The International Survey on Teaching and Learning (TALIS) collected data from 3,500 secondary school teachers in 145 public and 10 private schools in Singapore. The results paint a picture that is both encouraging and worrying about the teaching profession in this island nation.
According to TALIS, full-time teachers in Singapore work an average of 47.3 hours per week, significantly higher than the OECD average of 41 hours and unchanged from 2018. Of this, actual teaching time accounts for only 17.7 hours per week, lower than the OECD average of 22.7 hours. Instead, Singaporean teachers spend 8.2 hours preparing lessons and 4 hours on administrative work, higher than the global average.
The heavy workload has clearly reflected in their mental health. 27% of Singaporean teachers reported feeling very stressed, compared to the OECD average of 19%. Notably, stress levels were significantly higher among teachers under 30 than among older teachers.
The top three causes of stress are heavy administrative workload, excessive grading, and responsibility for student achievement. Approximately 53% of teachers reported that administrative tasks were their primary source of stress.
According to the Ministry of Education , fewer teaching hours are not a sign of inefficiency but rather reflect the expanding role of teachers. They are expected to not only impart knowledge but also act as coaches, mentors, and organizers of extracurricular activities. However, this also raises questions about the sustainability of the teaching profession as demands outside the classroom continue to increase.
In response to this situation, the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) has affirmed that it is implementing various measures to reduce workload. Over the past few years, the Ministry has cut administrative tasks by 10% and piloted a "Parent Portal" to allow parents to submit documents online, thus easing the burden on teachers.
The Ministry also encourages teachers not to respond to work-related messages outside of school hours, except in emergencies, and to use AI to automate grading, student assessment, and data management. According to the Ministry, this is a step aimed at “helping teachers focus more on teaching and holistic student development.”
On the other hand, the report shows that Singaporean teachers are world leaders in technology adoption. Around 75% of teachers reported using AI in their teaching, double the OECD average (36%). Of those, 82% said AI helped them improve their lesson plans, and 74% found AI reduced their administrative workload.
However, the Singapore Ministry of Education also acknowledges that the application of AI does not significantly reduce working hours, as integrating the technology requires continuous training and skill development, adding new pressure on many teachers.
Singapore's Minister for Education, Desmond Lee, emphasized: “The TALIS results are very helpful as they help the government see the challenges facing teachers and build stronger support systems. Singapore will continue to streamline procedures, invest in technology, expand psychological training for teachers, and promote a culture of respect for their personal time.”
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/nghe-giao-giua-vong-xoay-ap-luc-post751886.html
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