ISSues Explorer (July 2018)

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iSSues Explorer

July 2018 Developing Our Students as Informed, Concerned & Participative Citizens

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SELECTION OF THE MONTH This section explores the issue of deliberate online falsehoods and suggests strategies teachers can utilise in the classroom.

DICE IT UP

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This revamped section gives ideas on how teachers can utilise resources on the Singapore Student Learning Space (SLS) to better engage learners in the Social Studies classroom.

WHAT'S SIMMERING

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This section includes articles which cover the issues of: 1) Managing the Use of Personal Mobility Devices; 2) Inclusivity through CareShield Life; and 3) Managing Security Threats in an Evolving Environment.

Possible questions for discussion in the classroom are also included for teachers' use.

WHAT'S COOKING

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This section contains information on upcoming professional development opportunities for SS(S), as well as additional resources for use in classroom activities.

Brought to you by the Social Studies (Secondary) Unit

Selection of the Month Deliberate Online Falsehoods The spreading of falsehoods is not a new phenomenon. With advancements in technology and the help of the World Wide Web, information spreads at a much quicker pace. While digital technologies may have brought positive impact in many areas of life, they have also become a platform for spreading deliberate online falsehoods. This has impacted countries in many different ways, politically and socially. This Selection of the Month explores the issue of deliberate online falsehoods and suggests strategies to help students be discerning recipients of information.

The Spread of a Deliberate Online Falsehood After the April 2017 attack on Champs-Elysees in Paris, a video clip was circulated via Twitter

by Paul Golding, a member of the Britain First party. This video clip showed Muslims celebrating the terrorist attack. Investigations later revealed that the clip was that of Pakistanis celebrating their nation's victory in a June 2009 cricket match. While the offending tweet was removed, it could have angered non-Muslims and stirred up negative emotions towards Muslims. The impact on the country's multicultural society could have been adverse if the evidence had not surfaced and the tweet had not been removed.

How do we define Deliberate Online Falsehoods?

According to the joint Green Paper titled “Deliberate Online Falsehoods: Challenges and Implications”, submitted by the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of Law, deliberate online falsehoods refer to falsehoods that are “deliberately spread online” so as “to attack public institutions and individuals”. This is done “to sow discord amongst racial and religious communities, exploit fault-lines, undermine public institutions, interfere in elections as well as other democratic processes, and weaken countries”. Although this was the premise used by the Select Committee, there is currently no clear consensus on its definition.

Below are some descriptions of deliberate online falsehoods by members of public who submitted written representations on the issue.

“Deliberate Online Falsehoods are a danger which pose threats to national security and public order by exploiting existing cleavages in society.”

Dr Carol Soon and Mr Shawn Goh, Institute of Policy Studies “Fundamentally, the conflation of these DOFs with the popular and wider use of “fake news” also threatens the credibility of the mainstream media, ultimately leading to the loss of trust between the mainstream media and the public”.

Senior Editors of Channel NewsAsia “Deliberate Online Falsehoods [are] aimed at influencing election outcomes, influencing public debates on domestic policies.”

Dr Elmie Nekmat, National University of Singapore

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Selection of the Month What is the impact of deliberate online falsehoods on Singapore?

In a nation with a high level of internet penetration, the World Wide Web is easily accessible by almost every Singaporean. Information is available at the click of a button, and so are deliberate online falsehoods. The use of social media is also common. As more than 70% of Singaporeans are active social media users (Hootsuite, 2017), Singapore may fall victim to deliberate online falsehoods. Given Singapore’s rich cultural identity and ethnic makeup, peace between different ethnic groups, while present, is inevitably fragile. The spread of deliberate online falsehoods might lead to discrimination of a particular group. Discrimination could eventually lead to physical violence, and that ethnic group may be a target of hate crimes.

What is being done in response to deliberate online falsehoods?

Countries Germany enacted the Network Enforcement Act in 2017, which requires social networks with more than 2 million German users to remove illegal content within a day of it being reported. Such “illegal content” includes hate speech and defamation. Social networks that do not remove online falsehoods containing hate speech are liable to fines of up to 50 million euros (approximately SGD 79.5 million).

Source: Green Paper on Deliberate Online Falsehoods: Challenges and Implications Companies Social media giant, Facebook, uses artificial intelligence to detect and delete bots, fake accounts and pages. As a result, 30,000 Facebook accounts were removed during the French Presidential Election in 2017. Facebook has also started to post “related articles” together with links to news that are suspected to be false. This enables users to obtain more context about the news they read.

Source: Green Paper on Deliberate Online Falsehoods: Challenges and Implications Communities In Ukraine, a group of journalist have come together to start StopFake.org, a website that aims to “verify information, raise media literacy and help people differentiate between journalism and propaganda.” Videos broadcast online show members of public how information obtained online have been proven to be false.

Source: Challenge, PSD (Feb 2018) How do we analyse sources of information?

With the threat of deliberate online falsehoods at Singapore’s doorstep, NLB’s SURE method is one way to guide our students in the classroom to analyse pieces of information to ensure that they do not fall prey to deliberate online falsehoods. By using the SURE method, students will be able to look out for tell-tale signs of online falsehoods while reading pieces of information. Students would learn to be more aware of what deliberate online falsehoods look like and how to avoid being tricked into believing everything they see.

Click here to access more information about NLB's S.U.R.E method.

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Selection of the Month Analysing Sources of Information Catering to the inquisitive nature of students, providing them with a list of questions to ask when evaluating information would also be useful.

Who? Where?

Who created this piece of information?

Where did this piece of information originate from?

Is it credible?

By asking these questions, we can ascertain if the origin of the source is dubious or reliable.

When?

When was this piece of information published?

It is important to find out if the piece of information is still relevant or outdated. Outdated information may leave out recent developments that could be contrasting to the outdated one.

Why?

Why was the information published?

What is the writer’s purpose for writing?

It is essential to find out more about the purpose of the piece of information to determine if the writer has a strong opinion on the issue or if he is reporting based on facts.

As Humanities educators, we play a significant role in ensuring our students are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to evaluate information to identify DOF and make sound judgements. By doing so, we are preparing our students to be ready to deal with the challenges of being 21st-century citizens.

References Paris attack: Video showing 'London Muslims celebrating terror attacks' is fake https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/paris-attacks-video-showing-london-muslimscelebrating-terror-attacks-is-fake-a6737296.html Green Paper on Deliberate Online Falsehoods https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/content/dam/minlaw/corp/News/Annexe%20A%20%20Green%20Paper%20on%20Deliberate%20Online%20Falsehoods.pdf Submission by the senior editors of Channel NewsAsia to the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/sconlinefalsehoods/written-representation-39.pdf Written Representation on Deliberate Online Falsehoods – Causes, Consequences And Countermeasures https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/sconlinefalsehoods/written-representation-62.pdf Written Representation to the Select Committee on Deliberate Online Falsehoods https://www.parliament.gov.sg/docs/default-source/sconlinefalsehoods/written-representation-149.pdf Challenge: Trending February 2018 https://www.psd.gov.sg/challenge/ideas/trends/trending-0218 “Digital in 2017”, Hootsuite https://wearesocial.com/special-reports/digital-in-2017-global-overview NLB S.U.R.E Campaign http://www.nlb.gov.sg/sure/sure-campaign/

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Dice It Up The Learning Package In Book 1B of the Sec 1N(T) syllabus, students learn how both migrants and Singaporeans have a part to play to ensure successful integration. For this article, we will be providing ideas based on the Learning Package “ What Should Singaporeans and Immigrants Do to Ensure Successful Integration?”. Click HERE to access the Learning Package.

The Learning Package focuses on helping students unpack: - the importance of integration; and - what we can do to ensure successful integration in Singapore.

NOTE: While this Learning Package was designed for the N(T) syllabus, teachers can customise it for the E/N(A) syllabuses.

Unpacking the concept of integration at the beginning of the Learning Package

The Role of Reflective Thinking Questions Questions drive the inquiry approach.

After going through the learning package, they help students make the connection between their learning in the activities to the knowledge outcomes or key understandings.

By responding to the Reflective Thinking questions, students will understand that the activities serve to help them understand the importance of integration and their role in ensuring successful integration in Singapore

Reflective Thinking questions based on activities in Learning Package

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Dice It Up Sparking Curiosity Pose question 'What is the difference between migrants and immigrants?'

Note: Students use the two terms interchangeably or may not be able to differentiate between the two. This activity serves to help students differentiate the two.

Gathering Data

An infographic to help students unpack the terms 'migrant' and 'immigrant.'

Set the context by drawing students' focus back to integration Ask students 'What do you think are some of the struggles that immigrants might face when they have to adapt to a new environment?'

Contextualise the video by getting students to consider what might happen if immigrants cannot integrate.

Students view the video to learn about the tensions between immigrants and Singaporeans

Reflective Thinking

Get students to identify and think about the tensions between immigrants and Singaporeans before getting them to discuss how integration can take place in real-life using the following scenarios:

An immigrant student who just joined the school feels lost and confused.

An immigrant family has just moved into the neighbourhood.

A Singaporean student invites an immigrant student to his/ her home to celebrate a local festival (e.g. Hari Raya Puasa).

Exercising Reasoning

Invite students to exercise reasoning by answering questions that follow the video.

Why do you think the unit members were reluctant to invite Recruit Li and Recruit Abishek to their POP party?

Why do you think Recruit Li and Recruit Abishek were sitting away from the group?

What do you think Recruit Tan realised when he overheard the conversations of Recruit Li and Recruit Abishek?

What do you think Recruit Tan was trying to do by inviting Recruit Li and Recruit Abishek to the POP party?

Suggestion Consider using the Speed Dating strategy to facilitate discussion.

To learn more about this strategy, click HERE to access the first edition of Issues Explorer this year!

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What's Simmering What makes Social Studies engaging for students is the relevance, relatability and currency of the issues discussed. Thus, this section looks at three current societal issues and provides suggestions on possible discussion questions that teachers can use in the Social Studies classroom.

ISSUE 1: Exploring Citizenship & Governance Managing the Use of Personal Mobility Devices

ISSUE 2: Living in a Diverse Society From Eldershield to CareShield Life

ISSUE 3: Being Part of a Globalised World Managing Security Threats in an Evolving Environment

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What's Simmering ISSUE 1: Exploring Citizenship & Governance Managing the Use of Personal Mobility Devices In a bid to move towards a car-lite society, the government legalised the use of personal mobility devices (PMDs) on pedestrian pathways in 2017. Since then, the use of PMDs has gained popularity with Singaporeans young and old. This is due to the convenience and efficiency PMDs afford in covering short distances.

However, recent reports of numerous accidents between users of PMDs and pedestrians are a cause for concern. To manage these concerns, the Active Mobility Act has come into effect in May 2018. This involves the enforcement of rules by the Land Transport Authority and National Parks Board, and harsher penalties for those who flout them. How effective is the Active Mobility Act in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and PMD users in Singapore?

Knowledge Outcome Links

Students will be able to understand the role played by citizens and the government in deciding what is good for the society.

Article 1: Active Mobility Act takes effect: 8 non-compliant devices confiscated in first enforcement blitz

Article 4: E-bike rider gets 5 weeks' jail for beating red light, punching elderly pedestrian

Article 2: Cycling and personal mobility devices essential to country's car-lite drive, says Josephine Teo

Article 5: 225 errant e-scooter users caught this year

Article 3: E-scooter community disagrees on effectiveness of new measures to curb errant riding

Discussion Questions

Article 6: Ban power- assisted PMDs

1. In your opinion, should the use of PMDs be banned?

2. Do you agree that the measures under the Active Mobility Act is an effective way to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and users of PMDs?

Click HERE to access possible responses to discussion questions.

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What's Simmering ISSUE 2: Living in a Diverse Society Inclusivity through CareShield Life

Knowledge Outcome

Links

Discussion Questions

Affording healthcare costs is a concern for many Singaporeans, especially for those who suffer from severe disabilities or face financial difficulties. To ensure that no Singaporean is denied access to the healthcare they need, Singapore has a shared responsibility healthcare system. In the shared responsibility approach, the government intervenes through the provision of basic healthcare services and shares the cost of some aspects of healthcare. CareShield Life (currently the ElderShield scheme) is an example of an insurance scheme through which the government ensures that there is long-term care for the severely disabled. The scheme includes those with pre-existing severe disabilities and carries out means-testing to provide subsidies to those who cannot afford the premiums. While the recommendations have been made to that ensure Singaporeans continue to be provided with adequate, affordable and sustainable old-age severe disability coverage, there are still concerns. Those with pre-existing severe disabilities worry that the CareShield Life payouts are insufficient to fund their daily expenditure. Others are concerned about the rising costs of CareShield Life premiums in the future. How can CareShield Life ensure that all Singaporeans can afford long-term care, regardless of their financial situation?

Students will be able to understand the role played the government in managing socio-economic diversity.

Article 2: Higher lifetime Video 1: Introduction to CareShield Life payouts a big CareShield Life improvement but not a complete solution Video 2: Higher, lifetime severe disability payouts for those joining CareShield Life Article 1: New mandatory CareShield Life replaces ElderShield in 2020, will offer wider coverage for severely disabled

Article 3: CareShield Life: A good scheme that engenders social cohesion, but a couple of puzzling points Article 4: New disability cover lauded but payout not enough, say some

1. What are the key differences between Eldershield and Careshield Life?

2. What are some of the trade-offs of policies such as Careshield Life?

3. Do you agree that the CareShield Life is an effective way to help all Singaporeans afford long-term care, regardless of their financial situation?

Click HERE to access possible responses to discussion questions.

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What's Simmering ISSUE 3: Being Part of a Globalised World Managing Security Threats in an Evolving Environment The recent May 13 terror attacks in Surabaya were a stark reminder of the continuing threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia. As the profile of terrorists and nature of terrorism continue to evolve, countries around the world must continuously adapt and respond accordingly. While tighter counter-terrorism measures and laws have been introduced in many countries around the world, there are doubts about their effectiveness in ensuring the safety of citizens.

Concerns about the loss of privacy and freedom of expression are just some of the concerns that arise. Are these responses to security threats justified?

Knowledge Outcomes Links

Discussion Questions

Students will be able to understand: The security impact of globalisation on countries and individuals; and The tensions in managing transnational terrorism.

Article 1: Parliament passes law banning photos, videos of security operations during a terror attack

Article 3: Germany Proposes Tougher Measures to Combat Terrorism

Article 2: France approves tough new anti-terror laws

Article 4: Orwellian counter-terrorism laws stripping rights under guise of defending them

1. How do measures, in different countries help to minimise the harm caused by terrorism?

2. In your opinion, is the loss of privacy and personal freedom, in order to minimise the harm caused by terrorism, justified?

Click HERE to access possible responses to discussion questions.

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What's Cooking Professional Development Courses - July to September 2018 Inquiry Based Learning - From Syllabus to Classroom Practices

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TRAISI Code: 22320 Date: 10 July 2018, Tuesday Time: 0900 - 1700 Venue: AST Synopsis of Course: This workshop allows participants to understand the syllabus intent and learn to integrate discussion-based strategies and/or case studies in lesson design. Participants will reflect on the teaching of concepts, content, skills and values in light of significant issues and tensions related to Social Studies education in Singapore.

Note: This course is meant for participants who graduated from NIE prior to 2017.

Issues-based Seminar for Social Studies Secondary - Issue 3

TRAISI Code: 22640 Date: 2 August 2018, Thursday Time: 1430 - 1730 Venue: AST Synopsis of Course: This workshop provides a deeper understanding of the content related to Issues in the Revised Syllabus through examining perspectives in assigned readings and videos, which will then be discussed at the Seminar.

Design of Issue Investigation and Performance Task

NEW!

TRAISI Code: 22319 Date: 23 August 2018, Thursday Time: 0900 - 1700 Venue: AST Synopsis of Course: This workshop provides an overview of the application of the inquiry-based approach to Issue Investigation and Performance Task. Participants will acquire the skills of using social research methods to analyse societal issues related to the Social Studies syllabus.

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What's Cooking Issue 1 Address By President Halimah Yacob For Second Session Of The Thirteenth Parliament

Additional Resources Issue 2 Inequality has a geographic dimension between and within neighbourhoods in Singapore

About Careshield Life Ministry of Health

Channel NewsAsia

Make citizenship count for more than the perks it gives Opinion The Straits Times

Social Stratification — A Poison Seeping into S'pore’s Housing Estates and Schools TODAYonline The Big Read

Speech by Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education, at the Debate of President’s Address: The Unfinished Business of Tackling Inequality

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