Country:            Singapore
Title:              Project on Improving the Performance of Technical
                    Subjects (PIPOTS).  
Project Leader(s):  Soon Eng Li, Specialist Inspector/Technical.  
Institution:        Sciences Branch.  Curriculum Planning Division. 
                    Ministry of Education.  
Address:            Kay Siang Road.  
Town/City:          Singapore.  
Zip/Postcode:       1024.  
Country:            Singapore.  
Telephone:          4739111.   - Facsimile: 4756128.  
Abstract:           Secondary schools with poor performance in
                    Technical Subjects at the GCE 'O' level
                    examinations were identified.  They were then
                    given assistance to improve the performance.  
Objectives:         To assist secondary schools with poor performance
                    in Technical subjects in improving their results.
Methodology:        1.  Identification of schools with poor
                    performance using data from the Examinations
                    Branch.     2.  Working with the respective
                    schools to establish the cause/s of poor
                    performance.  This was usually achieved mainly by
                    discussions with HODs and teachers.  Where
                    necessary, the teachers were observed during
                    lessons.     3.  After the cause/s of poor
                    performance were identified, remedial actions
                    were carried out.  In most cases, the teachers
                    needed guidance in preparing their students for
                    the examination.  Workshops were mounted to
                    address the problem.  
Background:         The project was conceived in 1984 to raise the
                    performance of Technical subjects at GCE 'O'
                    level in schools with poor results.  
Expected Outcomes:  1) Identification of schools that were weak in
                    Technical subjects;  2) Schools were aware of the
                    cause/s of poor performance;  3) Improvement in
                    passing rate.  
Results to Date:    In all the 20 schools covered under the project
                    during a 4 year period, there was a significant
                    improvement in the percentage credit passes at
                    GCE 'O' level.  In many cases, an increase of 30
                    to 50 percentage point was achieved.  
Commencement Date:  Jan 1985.              Duration: 4 years.  
Completion Date:    Nov 1988.  
Descriptors:        Technical secondary schools