Introduction
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By the end of the lesson, you should be able to: 1. Recognise the contributions of FCWs to modern day Singapore 2. Explain how Singapore and the people living in Singapore benefit from the contributions of FCWs |
Early settlers like Tan Tock Seng helped Singapore grow from a humble fishing village into a bustling trading post. But Singapore's journey did not stop there — today, it is are a vibrant metropolitan city, known for its stunning skyline, modern infrastructure, and bustling urban life. Much of this progress is thanks to the people from all walks of life — from visionary leaders to everyday citizens and modern day settlers who choose to build a life here.
Among these settlers are individuals whose contributions often go unseen: foreign construction workers who lay the foundations of our city, domestic helpers who support households and care for the young and elderly, foreign service staff who keep essential services running, and many more. Though they may not stand in the spotlight, their work quietly supports the rhythm of our daily lives.
Today, you will focus on one such group of modern-day settlers — foreign construction workers (FCWs) and learn more about their
- Background
- Contributions to Singapore
- Challenges living in Singapore
Task
In this WebQuest, you will need to complete...
Task 1: Research
Find out more about FCWs from the list of sources provided.
Use these questions to guide your research:
- Which countries do they come from?
- What was life like in their home countries?
- Why did they come to Singapore?
- What kinds of work do they do?
- What do they do outside their jobs?
- How do their actions impact Singapore?
- What are their living conditions like?
- What are their working conditions like?
- What emotional/social challenges do they face?
Task 2: Create an exhibition board
With the information gathered from your research, your team will create an exhibition board showcasing the lives, challenges, and contributions of FCWs to Singapore and the people living in Singapore.
After the WebQuest, your team will be presenting your exhibition board to your buddy team.
Process
Use the following steps to successfully complete the WebQuest:
Step 1: Decided group roles
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Timekeeper Ensure that your group is able to complete tasks within the given time.
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1 member |
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Task manager Ensure that your groups stays focused on the tasks. Provide gentle reminders to group members not doing their work, and raise to Teacher if group members refuse to cooperate after the reminder. |
1 member |
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Noise manager Ensure that your group does not go beyond voice level 2 (normal). Provide gentle reminders to group members who are going beyond voice level 2 (normal), and raise to Teacher if group members refuse to cooperate after the reminder. |
1 member |
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Resource manager Collect and return materials for your group.
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1 member |
Step 2: Decide research roles
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Background of FCWs
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1 member |
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Contributions of FCWs
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2 members |
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Challenges of FCWs
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1 member |
Step 3: Use the following links for your research (15 minutes)
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Background of FCWs
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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1exoV43eBfNWTCAuLH71oyUZfEpG98uHU7bXSsvP1BYg/edit?tab=t.0 |
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Contributions of FCWs
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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1exoV43eBfNWTCAuLH71oyUZfEpG98uHU7bXSsvP1BYg/edit?tab=t.hiwi1k668n9l |
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Challenges of FCWs
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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1exoV43eBfNWTCAuLH71oyUZfEpG98uHU7bXSsvP1BYg/edit?tab=t.4bxainqu4lbl |
As you go through the resources, note down your findings on the worksheet (My Research Notes) provided. This will be helpful later when you share your findings with your team to collaboratively create your exhibition board.
Step 4: Create an exhibition board (15 minutes)
Use the exhibition board provided to showcase your team's learning on FCWs.
You are free to choose how you would like to present your content (e.g., Mindmap, Drawing), as long as the following points are covered:
- Background of FCWs
- Contributions of FCWs
- Challenges of FCWs
- What life in a Singapore without FCWs would look like
- Citation [(Author), (Year of publication). (Source title)].
Also, keep in mind the evaluation rubrics that your buddy team will use to assess your exhibition board.
You may also choose to follow this template:
Evaluation
Conclusion
Well done! You have successfully completed the WebQuest.
Having learned so much about FCWs, let's end today's lesson by writing a letter of appreciation to a group of FCWs working on a construction site near our school.
Below is a letter template which you may use to guide your writing. Feel free to personalise your letter with drawings or decorations to make it special and meaningful for the FCWs!
Credits
Articles
Min, C. H. (2022, September 3). In Focus: Danger Zones - how workplace safety lapses are costing lives. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/work-workers-safety-wsh-accid…;
Ratcliffe, R. (2020, April 23). “We’re in a prison”: Singapore’s migrant workers suffer as covid-19 surges back. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/23/singapore-million-migrant…;
TWC2. (2023). Why do Bangladeshis choose to work in Singapore?. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2). https://twc2.org.sg/2023/09/05/why-do-bangladeshis-choose-to-work-in-si…;
Videos
CNA. (2024). A migrant worker’s journey in Singapore and his battle with cancer. YouTube. https://youtu.be/14OF7wT7Nbg?si=NNGUNFOjYFFC00al
Familiar Strangers. (2016). Migrant workers respond to comments made by Singaporeans. YouTube. https://youtu.be/mwaS5LeMdGc?si=yk_nwg7QWR8kXrd9
OGS. (2023). Meeting The Migrant Worker Who Helped Build Iconic Singapore Buildings | TEA TALKS EP 9. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pkk_g1IWREw
Images
Lee, N. T. (2024). Construction of Jurong Region Line begins, MRT stations to open in three stages from 2027 to 2029. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/construction-of-jurong…;