Director's Address 2018 - DEC 2018 - FEB 2019 - NIE Digital Repository
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DEC 2018 - FEB 2019 Director’s Address 2018 Special Edition: What We Have Achieved in 2018
Contents 10 | EDITOR’S NOTE |
04 TIMETABLE
Events From December 2018 - February 2019
05 INTERACTION
Bringing SALT To Cambodia
06 - 09 REPORT CARD
Applications For Exchange Programmes Go Online
Encouraging The Use Of Mother Tongues
International Symposium On Educational Leadership
Sharing IoT@NIE With Overseas Visitors
13th CJ Koh Professor Discusses Future-Readiness In Teacher
Education, Teaching And Learning
Virtual NIE Library Becomes Reality
Action Research Workshops @ Rosyth School
Singaporeans And Bruneians Among LEP Graduates
Remembering The Late Mr E.W. Barker
15
Strategies For Improved Student Well-Being
24
10 - 23 ESSAYS
Director’s Address 2018:
A Future-Ready National Institute Of Education
Reimagining The Classroom Of The Future
The 3 Essential Qualities Of Future-Ready Teachers
24 PORTRAIT
Learning To Stay Relevant As Future Teachers
27 BOOKWORM
Wtf: What’s The Future And Why It’s Up To Us How can we prepare for the future if we do not know what the future would be? The
Office of Teacher Education
Small Victories: The Real World Of A Teacher, Her Students, Nurturing Tomorrow’s Educators inherent irony in this question may stir us to think deeper about what it means to be
And Their High School www.nie.edu.sg/OTE ‘ future-ready’ as an institution. During her Director’s Address for 2018, Prof Goh aptly
The Feedback Fix: Dump The Past, Embrace The Future,
And Lead The Way To Change? pointed out that being future-ready is a ‘state-of-mind’. Indeed, it is this critical mindset
Office of Graduate Studies &
Life Lessons Harry Potter Taught Me: Discover The Professional Learning that has seen human achievements and evolvement throughout history. Such a mindset
Magic Of Friendship, Family, Courage And Love In Your Life Learning Differently, Leading Change
www.nie.edu.sg/GPL
is even more pertinent in current times for teachers.
28 RECESS TIME
Teacher’s Digital Pet: Top 5 Apps For Blended Classrooms
Office of Education Research In this issue, Prof Pam Grossman shares three This can be seen in the project by Assoc Prof Koh
Research Empowers
essential qualities of future-ready teachers. They are: Koon Teck, Head of the Physical Education and Sports
30 INTERACTION www.nie.edu.sg/OER
#NIESOCIAL life-long learning, adaptability and openness. These Science Academic Group, and Mr Louis Ho from Seng
dispositions, along with a future-ready mindset, could Kang Secondary School. Another exemplar would
be found in the portrait feature on NIE student, Danial be the collaboration between our English Language
bin Mazlan. His passion for life-long learning and his colleagues and NIE’s Centre for Innovation in Learning
Talk To Us!
NIEWS is a publication of the Public, International
and Alumni Relations (PIAR) Department, interest in marine-biology research have prepared him to develop the Scenarios for Language Teaching in
National Institute of Education, Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore. to be a more effective teacher. Contexts (SLATE) for student teachers of the English
No part of this publication may be reproduced or Language Curriculum Studies programme.
transmitted in any form or any means without
written permission from the publisher.
Interested to contribute As the education landscape evolves, a future-ready
articles or share feedback
with the editorial team? Get in teacher must be adaptive and open-minded to seize We should indeed celebrate the many good works by
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor touch at niews@nie.edu.sg. opportunities for self-improvement. The ability to dedicated NIE staff and student teachers in this issue.
Kehk Bee Lian imagine a future classroom that supports the roles of
Editorial Team teachers as facilitators, as shown in the design by TSP
Adelin Toh, Tan Jiun Jia and
the team from PIAR first-year student, Yew Ning, exemplifies this. The
CONTACT incorporation of technology to assist student learning is
t (65) 6316 1498 another example of adaptability and openness. Kehk Bee Lian
f (65) 6896 8874
e niews@nie.edu.sg
03
| TIMETABLE | | INTERACTION |
Bringing SALT
DECEMBER 2018 To Cambodia
4 - 11
JENESYS2018 Culture and Art Exchange in
Japan with Embassy of Japan
DECEMBER 2018
11 & 14 Find out
more here:
NTU Improvised First Aid
Awareness Workshop
The Service and Leadership Training (SALT) tasked to design a Mobile Trail learning activity that
programme stems from NIE’s goal to provide its would expose them to Cambodia’s rich culture and
JANUARY student teachers with a unique opportunity for both heritage even before the trip. The planning and design
2019 personal development and international exposure in
interdisciplinary training through overseas immersion
of the mobile platform would equip student teachers
with experience in the use of such technologies and
26 experiences. Participants get to explore different pedagogical approaches in designing learning for their
facets of leadership by learning to conceptualise, own students in the future.
plan and execute community projects, and to work
HeadHunt Postgrad independently and in teams to create meaningful At the SKK learning centre, the student teachers
Masterclass 2019 learning experiences. conducted classroom lessons and interacted with the
children through basketball, frisbee and other games.
For the first time, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was English lessons, taught through a mix of teaching
the chosen destination for this annual experiential aids, song & dance, and art & craft, were a hit with the
programme. Ten student teachers across NIE’s Bachelor children. The older youths were inspired to achieve
Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PDGE) bigger dreams through one-on-one engagement with
FEBRUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2019 and Diploma programmes took part in the trip led by our student teachers.
Assoc Prof Chow Jia Yi, Assoc Dean for Programme
13 23 & Student Development, with support from Asst Prof Mr Ler Jun Yi, PDGE (Physical Education) Year 1, felt
Leong Wei Shin, Asst Dean for Degree and Student the experience has better prepared him as a teacher.
Beginning Teachers Workshop: Getting NIE Staff Lunch Life. The trip was organised in collaboration with NIE’s “Seeing how teaching further enforces values made
started with meaningful online tools for overseas community service partner, Sangkhoem me more confident about giving my all to this noble
teaching and learning Khmer (SKK), a non-profit organisation devoted to profession,” he said. Daily reflections facilitated by
improving living standards among poor communities Assoc Prof Chow helped the participants to think about
in Cambodia through the building of human capital. what they’ve learned. Ms Eunice Leong commented,
“The sessions helped me consolidate my thoughts and
The trip’s co-student leaders, Ms Ding Soo Juan, BA learning points for the day.”
(Ed) Year 2, and Ms Eunice Leong, BSc (Ed) Year 2, led
their teammates in the project planning and pre-trip The next edition of SALT Cambodia will be in January
coordination, which included preparing lesson plans, 2019 and there is even the possibility of a new SALT
organising donation drives and procuring teaching project in Siem Reap!
materials. For the first time, participants were also
04 05
| REPORT CARD | | REPORT CARD |
In this section, we highlight NIE news and events over the last quarter.
Read the full articles in the latest issue of NIEWS online or
scan this QR code.
International Symposium On
Applications For Educational Leadership
Exchange Programmes
Go Online Assoc Prof David Ng, Head of Academic Quality at
NIE, was among a select group of thought leaders at the
International Symposium on Educational Leadership,
a forum for leading educational jurisdictions to discuss
Student teachers can now apply for exchange
and share perspectives on educational leadership. Assoc
programmes through the Integrated Student and
Prof Ng was at the Bastow Institute of Educational
Academic Administration System (ISAAC), thanks to an Leadership in Victoria, Australia, where the symposium
initiative by the International & School Partnerships unit was held from 4 to 5 July 2018, at the invitation of Ms
of Office Of Teacher Education in collaboration with the Gill Callister, Secretary of Victoria’s Department of
(L-R) Mr Sunny Sitoe, Ms Lau JiaLing, Ms Fong Xue Ying, Mr
ISAAC team. The unit also produced an informative video Benny Lam, Assoc Prof Lim Kam Ming, Ms Arputharajan Devi Education and Training.
offering tips on the online application process and other and Ms Michelle Lim.
administrative procedures.
Check out the video
Sharing IoT@NIE 13th CJ Koh Professor
by scanning this With Overseas Discusses Future-
Visitors Readiness In Teacher
QR Code
Education, Teaching
And Learning
Prof Pam Grossman,
(L-R) Ms Loh Pek Mee, Dean of the Graduate
Mr Sunny Sitoe, School of Education
Ms Michelle Lim and
Mr Henry Ngoh at the University of
Pennsylvania, was
hosted by NIE from 24
Encouraging The Use to 28 September 2018
as the institute’s 13th
Of Mother Tongues CJ Koh Professor of
Education. During her
Future of Learning – IoT@NIE visit, she observed an
“Language Learning Is Fun” was the theme of the NIE booth at English lesson at a secondary school, engaged with our
this year’s Mother Tongue Languages Symposium (MTLS) held on NIE’s Centre for Innovation in Learning (IN- pre-service student teachers and our graduate students,
18 August 2018. Faculty and student teachers from the Chinese, Learning) recently played host to visiting delegates and called on Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime
Malay and Tamil language divisions under the Asian Languages from the HEAD Foundation Indonesia and National Minister’s Office, and Second Minister for Finance
Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. Our colleagues shared and Education. She also delivered a lecture on future-
and Cultures Academic Group took the opportunity to introduce
on NIE’s initiatives to harness the Internet of Things ready teachers to education policy makers, educators
innovative activities to inculcate the development of children’s
(IoT) for education, including its efforts to augment the and education leaders, and a seminar on future-ready
interest in MTL books, enhance their reading skills, and to nurture delivery of pre-service courses such as Informal Science teacher education for NIE faculty and staff.
the joy of learning. Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Parliamentary Learning Environments for Primary Science, Everyday
Secretary for Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower, Science in Foods and Elements of Physical Geography Scan QR Code to access previous CJ Koh
was guest of honour at the symposium. through IoT technologies. Professorial Lectures.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Ms Low Yen Ling
(in red jacket) with visitors and participants at the
NIE booth.
06 07
| REPORT CARD | | REPORT CARD |
Virtual NIE Library Singaporeans And Remembering The
Becomes Reality Bruneians Among Late Mr E.W. Barker
LEP Graduates
A team comprising Mr Douglas Lau, Ms Sandie
Loo, Mr Jacky Wong and Mrs Wan-Yeoh Seok Kwan
from the NIE Library has won second prize for a poster
presentation entitled “Library Tour Using Virtual
Reality and Augmented Reality: The NIE Library
Experience”. The poster event took place at the World
Library and Information Congress organised by the
International Federation of Library Associations
and Institutions.
Touch to Discover the Hidden Content! The class of 25 participants from Singapore and Brunei The upbeat crowd from the E.W. Barker Challenge 2018.
Darussalam graduated from the Leaders in Education Programme
(LEP) on the 10 October 2018.
Twenty-five school leaders from Singapore and The E.W. Barker Challenge is an annual sports event
Brunei Darussalam have successfully completed the six- held in memory of the late Mr E.W. Barker and his
month full-time NIE Leaders in Education Programme contributions to the local sporting scene. Comprising
(LEP). In the spotlight this year were three award a fusion of cross-fit exercises and an obstacle course,
winners, Mr Teo Kok Hong, Mr Koh Lip Kang and this year’s challenge on 28 March 2018 at NIE drew 80
Madam Hoo Wei Che, Delia, who were each recognised participants. The prestigious E.W. Barker Scholarship
for their respective achievements during the LEP. Ms was also presented on that day to Ms Low Hui Min and
Head LIBRIS, Mrs Wan-Yeoh Seok Kwan & team presented the poster at the above conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from
24-30 August 2018 Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Keith Saw, both Sport Science and Management
and Second Minister for Finance and Education, was students. Ms Carla Barker and Ms Deborah Barker,
the guest of honour at the graduation dinner held on 10 daughters of the late Mr Barker, were the guests
Action Research October 2018. of honour.
Workshops @ Rosyth School A nine-month Action Research
workshop series for teachers of Rosyth Strategies For Improved
School came to a close in September. Student Well-Being
Conducted by NIE Research Scientist
Dr Lee Shu Shing, the workshops
aimed to equip the teachers with The Office of Education Research, in collaboration
research competencies to address with the Academy of Singapore Teachers, organised a
classroom issues, refine teaching seminar on student well-being on 10 September 2018. In
practices and ultimately improve her opening address, Assoc Prof Caroline Koh, Head of
students’ learning. The experience NIE’s Psychological Studies Academic Group, remarked
proved beneficial to both students and that students could be encouraged to promote their
teachers alike. Go online to check out own well-being while educators contribute ideas that
some of the interventions implemented enable the students to flourish. Presentations by NIE
by the workshop participants to faculty were focused on how student well-being can be
motivate and improve learning! supported through enhanced motivation, improved
engagement and by embracing positive values and Speakers of the seminar.
Dr Lee Shu Shing with traits, such as resilience. The seminar drew over 350
workshop participants. teachers, school leaders as well as policymakers.
08 09
| ESSAYS | | ESSAYS |
NIE 2022 was developed over three years of
Director’s Address 2018: Prof Christine Goh unveiled planning and consultation with internal and
external key stakeholders. It outlined the Institute’s
A Future-Ready the NIE Strategic Vision strategic priorities for its next lap of growth.
2022 (NIE 2022) with the Along with the unveiling of NIE 2022, Prof Goh
National Institute theme, ‘A Future-Ready
presented the renewed NIE Vision and NIE Mission
statements. Both statements had been updated in
Of Education National Institute of
consultation with the NIE 2022 strategic taskforces
and special committees. The updated statements
reflected NIE’s current strategic directions and
Education’ at her inaugural the need to maintain its relevance in the evolving
By the Office of Strategic Planning education landscape.
& Academic Quality NIE Director’s Address on The focus on continuous improvement and
27 August 2018. The annual innovation is underscored by the theme for NIE
2022, which highlights the need for all NIE faculty
address, attended by nearly and staff to adopt a future-ready mindset. Prof Goh
shared that ‘future-readiness’ is a state-of-mind.
600 faculty and staff, was It is imperative for NIE and all members of
held at LT 1 and simulcast its faculty and staff to strive for continuous
improvement and be ready to take on new
to LT2 and LT12. opportunities and challenges.
Continued next page.
NIE VISION
An Institute of Distinction: Leading the Future of Education
NIE MISSION
Inspiring Learning, Transforming Teaching, Advancing Research
NIE 2022
A FUTURE-READY NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
PROGRAMMES & PARTNERSHIPS & PEOPLE &
RESEARCH NETWORKS INSTITUTIONAL
CAPACITY
Developing “life-long, life- Boosting the visibility of NIE’s Developing a culture of trust and
deep, life-wide and life-wise” strengths and achievements a growth and solutions mindset
programmes and pedagogies through our key stakeholders to support NIE’s mission
such as MOE and NTU
Leading and exemplifying Investing in faculty and staff
learning technologies and Deepening affiliations with professional development and
innovations in pedagogies both regional and developing enablers for
international partners talent attraction
Developing an overarching
institutional research strategy Strengthening alumni relations Bolstering support
and strengthening the research- toward a life-long NIE affiliation and structures for
practice nexus programmes, research and
administrative excellence
10 11
| ESSAYS |
Director’s Address 2018:
A Future-Ready National
Institute Of Education (continued)
Prof Low Ee Ling (Dean for Teacher Education), Prof John Wang (Dean for
Graduate Studies and Professional Learning), Prof David Hung (Dean for
Education Research), Prof Rebecca Ang (Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs)
and Assoc Prof Chang Chew Hung (Chief Planning Officer) also took turns
to present a preview of some of the key strategic initiatives that their units are
planning to implement for NIE 2022. The NIE senior leadership then fielded
questions from the audience.
In her closing remarks, Prof Goh thanked every faculty and staff who had
contributed towards the current success of NIE. Recounting Alice’s encounter
with the Cheshire Cat from Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice in Wonderland, Prof Goh
highlighted the importance of having a clear sense of where one wants to go so as
to channel our energies in the right direction. She urged all members of the NIE
faculty and staff to pull together in the same direction to achieve the NIE Strategic
Vision 2022 of a “Future-Ready National Institute of Education”.
12
5 APRIL 1 JULY
Our ninth NIE Director,
Professor Christine Goh.
Launch of the NIE Visitors
Learning Centre
(NIEVLC) by the then
Minister for Education
(Schools), Mr Ng Chee
Meng and Professor Tan
Oon Seng during the
Caring Teacher Awards
Ceremony.
11 JULY
9 may 28 may Launch of the Internet 2018 is finally drawing to a close. Here’s a look back
of Things @ NIE at some of the highlights and events that have made
(IoT@NIE) Learning us proud members of NIE.
Lab, a three-year
partnership with As the push towards a future-ready NIE continues
Infocomm Media in the year ahead, we're excited to be riding the
Development wave of change with a new senior leadership team at
Authority of the helm. We’re also excited to be part of a strategic
Singapore to provide vision that emphasises quality programmes and
educators and learners research, strong partnerships and networks, as well
a platform to as people and institutional excellence.
co-design IoT learning Our first batch of graduates of the
experiences. It also NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme. Here’s to 2019!
PULL THIS OUT creates opportunities
NTU President,
Remember Professor
to detach this Subra Suresh, for educators to
Mrs Suresh, Provost and Vice President (Academic)
special centrefold that “Explore, Experiment
comes exclusively
Professor Ling Sanwith
and Professor Tan Oon Seng at and Evolve”.
your print edition!
the unveiling of the NIE Visitors Learning Centre.
8-12 January NIE hosted the 31st International
5 APRIL
Congress for School Effectiveness
and Improvement (ICSEI) where
the then Minister for Education
(Schools), Mr Ng Chee Meng
officiated the opening ceremony. Launch of the NIE Visitors
Learning Centre
(NIEVLC) by the then
Minister for Education
(Schools), Mr Ng Chee
Meng and Professor Tan
Oon Seng during the
Caring Teacher Awards
Ceremony.
9 may 28 may
8 March Our colleagues from Asian
Languages and Cultures Academic
Group at the launch of the
inaugural symposium on
Innovative Teaching and Learning
of Mother Tongue Languages. NTU President, Professor Subra Suresh,
Mrs Suresh, Provost and Vice President (Academic)
Professor Ling San and Professor Tan Oon Seng at
the unveiling of the NIE Visitors Learning Centre.
1 JULY 12 JULY
The inaugural cohort of graduates from
the extended Postgraduate Diploma in
Our ninth NIE Director,
Education Programmes (PGDE).
Professor Christine Goh.
24 JULY
The inaugural cohort of graduates from the Master of Arts
in Professional Education (Training and Development)
Programme.
11 JULY
Launch of the Internet
of Things @ NIE
(IoT@NIE) Learning
Lab, a three-year
partnership with
Infocomm Media
27 SEPTEMBER
Development
Authority of
Singapore to provide
educators and learners
a platform to Our 13th C J Koh Professor,
co-design IoT learning Our first batch of graduates of the Professor Pam Grossman, Dean of
experiences. It also NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme. the Graduate School of Education,
creates opportunities University of Pennsylvania.
for educators to
“Explore, Experiment
and Evolve”.5 APRIL 1 JULY 12 JULY
8-12 January NIE hosted the 31st International
Congress for School Effectiveness
Our ninth NIE Director,
The inaugural cohort of graduates from
the extended Postgraduate Diploma in
Education Programmes (PGDE).
Professor Christine Goh.
and Improvement (ICSEI) where
the then Minister for Education
(Schools), Mr Ng Chee Meng
officiated the opening ceremony. Launch of the NIE Visitors
Learning Centre
24 JULY
(NIEVLC) by the then The inaugural cohort of graduates from the Master of Arts
Minister for Education in Professional Education (Training and Development)
(Schools), Mr Ng Chee Programme.
Meng and Professor Tan
Oon Seng during the
Caring Teacher Awards
Ceremony.
11 JULY
9 may 28 may Launch of the Internet
of Things @ NIE
(IoT@NIE) Learning
Lab, a three-year
partnership with
Infocomm Media
8 March 27 SEPTEMBER
Development
Authority of
Singapore to provide
educators and learners
Our colleagues from Asian
a platform to Our 13th C J Koh Professor,
Languages and Cultures Academic
co-design IoT learning Our first batch of graduates of the Professor Pam Grossman, Dean of
Group at the launch of the
experiences. It also NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme. the Graduate School of Education,
inaugural symposium on
creates opportunities University of Pennsylvania.
Innovative Teaching and Learning
NTU President, Professor Subra Suresh, for educators to
of Mother Tongue Languages.
Mrs Suresh, Provost and Vice President (Academic) “Explore, Experiment
Professor Ling San and Professor Tan Oon Seng at and Evolve”.
the unveiling of the NIE Visitors Learning Centre.| ESSAYS | | ESSAYS |
1. Classroom Collaboration tools that enhance 4. Presentation room where learners share and
Reimagining The teacher-student engagement. An example
is MyndShare, an annotation software that can
vocalise their ideas using smart screens.
Classroom Of The Future facilitate instant sharing of information and 5. Urban Farming is a space for learners to acquire
make learning fun and responsive. Watch a knowledge on urban agriculture through Science
demo here in practice.
A former architecture student, Yew Ning, has a
How will a future classroom look like to the students, student teachers, teachers and faculty? keen interest on futuristic designs. She believes
NIEWS checks out with a few people to catch a glimpse of what might be installed in the future for that redefining modern education should start
all of us: a student teacher’s vision of the future learning space; a teacher’s use of technology to with transforming the traditional classroom space.
transform PE learning; and a faculty’s effort to capture teaching experience for online learning. 2. Collaborative space that changes the way learners For example, learning spaces could be created to
interact with one another when they come encourage the development of students’ creativity and
together to solve complex problems. social interaction. In her free time, you may catch Yew
Yew Ning, First-Year Teaching 3. Makerspace is a platform for learners to unleash Ning singing in cafés, strumming away on the guitar
or cameoing as a Jedi master at events.
Scholars Programme
their creativity with hands-on work.
Flipped Learning Never Teach
In Physical Secondary EL
Education Again From A
Assoc Prof Koh Koon Teck, Head, Physical Education
and Sports Science (PESS) Academic Group
Blank Slate
Mr Louis Ho, Seng Kang Secondary School For a freshly minted teacher, the transition from
NIE to classroom can often be daunting. No matter
Can physical education (PE) benefit from digital how well-prepared a teacher is, schools always seem
technology? An ICT trial conducted by PESS to surprise even the most seasoned teacher.
paves the way for the use of technology as a new
pedagogical approach to enhance student learning A typical response from student teachers returning
in PE. from practicum was that ‘teaching is so much
more complicated in reality’. It was this feedback
that inspired Postgraduate Diploma in Education
(Secondary) English Language colleagues to
collaborate with NIE’s Centre for Innovation in
Learning to develop the Scenarios for Language
Teaching in Contexts (SLATE) for student
teachers of the English Language (EL) Curriculum
Studies programme.
What exactly is SLATE? And what do student
teachers have to say about it?
As Education evolves, the design of a classroom must meet the needs of the modern learners. My vision of
Scan here to Scan here to
the Classroom of the Future will ideally have five fundamental spaces to suit the needs of today’s learners who
read more online read more online
are processing information differently.
20 21| ESSAYS | | ESSAYS |
constructive feedback and support. Such communities teach in other classrooms, schools and even school
The 3 Essential Qualities Of of practice are common in solo practices like clinical
psychology. By centring around common problems
systems. Through such immersive experience in
different settings, teachers can gain useful, personal
Future-Ready Teachers of practice and creating a safe space for learning, the
community allows its members to benefit from one
insights in their teaching approach. It can help
them contextualise their roles and achieve a better
another’s insights and experience. understanding of their abilities to fulfil those roles.
By Prof Pam Grossman, Dean of Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania and
Adaptability The schools and classrooms of the future will no doubt
NIE’s 13th CJ Koh Professor
In today’s world characterised by pervasive create great opportunities for learning. Possessing
Preparing teachers for an unpredictable future requires LLAO (Lifelong Learning, technological innovations, teachers need to be flexible these three qualities is just a start. Practising and
Adaptability and Openness). These are requisites to build the capacity of teachers, in the way they think and learn to adapt themselves student teachers alike will have to learn to work
and their class to the constant change. Every student together to solve new problems that will increasingly
and in turn, their students, to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving world.
brings new opportunities for teachers to learn about require interdisciplinary knowledge and project-
how best to adapt their approach to the student’s based learning. Only through adequate and careful
Education is essential for any progressive society. ever before, it has become even more pressing for
unique interests and approach to learning. Because preparation can we prepare a faculty of teachers
Through skills and knowledge, everything else can be education systems to build resilience into their
teaching is so complex, teachers need to develop capable of leading our children to a promising future.
made possible. What one has learnt will also stay with educational programme and curricula. To prepare
and hone adaptive expertise, in which they are
you throughout your entire life, enriching your life teachers for the unknowable demands of the future
constantly evolving and tailoring their approach to
experience and even those of others. requires developing their capacities for lifelong
new challenges.
learning, adaptability, and openness.
About Prof Pam Grossman
Right at the heart of every education system are the
Openness
teachers. They have an incredible responsibility for the Lifelong Learning Prof Pam Grossman is the Dean of the
To embark on a journey of lifelong learning and Graduate School of Education at the
future of any society. In preparing the next generations All teachers should possess the passion to know about
adaptability, teachers need an open mind to learn University of Pennsylvania and NIE’s
of students, who will eventually create the future, the world around them, about their students and
and a humble heart to receive feedback. Although 13th CJ Koh Professor. Prior to U Penn,
teachers have a unique opportunity to influence and their interests, about the content being taught, about
critical thinking is already an integral part in most Prof Grossman was the Nomellini-Olivier
shape the lives of students for the better. In preparing teaching as an evolving and complex practice, and also Professor of Education at Stanford University’s School
educational systems where teachers are taught to
teachers for their important roles and continuing to about themselves as effective teachers. of Education, where she founded the Center to Support
interrogate their thinking and be aware of blind spots,
support them throughout their careers, universities Excellence in Teaching and established the Hollyhock
schools of education can facilitate this discovery
also contribute to the future of the society. Classroom enquiry is a good way for teachers to learn Fellowship for early career teachers in underserved schools.
process by giving teachers opportunities to learn or A distinguished scholar, Prof Grossman studies teacher and
about the effectiveness of their teaching methods.
The Singapore education system provides a successful By collecting data of their lessons and analysing professional education, teacher knowledge and the teaching
of English in secondary schools. In addition to her research
model of a coherent instructional system with a the feedback individually or with their peers,
on teacher education, Prof Grossman is a committed teacher
coherent system of teacher development. The National they can work with colleagues to improve educator who has throughout her career prepared many
Institute of Education provides both basic education the quality of teaching student teachers for the demanding roles of their profession.
to aspiring teachers and continuing professional and learning. For student
education to practising teachers. On one hand, it teachers, methods that allow
equips teachers for immediate requirements of the new teachers to try out new
classroom, and on the other, prepares teachers for pedagogies, such as rehearsals and
unexpected demands of the future. The emphasis on other approximations of practice
continual learning is key to keeping teachers updated (Grossman, 2018) can be used to
in areas such as content and teaching techniques and provide critical feedback to improve
developing a sustainable, future-ready educational their understanding and skill in
system that can span the entire 30-40 years of a teaching.
teaching career.
Teachers can also consider forming informal
Today, with change happening at a faster pace than learning groups to discuss difficult cases and provide
22 23| PORTRAIT | | PORTRAIT |
Learning To Stay Relevant
As Future Teachers
For Danial Bin Mazlan, the winner of this year’s EXPLORE Young Marine the sand dollar and carpet anemones were spotted
as well. “Who would have thought that Singapore
Scientist Research Grant, marine biology is more than a hobby or interest – it could have many marine species, especially since our
has equipped him to become a better educator for the future. seawater is so murky!” he exclaimed.
Danial Bin Mazlan’s face lights up whenever he well as nurture multi-disciplinary problem-solving skills NIEWS wondered if there was any connection
speaks about marine life. “I love anything to do with and interest in marine science among youths. between these research excursions and a Future-
the sea,” the third-year Biology major said, recollecting Ready NIE. “To me, a Future-Ready NIE is one that
memories of his father’s fish tank when he was a little “I honestly didn’t know that I could pursue marine aims to keep teachers updated and relevant for the
boy. “I guess the fascination has been with me since biology as a subject until I’d entered NIE. I came here future. Given the constant change in our natural
young, as my parents loved taking me to the beach. I because I wanted to teach Biology, and my goal was to environment, these field trips and the whole research
took up snorkelling when I was older, and the diving help students appreciate its concepts and change their process forced me to constantly ask questions and
trips with family and friends have continued to fuel my impression of Biology as a memorisation subject,” Danial challenge assumptions. For example, while I’ve been
interest. You could say marine biology is my favourite said, gesturing an air quote with his fingers. researching oxidative stress levels of Nerita snails in
subject at NIE!” he added, for good measure. various parts of Singapore, I’ve come to appreciate
Besides, Danial wasn’t interested in a desk-bound the broader ecological picture as these snails serve as
job – it’s the moving around in the great outdoors, the biomarkers for the condition of our Singapore waters.
interactions with sun, sand and sea that bring a sparkle That’s a valuable skill for Biology teachers to have,
to his eyes. “I remember a field trip to Bintan with Dr don’t you think?” Danial mused.
Beverly Goh, our Diversity and Evolution lecturer in
Year 1. We snorkelled during high tide to catch close-up Danial also hopes to see more information technology
views of the clams, corals and sponges we studied in incorporated into lesson plans and future classrooms,
class. And then when the tide receded, we did a coastal as well as more emphasis on education psychology,
walk to catch different species of flatworms, starfishes, and more collaborative learning opportunities
crabs and marine snails in action. The following year, I in a Future-Ready NIE. “It’s good to consider the
seized the opportunity to revisit Bintan with my juniors, hardware, but let’s not forget the heart-ware as NIE
and this time we saw many other marine creatures transforms for the future,” he quipped.
including jellyfish. The experience was truly amazing,”
he marvelled.
Danial also credits Assoc Prof Shirley Lim and Dr What does a Future-Ready NIE hold for
Norman Lim for motivating his interest in Biology. He the disciplines of Curriculum Research
added: “The highlight for me was the visit to Changi and Physics? Dr Leonel Lim and Associate
Beach for our module on Animal Diversity and Professor Rajdeep Singh Rawat share their
It is a passion that has come a long way for Danial. This Evolution. We caught quite a few marine animals – insights in NIEWS online. Scan QR code to
year, he was named the recipient of the 2018 EXPLORE flounders, crabs, starfishes, comb jellies, squid, cuttlefish find out.
Young Marine Scientist Research Grant, an award by and even an octopus – and after identifying them, we
the Singapore National Research Foundation’s Marine would release them back to the sea.”
Science R&D Programme in partnership with the St
John’s Island National Marine Laboratory. This is a There have been many other field trips to Sungei Buloh
funding initiative to encourage exploratory research as Wetland Reserve, and to Chek Jawa at Pulau Ubin, where
24 25| BOOKWORM |
Looking for a good read but not sure where to start?
Check out these book titles available at the NIE library.
Wtf: What’s The Future
And Why It’s Up To Us
Call No.: HC79.T4 Ore
By Tim O’Reilly
Technology has brought great convenience to our lives. With smart
phones, we can order food from the comfort of our homes, track every
step we take and never get lost again. As technology becomes smarter,
it begins to outperform humans in many areas. Many people fear that
robots and artificial intelligence (AI) will one day take over our jobs.
In his book, O’Reilly believes that technology may kill professions, but
never jobs. He shares techniques culled from analysing past innovation
waves, which can be used as a framework to decode today’s algorithm-
based technologies and data-driven economies. He also urges
businesses to do more for the society with technology and not just to
cut costs to enrich shareholders. What’s the future? Why, it’s up to us!
Ultimately, it would fall on us, as a society, to examine these choices
and impacts on our future.
Small Victories: The Feedback Life Lessons
The Real World Fix: Dump The Harry Potter
Of A Teacher, Past, Embrace Taught Me:
Her Students, The Future, Discover The
And Their High And Lead The Magic Of
School Way To Change
Friendship,
Family, Courage
By Samuel G. Freedman By Joe Hirsch And Love In Your Life
Call No.: LA222 Fre Call No.: HM1166 Hir
By Jill Kolongowski
This powerful 1990 classic is Why are people averse to Call No.: PR6068.O93 Kol
about the struggles, sacrifices, trials performance appraisals? Why do The wave of Harry Potter
and triumphs of Jessica Siegel, an supervisors shy away from giving fervour has not abated since we
English teacher at Seward Park negative feedback and why do were first introduced to ‘The Boy
High School, one of the worst employees ignore them? And why Who Lived’ two decades ago.
schools in Manhattan’s Lower East is it a bad idea to sandwich negative Kolongowski’s debut observes
Side. A New York Times reporter, feedback between positive ones? this phenomenon through a
Samuel Freedman spent an entire New York Times bestselling author, collection of personal essays and
academic year shadowing Jessica Joe Hirsch, examines the failings of literary criticisms that shows how
and her students and discovered organisational feedback in bringing relatable Harry Potter is in many
a passionate and determined about desired improvements and people’s life journeys–overcoming
teacher who was unremitting in her change in organisations. He gives fear and obstacles, challenging
efforts to help her students from a refreshing take on shifting from expectations, embracing the power
difficult backgrounds overcome feed-back which looks at the past to of friendships, and more. This book
their problems at school and in life. feed-forward to change the future. offers an engaging read, and for
Hampered by school bureaucracy Using tools to help appraisees act Harry Potter diehards, a nostalgic
and limited funding, Jessica upon the supervisors’ feedback escape back into Hogwarts and its
managed to overcome seemingly to improve and develop relevant enchanting world of wizardry.
insurmountable odds to create competency, and not just to
‘small victories’ for her students document past performance,
and send 93% of her class to higher supervisors can transform
education. An absorbing and unenthusiastic appraisals into
uplifting must-read for all teachers. empowering feedback.
27| RECESS TIME | | RECESS TIME |
Teacher’s Digital Pet:
Top 5 Apps For CLASSKICK
Blended Classrooms
Classkick is a web- and app-based assessment tool
that allows teachers to create lessons and assignments
that students can access from their mobile devices
and work on at their own pace. Teachers can observe
the progress and provide real-time feedback to the
students. Students can also request help from their
Try out these free mobile apps that are gaining peers anonymously. Classkick combines personalised
popularity with teachers. learning and cooperative learning to support a
student-centred, blended classroom.
KAHOOT! SEESAW
Kahoot! is a game-based social Seesaw is an educational app that allows students to share assignments
learning platform that has become a with their teachers, parents and fellow classmates. Students can use
popular learning aide in schools and any means—take a photo or a video, annotate or narrate, draw or
educational institutions. Teachers doodle, script or scribble—to show how they arrive at the conclusion or
can use it to design multiple-choice answer. This enables the teachers to understand their students’ thinking
quizzes, which are projected onto process and correct their mistakes. Teachers can collect assignments
a large screen where students can and track the students’ progress in Seesaw. Parents can also monitor
answer individually. Points are their children’s progress directly online. The timely feedback from the
awarded to students to encourage teachers enables students to learn 21st century technology skills faster
fun and friendly competition. and more confidently.
GOOGLE CLASSDOJO
CLASSROOM ClassDojo is great for communication among teachers,
Google Classroom is a Google web service students and parents. Teachers are provided a range
that simplifies the creation, distribution of nifty teaching tools like group maker, the radio,
and timer. They can message parents directly on their
and evaluation of assignments. It combines
children’s academic progress and behaviour in class.
Google Drive for the creation and distribution
Students can create their own profiles, share images
of assignments, Google Docs, Sheets and
and stay updated on class activities. Parents can check
Slides for content creation, Gmail for in on what their children are learning as well as their
communication, and Google Calendar for classroom experience through photos, videos and
scheduling. Teachers monitor the progress announcements.
of each student online and can provide
comments along with the grading of each
assignment. Google Classroom supports a
paperless classroom with the online sharing of
files among teachers and students.
28 29| INTERACTION | | INTERACTION |
#NIESO CIAL
THROWBACK@NIE Follow us on
NIESingapore for the latest updates!
MEMORIES@NIE
NIEXKiss92 In appreciation to all teachers,
NIE collaborated with Kiss92 FM on a
Teachers’ Day Surprise Teachers’ Day Contest. The winner, Kaleb
Chew, a primary 6 student from Hong Wen
School nominated his form teacher,
Ms Cheryl Lee, in the contest and Kiss92
FM threw a surprise party for the class!
Scan the QR Code for
highlights of the party here:
13th CJ Koh Leaders In
Professorial Public Education Programme
Lecture By Prof Pam 2018 Dinner
Grossman, Dean Of The We celebrated the graduation of 22
Graduate School Of school leaders from Singapore and three
Education, University school leaders from Brunei Darussalam
Of Pennsylvania from our Leaders in Education Programme
We welcomed our 13th CJ Koh (LEP) on 10th October 2018.
Professor, Prof Pam Grossman,
Dean of the Graduate School
of Education, University of
Pennsylvania in September.
Prof Grossman gave a lunch
seminar titled “Future-Ready
Teacher Education for Future-
Ready Teachers: An International
Perspective” at both NIE and NTU@one-
north Auditorium during her visit to NIE.
Scan the QR Code to relive the joyous
Find out more about Prof moments of the Graduation Dinner here
Grossman and her views on
the essential qualities of
Future-Ready Teachers here Scan here for our
Instagram page.
30 31#NIESINGAPORE
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