c. What are the relationships between social studies education and society?

The other day i read this interesting speech by foreign minister george yeo which drew analogy between the deviation that is happening in islam today with the mutation of good cells into malignant cells;the process of cancer formation. he talks about how cells were initially good before turning bad in the evolution of cancer and equates this to how the idea of muslim brotherhood started with good intentions has evolved into terror groups like the al-qaeda and JI. The speech goes on to say that despite chemotherapy ultimately the fight that has to place at the cellular level in the cancer treatment. the good cells will have to identify the bad cells and attack them. similarly chemotherapy in the form of clean ups performed in Afghanistan alone would not be enough to eradicate the problem of terrorism. like the good cells identifying and attacking the bad cells it is the religious leaders themselves who have to identify these religious extremists who justify their killings by claiming to save their religion which according to them is under threat.

likewise in social studies education it is necessary to educate the young so that they would be able to judge between right and wrong.they should be like the good cells who would be able to identify the undesirable elements not only in the religious fraternity but in society as well. social studies education would be able to fulfill this role and allow individuals to become not only better citizens but also better a person.

b. Write an impressionistic sketch of what type of social studies teacher you will be (or hope to be)?

I hope to stray away from the typical social studies teacher who is going to come to class and inform students of who wrote the pledge and national anthem! In short make students realise that this is not an extension of their history lessons but lessons that are important. Being part of society we all have roles to play and rules to adhere to and its necessary that individuals realise the need to do so rather than doing it blindly!

a. What do you see as the main value and purpose of social studies education in Singapore?

The main value and purpose of social studies education in Singapore is to strengthen the bonds an individual has towards this nation. It is to create a sense of belonging amongst the young and to do this they are made to learn how independence came about. Moreover they must be made aware of the value of this independence and not take it for granted. Singapore as we know does not have long or rich history as compared to countries like China and India hence forming a national identity is a rather challenging one. Coupled with this is the existence of a multi-racial population, which makes the task a Herculean, one.

What better way to bring about unity within this diverse community then targeting the young? The inculcation of religious and racial tolerance to them through social studies is key to a harmonious society. Racial intolerance is a highly sensitive issue, which if not kept in check can have serious repercussions on society. In recent years our immediate neighbour Malaysia has had racial riots that ended in casualties. Taking into account our close proximity with Malaysia this violence could have infiltrated here too. However with all the drive and importance for racial harmony, racial riots still remain a thing of the past.