Teaching of Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics at Post-Secondary Level
Ministry of EducationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Leon Perera’s inquiry on whether elements of the Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics (CORE) have been introduced to make post-secondary economics more applicable to real-world situations. Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng responded that the GCE "A" level curriculum already utilizes authentic case studies and real-world examples, such as the Singapore Budget, to teach economic principles. He noted that the Singapore Student Learning Space provides lesson packages on consumer behavior regarding sugary beverages and private-hire rides to reflect contemporary contexts. Minister for Education (Schools) Ng Chee Meng stated that CORE materials may be used as supplementary resources within this online platform where appropriate. The existing curriculum focuses on enabling students to analyze economic decisions and recognize the consequences of actions for individuals, firms, and the economy.
Transcript
28 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education (Schools) whether the Ministry has introduced elements of the Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics (CORE), which aims to teach economics in a way that is more applicable to real-world situations at the post-secondary level and, if not, whether it will consider doing so.
Mr Ng Chee Meng: It is, indeed, important for all subjects, including Economics, to be taught in a way that is applicable to real-world situations. Our curriculum is designed to do so.
The GCE "A" level Economics curriculum is designed to provide students opportunities to apply Economics concepts, principles and theories to real-world contexts. Through the use of real-world examples and authentic case studies, students are engaged in class discussions that enable them to analyse how economic decisions are made, consider multiple perspectives in decision-making and recognise consequences arising from decisions made. For example, students discuss the thinking behind the Singapore Budget, and the possible impact of the Budget on individuals, firms and the economy.
The Singapore Student Learning Space, which is the Ministry of Education online learning platform that is being developed, includes case studies and resources that reflect real-world contexts. For example, Economics lesson packages on how pricing of goods and services, such as sugary beverages and private-hire rides, influence consumer behaviour and expenditure are available on this learning platform.
Where appropriate, Curriculum Open-access Resources in Economics can serve as a supplementary resource for incorporation in the Singapore Student Learning Space.