Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Low Yen Ling felt the format of the PSLE could be tweaked. [...] She also suggested looking into how non-academic aspects could also be assessed as part of the PSLE score. For example, marks for participation could be given for activities related to national education or community service, she said.

Are you scoring well in all your subjects, but still missing that 15% to get you that overall "A"? Then this article is for you! If you're already a pretty bright student, and even if you're not, chances are you're just not conscious enough of the impression you're making on your teacher. Here are some tips to make sure you're the apple of your teacher's eye.

 1) Make sure you sit near the front of the class, but not too far in front, or the teacher won't see you. Also try and position yourself near the centre, or where the teacher usually stands/sits while carrying out the lesson. Remain in easy sight.

 2) Look at the teacher as often as possible. If you can afford to, don't take notes, or take minimal notes, so it won't look like you're just copying everything the teacher's saying. Gaze intently, perhaps widening your eyes or raising your eyebrows a little to avoid looking sleepy.

 3) Try to ask questions more than you give answers. Answers make you look like some know-it-all and doesn't give quite as much evidence of you engaging with the lesson. Ask about everything you can, even if you think you already know the answer. Make sure your questions are as relevant and probing as possible. 

 4) Try not to raise your hand too many times or the teacher's just going to get annoyed with you. About 3-5 times every lesson should be ideal.

 5) When it comes to class discussions, though, go all out. Prepare copiously. Listen really closely to what your other classmates are saying and tell them whatever you think is wrong with what they're saying. Make sure your own argument is as strong as possible so that you can answer everything they throw at you. It's okay if you end up losing, though; as long as you've shown evidence that you know how to carry on a discussion to some length, you're gold.

 6) DO NOT FALL ASLEEP IN CLASS. Drink coffee if you have to, though honestly I think you should be saving it for when you get to the major national exams like A-Levels or IB. Best to not build up a caffeine tolerance so early. Just get enough rest, and you can also keep yourself awake by asking questions!

 7) If your teacher hangs around in class for a few minutes after the bell rings and you have nothing else to say to her, go and discuss the previous lesson with your classmates. It will help you too, in terms of consolidating your learning. Try and make sure it can be heard at the front of the class, though, it'll be mighty impressive.

 8) This should go without saying, but be a diligent student in all other areas, or the tips won't work nearly as well. Do your homework on time, but if you have trouble completing your homework due to difficulty or whatever, make sure you let your teacher know that and ask him/her to help you, instead of just giving up and/or faking and/or copying from other people. Again, this will really help you in the long run, and it'll help turn a sour image of you into a sweet one. You'll come across as an earnest student instead of a dumb one. 

 9) If you can, try and see your teacher after school at least once. See if you can steer the conversation towards a discussion of your personal qualities, hunger for knowledge, or even your family if you think it would help. The whole point is to make an impression on this teacher beyond your classmates. Don't take it too far, though, or you'll either make it too obvious you're sucking up or your teacher might start thinking you need professional help.

 10) Smile.

 In short, the key is to make your teacher remember you, and remember you for good things. After all, your teacher's the one giving you the mark (:


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  (This is satire, obviously. Abolishing PSLE, or even changing it? Not gonna fly, if this is what we'd turn it into.)