Schools committed to developing students’ 21st Century Competencies

We thank Mr Zhuang Yu Ye for his suggestion to introduce debate in the school curriculum ("辩论有意义吗?", May 15) and agree on the value of debates in allowing our students to approach issues logically, appreciate diverse views and make well-informed decisions.

Mr Zhuang will be glad to know that schools provide opportunities for students to strengthen their 21st Century Competencies, such as critical and adaptive thinking, civic, global and cross cultural literacy, communication and collaboration skills through a variety of subjects such as Languages and Humanities, as well as co-curricular activities for all students.

Our schools place emphasis on imbuing our students with the values, dispositions and skills to listen actively and respond to multiple perspectives sensitively and with discernment. For example, discursive strategies such as discussions, dialogue and debates are commonly practised during Languages and Humanities lessons to help students explore, collaborate and co-construct knowledge to deepen understanding of various topics and issues. In addition, during Character and Citizenship Education lessons, teachers regularly facilitate discussions on contemporary issues, where students learn to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy when interacting with others from different backgrounds and communities, and come to appreciate the importance of shared values and the common good. By incorporating a variety of methods alongside debates, students receive a holistic learning experience that fosters both critical thinking and empathy across the curriculum.

Students who wish to sharpen their debate skills may participate in debate clubs and competitions in schools. They can also participate in events such as the Model United Nations.

MOE and schools will continue to nurture in students the values, competencies and dispositions they need to thrive in life.

Mr Sherwin Cheng
Director, 21st Century Competencies Office
Ministry of Education

郑昌祥
教育部 21 世纪技能办公室司长

学校致力培养学生的21世纪技能

谨答复《联合早报·交流站·青年视角》于5月15日刊登的庄钰业同学投函《辩论有意义吗？》：

我们感谢庄同学关于在学校课程中引入辩论的建议，并认同辩论的价值在于让学生理性地处理问题，了解不同的观点，以及做出明智的决定。

学校通过语文和人文科学等各种科目，以及课程辅助活动，为学生提供加强批判性和适应性思维，公民、全球和跨文化素养，以及沟通和协作能力等21世纪技能的机会。

学校注重培养学生积极倾听，审慎而明辨事理地回应不同观点的价值观、品性和技能，例如语文和人文课通常会采用讨论、对话和辩论等辨证策略，以帮助学生探索、协作和共同构建知识，加深对各种课题和问题的理解。此外，在上品格与公民教育（Character and Citizenship Education）课程时，教师会定期引导学生就当代问题展开讨论，让学生学会在与来自不同背景和社区的人交流时，表现出敏感性和同理心，并逐渐认识到共同价值观和共同利益的重要性。各种方法和辩论的结合，使学生能通过课程培养批判性思维和同理心，获得全面的学习体验。

希望提高辩论技巧的学生，可以参加学校的辩论俱乐部和比赛。他们也可以参加模拟联合国大会（Model United Nations）等活动。

教育部和学校会继续培养学生的价值观、能力和品性，使他们能在人生中取得成功。

教育部21世纪技能办公室
司长郑昌祥