ISSN 0218 - 4427 • January 2004 • No. 47 Towards an Institute of Distinction news INSIDE Senior Educators 2 Graduate

NIE Contributes 8 to Community Service

Collaboration with 16 Vietnam National University

Vietnam National University & NIE representatives offi ciate at MOU Signing Ceremony (full story on page 16)

An Institute of 1 NIE Happenings NIEnews

By Ms Chan Guet Har Positioning NIE in a Changing Strategic Planning & Corporate Services Educational Landscape

in cultivating the Innovation and Hedberg, CRPP gave insights into Enterprise spirit in our young. building research cultures, key issues Assoc Prof Cheah Horn Mun (Dean, and perspectives in regional and Foundation Programmes) gave a international research and milestones presentation on Impact of the Changing of CRPP. Educational Landscape on Initial Teacher Preparation, including curriculum The fi nal report was from Mr Peter review and programme repositioning. Kwang (Deputy Divisional Director, Prof Lee Sing Kong (Dean, Graduate Human Resource & Finance) on NIE’s Prof Leo Tan, Director, NIE giving the keynote address Programmes & Research) continued Key Performance Indicators and ome 380 staff attended the biennial by unveiling the continuum models for highlights of 2003 Working Climate SNIE Staff Seminar on 26 November graduate and non-graduate teachers. Survey. The half-day programme ended 2003 for a progress update on NIE The models depicted pathways that with a Question and Answer session. and the upcoming plans of Foundation teachers could take for professional Programmes Offi ce, Graduate development. Programme restructuring Programmes & Research Offi ce and and plans on alternative delivery modes Centre for Research in Pedagogy & were also presented. Practice (CRPP). There were some light moments in the Themed Positioning NIE in a Changing otherwise serious seminar. Assoc Prof Educational Landscape, Prof Leo Tan Low Guat Tin (Policy & Management (Director, NIE)’s keynote address Studies) had the audience roaring emphasised the importance of with laughter in her stand-up comedy embracing change, the fundamental entitled Sustaining Your Passion. for survival in the changing landscape. He also shared on the recent plans Following this, Professors Peter by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Freebody, S Gopinathan and John A section of staff listening intently

Senior Educators Graduate By Public & International Relations

month executive type Please refer to pages 3 and 4 for more training programme details. for talented educators selected by the Ministry Besides NIE staff, several parties to of Education (MOE) for this collaborative effort include MOE principalship. The full- offi cials, steward principals who work time programme focuses closely with the participants, cluster on innovation, thereby superintendents and industry leaders. equipping future chief executives of schools with Award Winners the capability to improve administration and Dr Ruth Wong Medal educational practices. Mdm Tan Bin Eng was awarded this medal for best performance in the LEP’s Award winners (from left) Ms Tham Yoke Chun, Mr Paul Chua The theme of innovation is innovation project. & Mdm Tan Bin Eng operationalised through a total of 28 senior educators major innovation project in schools and Academy of Principals Prize for A received their Leaders in Education a short industrial placement undertaken Leadership Learning Programme (LEP) certifi cates at a by participants. In this manner, Ms Tham Yoke Chun received a book prize graduation dinner on 22 October 2003 participants are exposed to varying of $300 for demonstrating the highest at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront ideas on leadership, other than those level of learning across the LEP. Hotel . Mr Tharman related to a scholastic environment. Shanmugaratnam, Acting Minister Leaders in for Education graced the occasion as Some interesting projects undertaken Education Programme Award Guest-of-Honour. by this year’s cohort were Playground; Mr Paul Chua Meng Huat received a eSpin @ Northland; Online Community plaque and $1,000 cash award for the 2 Administered by NIE, the LEP is a six- of Oral History; and FIT for Teens. best overall performance in the LEP. NIEnews NIE Happenings Innovation Projects Playground by Mdm Tan Bin Eng Principal, Tampines Primary School

CSLC A new model, Collaborative Student structures of the Cooperative Learning Learning Community (CSLC) was created Strategies (CLS), habits of mind and CSLC Model to facilitate students to learn from one intelligent behaviours. The classroom another during classroom lessons and became a playground for students while working on projects. This model to enjoy playing different roles and was adapted from Teachers Network’s equipping them with lifelong learning Learning Circle (LC) framework, skills.

Students played each of the fi ve roles in LC (namely dialogue facilitator, challenger of assumptions, critical friend, deep listener and refl ective thinker) while engaging in learning The evaluation results showed activities using CLS structures. During enhanced collaborative learning among role-playing, pupils learned from each the students. They learned more other as well as acquired intelligent about themselves by being critical behaviours and habits of mind. The friends, buddies and co-learners to framework could become a discipline, their classmates. They also gained a whereby students consciously practised better understanding of their thought intelligent behaviours and exercised processes by questioning. Principals and habits of mind by checking their own teachers also responded favourably to meta-cognition. this project. eSpin @ Northland by Mdm Kit Gek Wah Principal, Guangyang Primary School

Modelled after eBay, eSPIN @ Northland allowed pupils of Northland Primary School to experience online marketing and sharing of innovations.

Sixty Primary 5 pupils embarked on a learning journey in the business world. They became entrepreneurs and innovators by setting up companies, experimenting with creative ideas and putting them into production. By sharing their innovations through eSPIN, it was hoped that other pupils would be inspired to innovate and their prototypes could attract corporate sponsorship and be sold through eSPIN one day. The multiplying process of fi rst grooming these Primary 5 pupils The positive evaluation results showed learn that pupils were keener to explore as entrepreneurial activists, who would that pupils benefi ted from the eSPIN new ideas and share their learning with then infl uence the remaining pupil project. Pupils gained a higher friends confi dently. Pupils also agreed population, cultivated the spirit of awareness level on the concept of that the eSPIN website provided a innovation and entrepreneurship in the ‘online marketplace’, ‘innovation’ and good platform for sharing of innovative school. ‘entrepreneurship’. It was rewarding to ideas. Continued on page 4 3 NIE Happenings NIEnews

Continued from page 3 Online Community of Oral History by Mr Zainal Bin Sapari Principal, Mayfl ower Primary School

A collaboration between Oral History Centre and Rosyth School, this project provided an opportunity for pupils Background Studies to learn history through the eyes of people who lived it. Traditionally, oral history was conducted through face- Online Sharing Brainstorming to-face interviews but this project did it differently through the use of emails. Pupils played the role of historians Artifact Revision Seniors’ Reply and created artifacts based on life stories heard from elders. This project could also lead to the formation of Seniors’ Feedback Pupils’ Clarifi cation a Community of Learners. Creating such online community of oral history would help pupils learn history in their Artifact Creation own real-world community. This would enhance pupils’ knowledge and interest in National Education. Besides, oral history could easily be included in Social Studies or National Education lessons.

The attitudinal analysis showed that pupils believed more strongly that seniors could teach young people, also found that they had more things change in pupils’ level of empathy for thus inculcating in pupils the attitude in common with the seniors. These the seniors. Feedback from the seniors of learning from others. The pupils attitudinal changes may indicate a was also unanimously positive.

about receiving but also about giving. The school plans to make this life skill FIT for Teens Anchoring good values in the context of package a compulsory module for all by Mrs Lee Hui Feng money would help the teenagers make Secondary 2 students in 2004 and Principal, Nan Hua Primary School good and sensible decisions. AWARE would also like to reach out to FIT (Financial Intelligence Training) for teenagers in Singapore through the FIT Teens, a collaboration project between The participants gave positive and package. Crescent Girls’ School and AWARE (The encouraging feedback. The project team Association of Women for Action and agreed that FIT for Teens helped them Research), aimed to guide teenagers in to understand the financial making intelligent fi nancial decisions as c o m m i t m e n t s they managed their resources. of their parents. This The project team, comprising 10 lower a w a r e n e s s secondary students, co-developed a helped to learning package under the guidance foster family of fi nancial professionals. The key value relationships. of the package was not just about getting, keeping and growing money, but also about making good use of the fi nancial resources to better one’s life 4 and the lives of others. It was not only NIEnews NIE Happenings The Molecule of Life By Asst Prof Shawn Lum Natural Sciences was Lieutenant-General (NS) Lim Chuan the Singapore audience and Dr Watson. Poh, Second Permanent Secretary, Dr Watson fi elded the questions Ministry of Education (MOE). with vigour and sensitivity. He gave diplomatic responses (as indicated in Both Prof Leo Tan (Director, NIE) and brackets) to questions such as whether Lieutenant-General (NS) Lim emphasised there was a divine hand at play in the the importance of DNA science to organisation of life (“no”); if the current science literacy, future scientifi c interest in proteomics, the study of and entrepreneurial endeavours in protein structure and function, was of Singapore in their addresses. The fi eld primary interest to him (“I’m sticking of Life Sciences has been identifi ed to to DNA”); or whether he would hope be the next engine of growth to live for another 50 years (“not really, for Singapore. The impact of but I would not mind being 50 years Life Sciences on individual younger again!”). Dr Watson’s address and society at large will be had indeed inspired teachers to take on profound. It is therefore their role in Life Sciences education with important for all to be aware enthusiasm and conviction. of what Life Sciences entail, and the opportunities and Dr Watson is a strong advocate of challenges that this new Life Sciences education in the USA, The helix structure at DNA Centre@NIE fi eld presents. NIE plays a and was instrumental in the setting key role in inspiring teachers up of the Dolan DNA Learning Center ear 2003 marked the 50th to appreciate the teaching and learning in New York. Teachers play a crucial Yanniversary of the discovery of of Life Sciences. role in educating students in Life the DNA structure (deoxyribonucleic Sciences, and to support teachers in acid), for which Drs James Watson Prior to the teleaddress, the audience the teaching of recent advances in (photograph at inset), Francis Crick and was primed by a 40-minute video on Life Sciences, NIE has set up the DNA Maurice Wilkins won the 1962 Nobel DNA’s structure and function as well as Centre@NIE (http://www.nie.edu.sg/ Prize in Physiology or Medicine. interviews with Dr Watson and his DNA dnac), with the support and funding co-discoverer, Dr Francis Crick. of MOE. Modelled after the Dolan DNA To celebrate this occasion, Dr James Learning Center (http://www.dnalc.org) Watson (President, Cold Spring Harbor The live feed from Cold Spring Harbor of the renowned Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York) addressed more commenced with Dr Watson’s sharing Laboratory in New York, the DNA than 300 principals, teachers and on how he fi rst became interested in Centre@NIE aims to be a one-stop trainee teachers via video-conferencing science and his views on education. resource centre to help teachers teach on 7 November 2003. Organised by This was followed by a lively transglobal Life Sciences in more enthusiastic and NIE, the Guest-of-Honour for the event Question and Answer session between innovative ways to their students.

NIE Butterfl y Garden By Public & International Relations

iscover Plain, Dark Glassy and Common DTiger butterfl ies, dragonfl ies, frogs, spiders, beetles and a variety of fl ora at our very own Butterfl y Garden. Located next to the NIE Greenhouse, this lovely garden was Diploma in Education year 2 launched by Prof Leo Tan (Director, Photographs courtesy of Mr Kelvin Lee NIE) on 18 Sweet nectar from the Heliotopium fl ower gives sustenance to this November 2003. Plain Tiger butterfl y, a rare native of Singapore Take a stroll there and enjoy the beauties of life.

Besides butterfl ies, the Starfl ower plants at the NIE Butterfl y Garden Prof Leo Tan plants a Crown Flower plant (Calotropis gigantea) to mark the attract day-fl ying moths such as offi cial launch of the Garden this one 5 NIE Happenings NIEnews

By Ms Abby Lim Practicum Offi ce Foundation Programmes In Appreciation of Cooperating Teachers

IE showed her appreciation to on life management skills, overcoming and sweet. David Lim’s talk was inspiring Ncooperating teachers and school obstacles, leadership and teamwork. and a refreshing change”, commented coordinating mentors on 30 August “My teachers found the event worth Mrs Sylvia Khoo, Vice Principal of St 2003 at NTU Lecture Theatre 19A. attending... it was well organised, short Margaret’s Secondary School. Cooperating teachers, so vitally important to NIE’s school-based practicum programme, provide trainee teachers with expert guidance thereby enhancing their professional growth and development.

Two cooperating teachers, Mrs R Lo Jun Soon from St Margaret’s Secondary School and Miss Chea Seok Choo from Xingnan Primary School, related their experiences with trainee teachers during their Practicum. Guest speaker Mr David Lim, best known for leading the fi rst Singapore Mount Everest Expedition in 1998, shared his refreshing views

Conferences & Workshops NIEnews

By Ms Netty Salmiyati Senawi First Ever Nationwide Learning E-learning Competency Centre Objects Competition & Conference 2003

objects and give local educators and $2,000, $1,000 and $500 respectively. students a creative opportunity to Best Educational Value, Best Innovative develop engaging e-learning content. and Macromedia Best Learning Object Learning objects are small, stand-alone Awards were also presented by Guest- units of instruction eg lessons, case of-Honour Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister studies, quizzes that are tagged with of State for Education and Community descriptors and stored in repositories for Development & Sports. reuse in various instructional contexts. The conference continued with the Eighty three learning objects by 71 Post-Competition Summary where Mr teams, submitted by educational Daniel Churchill (Instructional Science) institutes, e-learning providers and the summarised the judging panel’s public, were judged by well-known e- fi ndings on the submissions and a ECC’s Executive Mangaer Mr Lim Kin Chew with learning practitioners on educational sharing session by three competitors Guest-of-Honour Mr Chan Soo Sen value, reusability, creativity and interface on their experiences in the design and he E-learning Competency Centre design. Results were announced at development of their learning objects. T(ECC) and Information Technology the Learning Objects Conference Standards Committee launched the on 12 November 2003 at the Grand Winning entries can be viewed at fi rst ever nationwide Learning Objects Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. The website address www.ecc.org.sg/ Competition in August 2003 to raise the top three participants were awarded LOConference. 6 awareness of standards-based learning a plaque and monetary awards of NIEnews Conferences & Workshops

By Ms Koh Noi Keng Humanities & Social Studies Education Nurturing Entrepreneurs for Tomorrow

together Ngee Ann Secondary School, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Ngee Ann City, Ngee Ann Kongsi to design an effective entrepreneurship programme for Ngee Ann Secondary School students.

The programme seeks to equip these students, mentored by HSSE’s Accounting and Elements of Offi ce Administration trainee teachers, with appropriate values and skills for the new work environment and expose them to entrepreneurship skills. Trainee teachers in turn are provided an authentic experience mentoring students in entrepreneurial skills, putting them in good stead to nurture the spirit of gee Ann Entrepreneurs for Tomorrow captivated the audience with his inspiring innovation and enterprise in schools. N(NET) programme was showcased at address. An engaging forum followed the the Entrepreneurship Seminar at Ngee address. To incorporate the value of social Ann Polytechnic Convention Centre on 27 responsibility in NET, funds raised from September 2003, attended by more than NET, jointly spearheaded by NIE’s a bazaar on 7 September 2003 at Ngee 400 secondary schools participants. The Humanities & Social Studies Education Ann City benefi ted Gracehaven, the keynote speaker was Mr Viswa Sadavisan, Academic Group (HSSE) and the Singapore charitable organisation adopted by Ngee Chairman of The Right Angle Group, who Society of Commerce Teachers, brings Ann Secondary School.

By Assoc Prof Phyllis Chew English Language Teachers Meet English Language & Literature Malaysian Counterparts

joint workshop Two countries, Two A associations, One set of learners was held in the convivial surrounding of the Sheraton Subang Hotel in Subang Jaya, Malaysia on 13 September 2003. It seems strange that English teachers of Singapore and Malaysia, only a causeway away from each other, had never offi cially convened to discuss approaches to English teaching in the two countries. So, to rectify the situation, eight staff from NIE’s English Language & Literature Academic Group and six Singapore school teachers got together for a weekend conference with 15 Malaysian teachers and teacher trainers. This was effected through the English Language & Literature Teacher’s Association (ELLTAS) in collaboration with used in her school, along with samples reading programme, and the Malaysian its Malaysian counterpart, the Malaysia of the students’ work. For the Malaysian felt that the Singaporean experience in English Teaching Association (MELTA), side, Dr Malchi Edwin Vethamani gave a using English across the curriculum was with funding from a British Council English historical account of MELTA’s development pertinent to the new government policy Language Teaching Contacts Scheme and structure followed by Ms Sunita Biaspal of teaching English and Mathematics in (ELTECS) grant. d/o Basden’s description of the problems English throughout the Malaysian school and responses faced by English teachers. system. Each side gave an introduction to English The participants, in groups, then discussed teaching, including the strengths and the situations in both countries and began It was agreed that the workshop had weaknesses as they saw them. Assoc to identify where future cooperation been highly successful and should be Prof Phyllis Chew (English Language & might lie. The general feeling was that continued, based on the areas of common Literature), ELLTAS President, provided a although teaching situations differed, interest identifi ed. The workshop had also historical background to the development the two contexts were, in many respects, provided an opportunity for teachers and and evolution of English teaching complementary and offered openings teacher educators to know each other as approaches while Ms Pearly Chai, a Senior for mutual learning. The Singaporean individuals and through this to provide Teacher at Ponggol Primary School, gave delegates were particularly impressed a better understanding of one other’s a vivid demonstration the approaches she by NILAM, a government-sponsored situation. So near, yet, now, not so far away. 7 Visitors NIEnews Visit by Filipino Secretary Visit by Mr Chan Soo Sen of Education Minister of State for Education & By Public & International Relations Community Development & Sports

By Ms Jean Oh Student on attachment from Singapore Polytechnic

ermanent Secretary for Education and the then NIE PCouncil Chairman Mr Chiang Chie Foo (left) played host to Dr Edilberto C de Jesus (right), Secretary of Education, Republic of the Philippines on 3 November 2003. Dr de Jesus was accompanied by Mr Teodoro R Catindig, Filipino Mr Chan Soo Sen (centre) looks on as Ms Cai Shu Juan (left), trainee teacher from Physical Education & Sports Science validates the Children’s Scale of Perceived Assistant Secretary of Education and Ms Minda C Cruz, Exertion during exercise on Ms Charmaine Tai (right), student from Tanglin Filipino Consul General to Singapore. Secondary School r Chan Soo Sen paid his inaugural visit as Minister of State The Secretary and his delegation were briefed on NIE’s Mfor Education to NIE on 12 November 2003. Mr Chan, various academic programmes and escorted on a tour of who is also Minister of State for Community Development the Institute’s facilities. & Sports, was briefed by Prof Leo Tan (Director, NIE) and his team on the wide array of programmes offered to the teaching community. The Minister was also presented with the Institute’s research agenda by Prof Allan Luke (Dean, Centre for Research Interview with Prof in Pedagogy & Practice). Courtney Cazden The Minister concluded his visit touring the Teaching & Learning Environment of the Future Room, Physical Education & Sports By Asst Prof Lau Shun Science facilities and Library & Information Resources Centre. Centre for Research in Pedagogy & Practice rof Courtney Cazden, Harvard Graduate School of PEducation, was a Visiting Professor in residence at the Centre scheme for a large set of classroom observations. I thought it for Research in Pedagogy & Practice (CRPP) from 1 November to would be a real challenge to code aspects of the classroom in 19 December 2003, working with CRPP researchers to devise a such a way that can be statistically analysed and summarised; coding scheme for classroom interaction and practices in local that is valid for capturing the educational objectives important schools. She is also keen to learn more about how her work can to Singapore; and that will be comprehensible to Singapore be applied to a multilingual environment like Singapore. teachers. That’s a challenge that I don’t know of any other educational research centres attempting, much less achieving. Prof Cazden has been at Harvard for 35 years and Charles William Eliot Professor of Education (Emerita) since 1996. Her NIE News: What is your greatest impression? research interests include language, literacy and discourse. Her book Classroom Discourse has been widely read and extensively The quality of the researchers, I would say without hesitation. I cited, with translations in Chinese, Spanish and recently don’t just mean Prof Luke and Prof Peter Freebody (Vice Dean, Japanese (in progress). Research Methodology, CRPP). I mean the younger researchers as well. They’re just a terrifi c group of smart, knowledgeable, NIE News: How has CRPP met your expectations? and committed people, working very hard on this whole project. Well, what I can say directly is that CRPP has more than met my expectations. At NIE News: Do you have any suggestions on how CRPP fi rst, Prof Allan Luke (Dean, CRPP) just can fl ourish as a research centre? said, “Come and join us for a while.” I have a high regard for Prof Luke’s My main suggestion is that CRPP has to continue to take previous work and I told on projects as intellectually challenging and educationally him that I might be signifi cant as the current research. In that way, I’m confi dent useful on that CRPP will continue to motivate this group of high quality, 10 the coding multiethnic researchers to join in and work hard. NIEnews Alumni Affairs

By Assoc Prof Nick Aplin Chairman Homecoming NIE Alumni & Endowment Committee for Alumni & their Families Photo montage by Ms Jean Oh Student on attachment from Singapore Polytechnic

‘Home Coming’ celebration for NIE alumni was held on TheThe a assembledssembled g gatheringathering t thenhen m movedoved w withith a anticipationnticipation A the morning of 29 November 2003. of more fun to the Plaza, set up and decorated like a mini amusement park. The participants were treated to a Normally, the event is hosted on a biennial basis. This year variety of activities such as face painting, balloon sculpting, marked the fi rst of a new annual series designed to present telematch, treasure hunt and even bungee trampoline. A NIE as the ‘home for all teachers’. The doors were open to small educational fair was set up next to the Art Gallery, all alumni and their families as a golden opportunity for where vendors presented their products. members of the ‘family’ to visit the campus and engage in some carnival activities. Alumni were also invited to attend the main NTU programme, which featured an address by NTU President Prof Su Guaning The event kicked off with the powerful sound of Bhangra and the Alumni Service Awards presentation for 2003. Dhol drums which accompanied a dance performance. After the welcome addresses by Assoc Prof Nick Aplin (Chairman, At the end of the morning, all enjoyed themselves with a NIE Alumni & Endowment Committee) and Prof Leo Tan parting reminder by Prof Tan to stay in touch with NIE and to (Director, NIE), the morning’s festivities were then dominated treat the campus as their second home. by entertainment and games. In NIE’s Lecture Theatre 1, a ‘distant relative’ of television comic character Phua Chu Kang coordinated ice breaking activities for the audience. 11 Teacher’s Talk NIEnews Life is Sunshine & Teaching is Great By Public & International Relations

r Koh Tee Huat, a Postgraduate those bad habits or behaviours that MDiploma in Education January they have will affect their lives and I 2003 intake trainee teacher, refl ected guide them on how to change to be on teaching during his Practicum with better people. Fajar Secondary School. The ensuing Mr Koh Tee Huat with his daughter, Xin Li interview was based on his sentiments NIE News: You would have documented in his work entitled Life is encountered many challenges can be a very tedious process but the Sunshine and Teaching is Great. relating to the pupils. What is benefi ts are numerous. There is really your motivation or approach in no point shouting in the classroom NIE News: What was your managing such situations? without reasoning with the students. Be experience during the Practicum? generous with positive and encouraging My motivation is derived from my words and the students will remember I loved what I saw, heard and did in passion to the kids. I see them them forever. To me, secondary school school. I enjoyed teaching the lessons, positively. There are always positive students are ultimately still kids in need attending meetings and helping out at intentions in what they do which of guidance. events. For Teachers’ Day celebrations, teachers may perceive as disruptive in I volunteered and helped the Mother the classroom. It is for the teacher to NIE News: What do you aspire to Tongue teachers create presentation understand these positive intentions by achieve through your career choice slides for the Chinese song Chuan being better acquainted with the kids as a teacher? Deng, which we sang on stage. The through chit chats and demonstrating greater privilege was being able to concern along the way, both inside The true meaning of teaching involves interact with the students through and outside classrooms. When students love, sharing, learning, giving and casual conversations and jokes. On trust the teacher, they are more willing passion to help other people grow. We occasions, I had to ‘lecture’ them for to share their problems related to need to have the attitude, “we help their own good by telling them why themselves, parents or friends. This other people to succeed because when they do, it means we have succeeded.” The school is one of the most powerful places on earth in that it designs a child’s Conferences & Workshops NIEnews destiny. Teachers play a critical role in this process. Imagine the consequences Forum on Part-time if we do not put in enough and correct effort in the design. What will happen Postgraduate Opportunities to the kids when they leave the school? By Ms Ng Luan Eng & Asst Prof Tay Eng Guan What will happen to our society? As so Mathematics & Mathematics Education many students pass through us, what we do to them will affect the future of he Mathematics & Mathematics Education (MME) Academic Group Singapore. The future is in our hands Torganised a public talk-cum-forum on NIE’s part-time postgraduate opportunities in the fi elds of mathematics and mathematics education. and we are responsible for moulding it. About 50 mathematics lecturers and teachers from polytechnics, junior colleges and secondary schools attended the session which was held at NIE NIE News: Perhaps, you may like on 8 November 2003. to share some encouraging words with the teaching fraternity. Assoc Prof Lee Peng Yee gave an interesting talk on Many Roads to Calculus. In the ensuing forum, Assoc Prof Douglas Edge shared with prospective My desire is for teachers to focus on master and doctoral degree students qualities and expectations of a the positive outcomes of teaching. I mathematics education thesis. Asst Prof Lee Tuo Yeong narrated insightful sincerely hope that everybody can see anecdotes that inspired his specifi c area of PhD study whilst Asst Prof Yeap the big picture of teaching and life, Ban Har shared management strategies of his PhD study done on a part-time like I do. Once we see the big picture basis. Mr Tan Liang Soon, a current Master of Science student supervised by Asst Prof Ang Keng Cheng, presented the results obtained so far in his (the ‘why’s), we can fi nd strategies (the research study. The session concluded with a panel discussion, chaired by ‘how’s) to tackle other issues. When Assoc Prof Lim-Teo Suat Khoh (Head, MME). we persist and never give up on our 12 charges, they will eventually blossom. NIEnews Trainee Teachers’ Affairs

By Assoc Prof Augustine Tan First Visit to Civil Defence Academy Natural Sciences Adds Meaning to National Education

new partnership with the Singapore Civil Defence hands on training session. SCDF fi re fi ghters were also on A Force (SCDF) in national education was fostered hand to demonstrate how liquid petroleum gas fi res on 4 November 2003 with the inaugural visit were extinguished. to the Civil Defence Academy (CDA). Similar national education-inspired visits, traditionally The trainee teachers concluded their reserved for Singapore Armed Forces visit interacting with CDA personnel camps, are organised by the NIE National over a sumptuous tea reception. Education Committee for trainee teachers to appreciate the role of total defence in Singapore.

After a warm welcome by the Academy’s Chief Instructor, Major Yap Kok Boon, the corporate video Preparing the Nation for Emergency gave a very good insight to the importance of high level readiness to deal with peace time emergencies. The talk Emergency Preparedness in the New Security Environment described SCDF’s operational capabilities and how the community could be prepared in response to terrorism.

The trainee teachers were shown and briefed on the Personnel and Special Decontamination Vehicles, followed by an in-place protection-cum-

NIEnews Awards & Honours Meritorious By Public & International Relations Award for Assoc Prof NIE Staff Ho Hwee Long Fellow of Teachers Contributes

ssoc Prof Ho Hwee Network to SEA Games Success Long (Visual & A sst Prof Michael Koh (Physical ongratulations to Assoc Prof Berinderjeet Performing Arts) was Education & Sports Science), Kaur (Mathematics & Mathematics A conferred the Meritorious C Co-Chairman of the South East Award by the Composers Education) on receiving a Fellow of Teachers Asian (SEA) Games Preparation Network award for the year 2003. and Authors Society of Committee for gymnastics, has contributed immensely to Singapore in January 2004 This award was introduced by Rear-Admiral for his outstanding and the success of the Republic’s (NS) , then Minister for women gymnasts at the recently commendable achievements Education, at the launch of the Teachers concluded SEA Games in and contributions to the Network in April 1998. It is given to Vietnam. With a comprehensive development of local music outstanding teachers and academicians who training programme envisioned in Singapore. have contributed signifi cantly to the Teachers by Asst Prof Koh, Singapore won Network. a bronze and three silver medals after a long drought. 13 Book Launches NIEnews Problem-based Learning Innovation By Assoc Prof Tan Oon Seng Musicianship in the Head, Psychological Studies 21st Century

n attempting to By Public & International Relations innovate learning I sst Prof Eugene Dairianathan (Visual & Performing and prepare a new Arts – Music) recently contributed the chapter generation for the A Improvisation for non-specialist teachers to Musicianship demands of a knowledge- in the 21st Century: Issues, trends & possibilities. With based economy, many training institutions and schools perspectives on music theatre, jazz, popular and classical have embarked on the use of problem-based learning music, this unique book features an international panel of (PBL) approaches. The book Problem-based Learning 25 authors from 12 countries, each examining pertinent Innovation: Using Problems to Power Learning in the aspects of the latest trends, issues and possibilities 21st Century by Assoc Prof Tan Oon Seng explains concerning musicianship in the 21st century. why PBL is regarded as an innovation in education and provides an updated perspective on incorporating PBL The book, edited by Mr Sam Leong, into the school curriculum. costs A$60.00 and is available from its publisher Australian Music The author is Head of Psychological Studies at NIE and Centre at Tel: (61) 2 9247 4677, President of the Educational Research Association of email: [email protected], Singapore. The book, published by Thomson Learning, website: www.amcoz.com.au. costs S$22.90 and is available from the NIE campus bookstore.

Editorial Committee

Editorial Team: Mrs Ivy Goh, Public & International Relations Ms Lynn Chew, Public & International Relations Mr Aaron Chong, Public & International Relations Members: Ms Chan Guet Har, Strategic Planning & Corporate Services Malay Literature Books & Research Dr Shila Fernandez nee Chandran, English Language & Literature By Assoc Prof Hadijah Bte Rahmat Mr Charles Chew, Science & Technology Education Asian Languages & Cultures Assoc Prof Joan Fry, Physical Education & Sports Science Asst Prof Lana Khong, Policy & Management Studies Mrs Audrey Lam-Chiang, Graduate Programmes & Research America’s connection and infl uence Asst Prof Lau Shun, Centre for Research in Pedagogy & Practice ssoc Prof Hadijah Bte Rahmat Ms Cherie Lek, Finance A(Asian Languages & Cultures), on Malay literary heritage and its Mrs Julie Lim-Tay, Foundation Programmes historical development vis-a-vis the Asst Prof Shawn Lum, Natural Sciences together with Mr Azhar Bin Ibrahim Asst Prof Ng Aik Kwang, Psychological Studies (Asian Languages & Cultures) and Berita Wilkes Expedition from 1838 to Ms Nenny Bte Noorman, Academic Computing & Info Services Ms Ng Luan Eng, Mathematics & Mathematics Education Harian senior journalist Ms Dewani 1842, the fi rst American scientifi c Asst Prof Norhaida Bte Aman, Asian Languages & Cultures Abbas, recently edited books related expedition led by Lieutenant Charles Ms Tan Puay Cher, Development & Estate Mr Teh Tiong Sa, Humanities & Social Studies Education to Malay Literature. Published by the Wilkes. She studied the collections of Mrs Tok-Tan Kok Mui, Student & Academic Services Malay Language Council of Singapore, Malay manuscripts and rare books at Asst Prof Marissa Wettasinghe, Instructional Science Mr Wong Wing Chow, Human Resource three anthologies of short stories, the Library of Congress, Washington In-house Photographer: essays and young adult literature by DC and at Houghton Library, Harvard Mr William Oh, Centre for IT in Education Malay Literary Awards winners of 1993 University from November 2002 to May to 2001 were launched on 18 October 2003. Assoc Prof Hadijah shares, “The NIE News is published quarterly by the Public & International Fulbright Programme provided me a Relations Department, National Institute of Education, 2003 in conjunction with Anugerah Nanyang Technological University. Persuratan Singapura (Singapore fruitful and invaluable research and NIE News is also available at Literary Award 2003 Ceremony) at social experience. But more signifi cantly, www.nie.edu.sg/html/dir_news.htm. Marriott Mandarin Hotel. Speaker of I gained a greater understanding and The next issue will be published in April 2004. Please address your comments to: Parliament was the appreciation of American history, The Editorial Committee, NIE News event’s Guest-of-Honour. philosophy, its richness and varied life Fax: 6896 8874 • Email: [email protected] styles.” Currently, she is writing the National Institute of Education As a recent Fulbright Visiting Scholar, book based on her research fi ndings 1 Nanyang Walk, Singapore 637616 14 Tel: 6790 3888 • www.nie.edu.sg Assoc Prof Hadijah researched on in USA. NIEnews Calendar of Events Calendar of Events January to June 2004 Name of Event Date Venue Contact Person 1 to 31 January 2004 1 to 28 February 2004 Asst Prof Colin Reaney Art Exhibitions 1 to 31 March 2004 The Art Gallery, NIE Email: [email protected] 1 April to 30 May 2004 1 to 30 June 2004 Ms Nenny Noorman NIE e-Carnival 2004 6 February 2004 Lecture Theatre 1, NIE Email: [email protected] Sharing Session on the Role of IT Asst Prof Seetha Lakshmi 14 February 2004 Lecture Theatre 2, NIE in Teaching & Learning of Tamil Language Email: [email protected] Leaders in Education Programme Orientation Ms Mae Chan 19 March 2004, 11.00am NIE for March 2004 Intake Email: [email protected] Advanced Diploma & Advanced Postgraduate Diploma Mr Novindarjit Singh 19 March 2004 NIE Graduation Ceremony Email: [email protected] Seminar Room Ms Joey Lim Staff Interaction Seminar: Hypnosis & Pain 16 April 2004 (2-02-12), NIE Email: [email protected] Mrs Seah-Lee Moi Fong National Education (NE) Seminar May 2004 To be confi rmed Email: mfl [email protected] Mrs Seah-Lee Moi Fong Personal Effectiveness Programme May 2004 To be confi rmed Email: mfl [email protected] Mrs Seah-Lee Moi Fong Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Visit May 2004 SAF Services Email: mfl [email protected] Mrs Seah-Lee Moi Fong Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) Programme May 2004 OBS Email: mfl [email protected] NIE Townsville Campus Mr Novindarjit Singh TRIZ - Enhancing Pupils’ Thinking Skills in Project June 2004 (E-01-02) Email: [email protected] Mr Novindarjit Singh ENVISION - Singapore 2 to 4 June 2004 NIE Email: [email protected] Mr Novindarjit Singh Inquiry Teaching & Learning in Mathematics 3 to 4 June 2004 NIE Email: [email protected] Ms Shirley Seet Gifted Education Conference 3 to 5 June 2004 NIE Email: [email protected] The International Association for the Study of Cooperation in Education (IASCE) Conference 2004: Assoc Prof Christine Lee 21 to 25 June 2004 Carlton Hotel Cooperation & Collaboration: Diversity of Practice, Email: [email protected] Culture Contexts & Creative Innovations

Enhancing Teaching, Embracing Technology Admission Exercise

NIE will be conducting an admission exercise in February/March 2004 for non-graduate teachers who are interested in direct admission to the second year of the Bachelor of By Ms Nenny Noorman Arts (Education)/Bachelor of Science Academic Computing & Information Services (Education) programmes. These programmes are conducted on a full- oin us at the NIE e-Carnival on 6 February 2004. Themed Enhancing time as well as part-time basis. Details 2 JTeaching, Embracing Technology or ET , it will be a fun-fi lled carnival. will be available in the NIE website Highlights include the launch of NIE Staff Portal, IT competition and busker (www.nie.edu.sg) and MOE Intranet activities. We will be raising funds for charity through busking. So, don’t miss during the admission exercise. the excitement! 15 MOU & Service Learning NIEnews

By Asst Prof Alan Ch’ng Associate Dean Collaboration with Vietnam Physical Education & Foundation Programmes’ Special Programmes National University

Service Learning taught the children and youths English and Physical Education. Present in Hanoi were two groups of NIE trainee teachers performing their The afternoon visit was to Hoa Sua community service projects under the School, a self-funding non-government Youth Expedition Project (YEP) scheme, vocational training centre for whom the NIE team visited on disadvantaged Vietnamese youths. The 26 November 2003. NIE trainee teachers were again welcomed and valued for their plans to set up computer facilities and teach n NIE team left for Hanoi, Vietnam English to its students. Indeed these Aon 24 November 2003 to establish two groups of aspiring teachers through formal ties with the Vietnam National their service learning projects had done University (VNU), Hanoi. Led by Assoc the Institute and Singapore proud. Prof Quek Jin Jong (Dean, Academic), the team was in Hanoi until 28 On 27 November 2003, the NIE team November 2003 during which a also paid a visit to Hanoi Junior Teacher Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) T r a i n i n g was signed with the University’s Faculty College, a major (Above) NIE trainee training institute of Education. teachers performing community service at for educating Yen Son School in Hanoi, The signing ceremony took place on 25 Vietnam primary and November 2003 with Assoc Prof lower secondary (Right) School children at Nguyen Thi My Loc (seated, left above), Yen Son School school teachers. Dean of VNU’s Faculty of Education and Information was Assoc Prof Quek (seated, right above) exchanged on representing VNU and NIE respectively. The morning visit was to Yen Son School the training programmes of both in the rural district of Bavi, Hanoi. Assoc organisations. The meeting ended with In his address, Assoc Prof Quek Prof Quek thanked the school’s an agreement to strengthen ties emphasised the importance of principal, Ms Nguyen Thi Loi, for through continuous contact and education as a medium to develop and extending learning opportunities to NIE possible study visits in the future. nurture the minds and spirit of future trainee teachers to which she expressed generations of both countries. He also her appreciation for the “unforgettable” Other members of the NIE team were encouraged cooperation through contribution by them to her school. The Prof Goh Kim Chuan (Associate Dean, teacher education to foster relations at NIE trainee teachers contributed in Curriculum & Foundation Programmes bilateral, regional and international enhancing the school infrastructure Liaison), Asst Prof Alan Ch’ng (Associate levels. In response, Vice President of such as cementing the compound and Dean, Physical Education & Foundation VNU Prof Vu Minh Giang (standing, rebuilding the retaining wall. They also Programmes’ Special Programmes) and third from left on cover photograph) exchanged pedagogical knowledge and Assoc Prof Sylvia Chong (Sub Dean,

outlined VNU’s continuous strategy of skills with the Vietnamese teachers and Postgraduate Diploma in Education Designed & Printed by Integral Communications (S) Pte Ltd improving the quality of education for (Secondary)). its students and viewed links with NIE as (Below) The NIE-YEP group with Assoc Prof Quek and the NIE delegation at Hoa Sua School, Hanoi an impetus towards realising that goal.

Following the signing, both parties were hosted to a lunch by Vietnam’s Vice-Minister of Education and Training, Prof Tran Van Nhung. In his conversation with the NIE team, he promoted future cooperation between VNU and NIE as a 16 means of furthering educational ties.