so much getting As, so that they'll be happier."
IPS Forum on Parents and Schooling -31 Aug 2017
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