National Education is about engaging hearts and minds. It is about developing a citizenry that is in tune with national issues – past, present and future. It is about appreciating how the nation came about, understanding the significance of the challenges we face and being actively involved in building the nation’s future.
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The history of National Education
National Education efforts kicked off in a big way in 1997 in schools as the post-independence generation knew little of Singapore’s history, our struggles as a nation for both independence and survival and the values that have enabled us to succeed. Few know that National Education has been around since the 1970s, when the Singapore Armed Forces had to explain to its recruits and National Servicemen why we had to build up our own defence, the rationale behind National Service and what it is they were defending.
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Is National Education just government propaganda?
National Education is a government-led initiative. But it is not about the government or about pushing the government agenda. It is about our present, past and future as Singaporeans.
The image of government propaganda is something National Education practitioners have to grapple with. To overcome this image, it is important for practitioners to truly understand what National Education is about. It is also important to understand how to convey National Education subtly, creatively and effectively.
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Is National Education meant to be alarmist?
National Education addresses serious issues. The messages should not be trivialised. But they should also not scare people or make them feel insecure or depressed. We face serious challenges as a nation. But we also have much to be proud of. Any National Education programme must seek to strike a balance in terms of communicating the challenges the future brings and confidence in our ability to overcome these challenges, as we have done in the past.
National Education should not be alarmist. Nor should it be too serious or boring. There is scope for practitioners to carry out National Education in creative and fun ways, without trivialising the messages.
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Can National Education be treated like a school subject?
"This is not just another school subject for pupils, or another duty for overworked teachers…you (teachers) must yourselves feel passionately for the country and understand…our collective interests and what we stand for. Only then can you teach with conviction, instill pride and confidence in your students and help them to acquire the right instincts."
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Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
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National Education is not like an academic subject –with facts and figures to memorise and exams and quizzes to "score" in.
National Education seeks to develop awareness, appreciation, identification, attitudes and commitment. It is about persuasive communication and is not something that can be passed on through didactic instruction alone.
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Last updated on 13 Aug 2007
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