1. Dr Ang Wai Hoong Singapore
Curriculum Development
and Textbooks in Singapore
Dr Ang Wai Hoong
Singapore

2. Evolution of Curriculum and Textbook Development 1965 to present
Reliance on imported textbooks
MOE started on Civics textbooks
Published by MOE EPB
1965
1969
Pioneering efforts in textbook development by MOE
Civics textbooks in four languages
Designed textbooks for innovative teaching
1970
1979
Institutionalized innovation in textbook development
Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore (CDIS) setup to provide textbooks for Primary and Secondary levels of the New Education System
1980
1996
CDIS closed in MOE focused on curriculum frameworks and syllabuses
* commercial publishers provide textbooks
* MOE authorize and approve
1997
to-date

3. Syllabuses to Teaching Materials
MOE Syllabuses Teachers Students
Provide Objectives Select, prepare Use & learn
Content topics teaching materials teacher-prepared
Approach Teach materials

4. Importance of Textbooks
Transmit knowledge, skills, attitudes, values
Shortage of qualified and well-trained teachers
Lack of relevant teaching and learning resources
High stakes examinations influence placement in good schools, scholarship/bursary award, job prospects

5. Phase I 1965 - 1969 Vernacular Schools
showed strong orientation to migrants’ motherland
MOE set up Education Publication Bureau (EPB)- publish textbooks for Civics and Mother Tongue languages

6. Commercial publishers supplied textbooks
Phase II
Commercial publishers supplied textbooks
MOE provided textbooks for innovative projects to improve teaching and learning
Education for Living
Integration of Civics, History and Geography in Mother Tongue languages
Primary Pilot project
Integration of English, Mathematics and Science

7. Chinese Language Project
Phase II
Chinese Language Project
Emphasis on oracy and literacy
Lower Secondary Science
Emphasis on concepts, scientific skills and attitudes
Both projects joined CDIS and were successfully implemented in schools

8. Phase III
Implementation of New Education System (NES)
Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore (CDIS) set up to develop quality textbook packages
On time for sale and use in schools
Affordable prices

9. Structure of CDIS MOE C D I S Writing Teams Humanities Languages
Mathematics & Science
Department of Education Technology
Administration Department

10. Organizational Structure and Functions of CDIS

11. Main Functions of CDIS Administrative Department Human Resource Staff
Production
Specification
Time lines
Work with Publishers
Tenders
Publication dates
Costs/pricing
Project Team
Develop conceptual framework
Write materials
Trial material in Schools
Assist in evaluation by NIE
Conduct dissemination workshops
Department of Education Technology
Develop Audio Visual materials
Produce Educational Television Programs
Provide imported AV materials for loan to Schools
Conduct workshops on the use of Education Technology for teachers

12. Requirements of Textbooks
Generally one textbook and work/activity book per grade per subject in primary and secondary levels
Each textbook and work/activity book published in two parts for two semesters a year
preserve better
lighter to carry

13. Phase IV 1997 to present CDIS closed in 1996
Curriculum Planning and Development Division
Prepares syllabuses (except Civics and Moral Education and Mother Tongue languages) for commercial publishers
Controls authorization process to ensure quality and affordable prices of textbooks
Lists all approve textbooks and prices on website

14. Available Teaching Resources
Imported textbooks
1965
1969
Imported textbooks
Locally published textbooks
Library resources
1970
1979
CDIS multimedia textbooks packages
Imported textbooks
Locally published textbooks
Library resources
1980
1996
Local commercially published textbooks
Imported textbooks
Commercially available multimedia teaching resources (computer softwares, websites, e-books)
Library multimedia resources
1997
to-date

15. Singapore’s Experience
Scarce resources - textbooks important
Plentiful resources - textbooks useful

16. Singapore’s Experience
Textbooks transmit
National values – nation building
Knowledge and skills – national
development

17. Singapore’s Experience
CDIS (MOE) collaboration with commercial publishers produced
Quality textbook
Affordable prices

18. Singapore’s Experience
Dissemination workshops to model effective use of textbooks for teachers to
adopt teaching approaches
teach content
prescribed by MOE syllabuses to achieve
desired outcomes

19. Singapore’s Experience
MOE authorization process ensures
Quality textbooks
Affordable prices

20. Singapore’s Experience
Textbooks for all students
Parents to buy textbooks
MOE free textbook scheme for needy students
Assistance from schools and other organizations