Futuristic Schools: “Little Red Dot” Strategies in a Globalised Economy

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The dynamic progress of globalisation has been reshaping the culture, politics and economy of countries. This knowledge-based and post-Fordist work environment requires the formation of new curriculum and pedagogical practices. Therefore in order for a country to sustain its economic survival, it is absolutely necessary to restructure its education policies and practices, as well as its educational leadership skills. At the political level, the government has to put in place national education policies that are able to create a workforce who can meet the global demands. At the national level, the education ministry has to ensure that these policies are well translated in schools. Basically, the present education setting has to fulfil the economic objectives of a country.

This paper examines the present Singapore’s education landscape and its pedagogical practices. It reviews the Singapore government’s interpretation of globalisation and examines its responses to this globalised economy. Specifically, it looks at the strategies adopted by the government and its education ministry in the refining of its Ability-driven Education framework. It discusses Singapore’s 2008 education strategy FutureSchools@Singapore, which stresses the use of the most up-to-date information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning in Singapore schools.

Stream: Curriculum and Pedagogy; Student Learning, Learner Experiences, Learner Diversity

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Dr Chua completed her PhD in Education from The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia 2006. She had taught in Singapore schools, Singapore Institute of Management University and UQ before joining NIE/NTU in June 2007. At present her research interests include information technology in schools, media in educational reforms, educational policy reforms, literacy, educational leadership, curriculum and pedagogy.