EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION (Evaluation of effectiveness)

Mr L. P. Rodrigo asked the Minister for Education (a) whether measures have been taken to assess the effectiveness of educational television as it is currently programmed to schools as a medium of instruction; and (b) whether there are plans to expand the department of educational television in the immediate future.

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng (for the Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, (a) a continuous system of evaluating the effectiveness of E.T.V. programmes has been in operation ever since the Singapore Educational Television Service was launched by the Ministry of Education in January 1967. All secondary schools in the Republic are required to send in weekly returns containing information on the reception of programmes telecast in the previous week. This information is processed and analysed by machine and the findings are used for effecting further improvement in future programmes.

In addition, courses on evaluation and utilisation of E.T.V. programmes are conducted periodically for all E.T.V. officers and teachers using the programmes.

(b) Plans for the expansion of the E.T.V. Service were submitted to the Economic Planning Unit of the Ministry of Finance as early as April 1967. In July the E.P.U. conducted an independent survey of the effectiveness of E.T.V. and reported that expansion should not be embarked upon until the service has consolidated itself. Subsequently, the E.P.U. relented on this decision and recommended expansion. More recently, an internationally known expert on E.T.V. was provided by the Ford Foundation at the request of the Government to make recommendations concerning the E.T.V. Service. This expert has submitted a favourable report recommending expansion. Whether the service is to be expanded now is purely a question of financial consideration.

Mr Rodrigo: Mr Speaker, Sir, do I understand that the intended expansion of television is going to displace radio broadcasting to schools? Also, what is the future of radio broadcasting to schools?

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Mr Speaker, Sir, the expansion of E.T.V. in relation to radio broadcasts to schools is still under consideration. The running up of the E.T.V. Service and the running down of radio broadcasts to schools has still to be worked out.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Mr Speaker, Sir, what measure of success has been achieved as a result of the introduction of E.T.V. programmes in secondary schools?

Dr Lee Chiaw Meng: Mr Speaker, Sir, my original answer to the hon. Member for Serangoon Gardens answers this supplementary question. E.T.V. has been successful and that is why we are planning expansion.