Children's Lifeworlds in a Global City: Singapore

This book explores the connections between policy contexts, school experiences, and everyday activities of children growing up in Singapore, focusing on how these experiences shape their orientations towards educational success. It draws on empirical data from Primary 4 classes in two Singapore schools and offers a comprehensive exploration of children's lives inside and outside of school, moving beyond a simplistic focus on academic performance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book delves into the intricate connections between policy contexts, school experiences, and the everyday lives of children growing up in the vibrant global city of Singapore. It explores in depth how the experiences of these children both within and outside of the school environment shape their attitudes and aspirations towards educational success. Alongside a comprehensive analysis of school life and educational policies, the book also takes into account the various out-of-school activities that children engage in, such as leisure, homework, and enrichment activities. It examines the interplay between these activities and their school-based counterparts, shedding light on the ways in which they contribute to the overall development of the children.

The book draws upon a rich array of empirical data, including student-completed surveys, classroom ethnographies, student responses to a learning dialogues activity, and a re-enactment of one child's out-of-school life. This data is supplemented by a thorough curriculum and policy analysis, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the experiences of Singapore Primary 4 children both inside and outside of the school.

By moving beyond a simplistic focus on Singapore children's academic performance in international high-stakes testing, the book offers a holistic exploration of their lives. It delves into the various aspects of their experiences, including the structure of timetables, pedagogical approaches encountered in school lessons, children's enjoyment of activities both inside and outside of school, their engagement and well-being at school, and the impact of Singapore's educational policies on their learning experiences.

This unique approach, which takes into account the multifaceted nature of children's lives, is particularly valuable in the Singapore context. It contributes to a deeper understanding of children's everyday lives in the city, highlighting the complex interplay between policy, school, and family environments. The book provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of childhood development and education in Singapore.

Weight: 459g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811966446
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022