MOE studying possibility of letting teachers focus on fewer responsibilities beyond classroom teaching
This is part of MOE's efforts to recalibrate teachers' work more deliberately.
The Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) is exploring ways to lighten the workload of teachers and allow them to concentrate more on teaching and interacting with students. Education Minister Desmond Lee spoke at a seminar on September 16, where he highlighted the various responsibilities beyond classroom teaching that teachers currently juggle, such as student support, counseling, parent engagement, administrative duties, co-curricular activities (CCAs), and committee work.
Lee noted that constant switching between these responsibilities can be mentally exhausting for teachers.
In response, MOE is studying the possibility of allowing teachers to focus on just two out of the three remaining areas beyond classroom teaching: form teaching, CCAs, and committee work. This recalibration of workload would enable teachers to devote more time to classroom practice and deeper student interactions. Lee emphasized that while additional support has been provided, such as more allied educators and administrative staff, MOE wants to take a step further in organizing teachers' work more efficiently.
MOE is also investigating the possibility of flexible learning spaces and smaller class sizes to enhance teaching and learning. For instance, Queenstown Secondary School has successfully implemented flexible furniture and varied seating arrangements, promoting a variety of teaching approaches. However, Lee cautioned that smaller classes alone do not guarantee reduced workload, as teachers might end up taking on more teaching responsibilities.
The ministry will need to consider a comprehensive redesign of teaching and learning when implementing such changes.
MOE will continue to leverage technology to streamline teachers' professional work and simplify routine processes. The Teacher Workspace platform, which consolidates essential student information, tools, and workflows, will be rolled out to all MOE schools by 2027. Additionally, MOE aims to strengthen learner-centred teaching approaches such as inquiry-based and collaborative learning.
An example of this is the Telok Kurau Primary School, where students applied science concepts to redesign the school’s outdoor garden shed into an improved learning environment.
MOE will also review teacher feedback processes, providing clearer guidance on marking methods that best support learning and exploring how technology can enhance the feedback process. These measures are part of two shifts to strengthen holistic development and prepare students for an uncertain future, with pilot schools set to begin in January 2027.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
