Your views: Seize opportunity to reduce student-teacher ratio
It was interesting to read of the amalgamation of several schools once again ("8 junior colleges among 28 schools to be merged"; The Straits Times, April 21).
I understand the need for this exercise, due to the reduced population and fewer students available to fill up the classrooms.
But, since it is not uncommon to have as many as 30 to 40 students a class, why isn't the Ministry of Education taking this opportunity to reduce the student-teacher ratio instead?
If we reduce the student-teacher ratio by 50 per cent, our teachers can spend more time with the students. This will enable students to learn more in school rather than at tuition centres. Families can then spend less on tuition.
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