‘Not about preventing AI misuse’: S’pore universities move from grading essays to assessing thinking
Singaporean universities are shifting from traditional essay-based assessments to more interactive methods to evaluate student thinking, particularly in light of increasing AI usage. At Singapore Management University (SMU), professors assess students through live presentations and Q&A sessions, focusing on spontaneous responses rather than written essays. Similarly, Professor Michelle Lee at SMU requires students to write essays in class without aids, testing their ability to synthesize information. This trend reflects broader concerns about AI's role in academic work, highlighted by incidents at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) where students faced penalties for AI misuse. Several institutions, including NTU, SUSS, NUS, SIT, and SUTD, have announced they will no longer use AI-detection tools, while SMU employs them as part of a broader strategy to identify misuse.
Presslee Chng, now 25, recalls the moment his life took a sharp turn when he was forced to drop out of Primary 1 in 2008. His family, already struggling financially, faced eviction from their rented flat, leaving behind all his schoolbooks and uniforms. At the time, Mr Chng, then seven years old, barely grasped the gravity of the situation. He was relieved to skip school and spent much of his time watching television and playing video games with his siblings. The family’s constant movement between rental flats meant they rarely stayed in one place long enough to establish roots. This nomadic lifestyle made it difficult for Mr Chng and his two older siblings to maintain a consistent education. Their mother attempted to teach them at home using assessment books, but the effort proved ineffective. Instead, the children turned to entertainment, spending hours watching TV and playing on their Game Boy. For Mr Chng, this became a substitute for formal schooling. He credits his early exposure to Western comedies such as White Chicks and local programs like Police and Thief with helping him develop basic literacy skills. Despite the lack of formal education, Mr Chng remained curious and engaged with the world beyond his cramped rental flats. He often watched television as a means of learning about society, culture, and even language. However, his educational gap grew wider over the years. By the time he reached adolescence, he had missed key milestones in his academic journey, including the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), which marks the end of compulsory education in Singapore. The family’s isolation played a major role in their prolonged absence from the school system. They were cut off from extended relatives and lacked a registered address with the Ministry of Education. Neighbors occasionally tried to intervene, but the issue remained unaddressed. “Sometimes the neighbors did try to probe, but it's an uncomfortable topic,” Mr Chng said. “We were quite isolated.” The family relied solely on each other for support. Despite the challenges, Mr Chng retained warm memories of his time with his siblings, particularly the evenings they spent gathered around the television. These moments, though simple, offered a sense of stability in an otherwise unstable environment. Years later, Mr Chng found himself at a crossroads. With no formal qualifications and limited access to higher education, he struggled to find work. But his determination led him to pursue further studies. In 2024, he graduated from Republic Polytechnic, marking a turning point in his life. His success did not go unnoticed. He received the Ministry of Education’s Teaching Award, recognizing his potential to make a difference in the lives of others. Now, Mr Chng is training to become a teacher. His journey from a Primary 1 dropout to a trainee educator reflects both personal resilience and the power of perseverance. While his path was far from conventional, it underscores the importance of opportunity and support in shaping futures. As he prepares to enter the classroom, Mr Chng carries with him the lessons learned from his past, lessons that once seemed impossible to overcome.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
SG
