Principia - Leading Learning 1 President’s Message

This is last in the series of 5 on the different areas that school leaders are called on to spearhead or show the way. We had started with Leading Culture then Leading People in 2014; we celebrated SG50 looking at Leading Nationally and Leading Change; and most appropriately we come back this year to the heart of all that we do – Leading Learning. We began by interviewing two principals who have had to lead their schools into a new way of learning. You will read Foo Suan Fong’s immensely down-to-earth approach in bringing a school out of the traditional ‘O’ level track into the . You will also appreciate the amusing honesty of Lim Boon Cheng as she FOO SUAN FONG crafted a Future School out of a non-existent entity and met, on the way, the frank and unvarnished reactions of students to the challenges thrown at them. Yet despite the official categorising of their schools, these two school leaders showed that beneath it all, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and the enterprise is not that different – that never-ending journey every educator takes into become more, you are a leader.” finding out how students learn. But it is not only students who learn; principals also learn as you will find out from Ng Pak Tee. Pak’s Tee’s research - John Quincy Adams, one of Dr Foo’s favourite quotes into school leadership and its impact on student learning has made his input at the Leaders in Education Programme and his contribution to its design an integral part of a principal’s training. His encounters with aspiring principals have sharpened his clarity on what school leaders need to do. As educators, we also know that assessment is essential to learning so we are glad we have at the helm of the Examinations and Assessment Board someone who’s taught in school, led a school and helped others lead schools. From a different vantage point then, Tan Lay Choo will illustrate the valuable and integral link between assessment and learning.

Chan Poh Meng President, Academy of Principals (Singapore) Contents Board Members

Foo Suan Fong 3 Patron Ms Chan Lai Fung Mr Story-Teller: Management Lessons (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education) from Fists and Fingers Executive Board President Mr Chan Poh Meng 1st Vice President Mr Lim Yan Hock 2nd Vice President Mrs Elsie Tan-Poey Lim Boon Cheng 8 Hon Secretary Mr Dennis Yap The I-Principal: A School’s Journey Asst Hon Secretary Mdm Cassie Fan into the Future Hon Treasurer Mdm Alice Heng Sen Mee Committee Member Mrs Dolly Ong Ng Pak Tee 13 Committee Member Mr Mark Minjoot What Principals Must Have: The Skills Committee Member Mr Michael de Silva of a CEO, the Heart of a Teacher Committee Member Mr Michel Saw Committee Member Mdm Ng Hwee Heng Tan Lay Choo 18 Committee Member Mr Puvan Ariaratnam Committee Member Mdm Rashidah Abdul Rasip Examining Singapore: Why Assessment Committee Member Ms Susie Ho is Needed Committee Member Mrs Tan Wai Lan Committee Member Mrs Tan-Kek Lee Yong Ex-officio Mr Tham Kine Thong (MOE) Dr Ng Pak Tee (NIE) Dr Liu Woon Chia (NIE) Academy Dean Mrs Belinda Charles Editorial Executive Director Mr Ezra Ng

Published by Academy of Principals (Singapore) Comments and suggestions are most welcome. Editorial by The Nutgraf LLP The views expressed or implied in this publication are not necessarily those of the Academy. Text: Sue-Ann Chia and Peh Shing Huei Photos: Zakaria Zainal Copyright © 2016 Academy of Principals (Singapore). Design: Gabriel Fu All rights reserved.

ISSN 1793-4699

Principia - Leading Learning 3 Scary as that might sound, Suan NOT TOP STUDENT NOR SCHOLAR Mr Story-Teller: Fong is far from intimidating. During the As a Dunman High alumnus, he says he was two-hour interview at a meeting room in the glad to return to his alma mater. “I wasn’t the Management Lessons from Fists and Fingers school library, he comes across as affable top student, playing was a top priority,” he and approachable, even endearing as he tells shares candidly, adding that his report book story after story about his philosophies on is on display in the school. leadership and life. During his school days from 1973- Sitting on the edge of the sofa, a 1978, the school was called Dunman r Foo Suan Fong, Principal of Dunman naturally stick out. This means trouble, he favourite position during the interview, his Government Chinese Middle School and it High School, stretches out his hand, says, as the jutting out fingers represent enthusiasm is palpable. He shares how he was a Chinese-language school. He studied Dusing his fingers and a pen to illustrate people who will be unhappy if the task was motivates staff and students with ‘gifts’, his all subjects in Chinese and took English as a a lesson on leadership. Imagine that all five given to a certain individual. They want to do lessons learnt from a long list of mentors, second language. “I scraped through English fingers represent an individual, and the task the job too. past students who still visit him every Chinese with a C5 grade,” he says, which allowed him is to hold a pen. It is a simple finger exercise, but New Year and why the school has an umbrella to enter the National University of Singapore If the thumb holds the pen, it is very reveals a lot about leadership and managing as a corporate gift. (NUS) where he majored in Chinese Studies, stable, he says, demonstrating how the thumb people, says Suan Fong. “Leadership is “I’m a story-telling principal. I have Japanese Studies and minored in Political engulfs the pen in a firm grip. It means this important,” he says, as the success and many funny and interesting ideas,” says Suan Science. person can be entrusted with the task and failure of any organisation hinges on the Fong with a wide grin. He never fails to use But he struggled in university. For the will perform well. Now, if the pinkie holds management skills of the leader. any opportunity – from assembly speeches to first time, he had to learn in English for a the pen, the ring finger and middle finger will Like how the finger story goes, choose meetings with staff and students – to tell his heavy-going subject like Political Science. “I automatically bend to support the weight. It the wrong person for the task and things fabled tales. suffered a lot, studied non-stop seven days signals a weak candidate for the task, who will go awry. Choose wisely and the path to In fact, he compiled many of his a week. I learnt to use very simple and plain would invariably require help from others, success will be smooth. “You have to know stories into a book, Telling Stories, Applying English to write,” he notes. he explains. the strengths and weaknesses of people, Principles: A journey of school management. Fortunately, he did not fail. Having But who is a good partner for the as well as understand group dynamics and In it, there are more than 25 principles on good professors such as Professor Chan Heng pinkie? If it is paired with the thumb, it would relationships, if you want to develop your school leadership, using stories and objects Chee, who went on to be one of Singapore’s be overwhelmed, he says, showing how the people to their fullest potential,” he shares. from daily life. It was published in 2009, the high-profile diplomats, also helped. He invited thumb presses on the pinkie to hold the pen. This means the leader has to be a same year he became Principal at Dunman her to be a guest of honour for a school event An optimal partner would be the ring finger, as good judge of character. “Through talking High, a (SAP) school three years ago it would be an equal and smooth partnership to people, all I need is 15 minutes to assess with a six-year Integrated Programme (IP). He credits his bilingualism today going by the ease with which both will hold on a person’s personality. It has become an (although he keeps saying his English is still to the pen, he elaborates. instinct over the years,” he says, using a not good enough) – not just in language ability Lastly, if the middle finger holds the Chinese proverb yue ren wu shu (阅人无数) to but personal philosophy – to his university pen, both the index and ring fingers would show how he learns a lot by reading people. education where he learnt a blend of eastern and western theories in world affairs. “I’m a bit luan,” he says, using a Hokkien word to describe messy confusion, as he mixes eastern philosophy of Confucius on character building and emphasis on education with western philosophy on the art and science of teaching. When he graduated from NUS in 1985, he decided to do something which he liked – teach. He joined the Ministry of Education (MOE), and was posted to Anderson Junior College where he taught Chinese language and literature. After almost six years, he headed to MOE headquarters as a curriculum specialist in Chinese language in the next decade. While there, he was involved in several policy changes including allowing more students to take Higher Chinese as well as editor of magazine hua wen lao shi (华文老 师) – Chinese Teacher. During this period, he also pursued a Masters of Philosophy in Chinese Literature at the Hong Kong University from 1995 to 1997.

4 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 5 an all-rounded education that covers moral “I wanted to let the teachers know what the outside world looks like, studies (character & citizenship education), learn the best practices from these companies in terms of setting intellectual studies, physical education (PE), CCA and the arts. “A first class school is based on standards and monitoring staff and student welfare.” While running the school, he also culture, a second class school earned a PhD in Chinese language and literature from Fudan University in Shanghai is based on management, and “It was a very exciting period,” he says of the in 2007. a third class school is based on handover of Hong Kong from Britain back to China in 1997. “I could see first-hand how the pressure.” British reacted to the Chinese government, how the Hong Kong people felt, the changes A WORK OF ART in the social fabric and people’s psyche.” When he arrived in Dunman High which runs accompanying them to read and study,” The political transition not only an integrated programme (IP), it was, in a way, he explains. brought out the political science graduate a combination of both his previous postings Apart from seeking excellence from in him but also taught him a simple lesson in a junior college and secondary school. “It staff and students, he is also keen to build a on governance. If people are unhappy, they is very challenging. As an IP school, we have unique school culture at Dunman High which will protest. At times, this will lead to public to ensure there is curriculum alignment in turns 60 this year. He believes the long-term demonstrations. What is required, he believes, their six years here,” he says. success and development of a school is based is good leadership that evolves with the needs Apart from the usual subjects in on its culture. “One year is based on luck, of the people and provides various pathways math, sciences and humanities, the school 10 years is based on structure and system, to success. It was a lesson he brought back also offers third languages and elective and 100 years is based on culture,” he says. to the ministry as it could be applied to programmes in art and music. At the junior Putting it another way, he adds: “A first class education, in helping each student learn and college level, it becomes more complicated school is based on culture, a second class progress at his own pace. was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee with many more Chinese language subjects school is based on management, and a third In Singapore, he returned to his Hsien Loong. In his six years at Nan Hua, a including Chinese Translation, China Studies class school is based on pressure.” familiar role as a curriculum specialist and SAP school, he introduced several changes in Chinese and General Study in Chinese, But culture is intangible and hence, thought he would stay there. But in 2001, he that earned the school a School Distinction which is General Paper (GP) in Chinese. building it is difficult. But he is intent on was posted to Jurong Junior College (JJC) as award, given to schools with well-integrated While he sets high standards for this goal, starting with events, products Vice Principal. “After almost 10 years away and sustainable processes that have improved students, he is equally demanding of and improving the school environment. For from being in a school, it was a shocking how students learn and develop. teachers. “I tell them to treat every piece of instance, the school developed a mascot, thing to be back,” he says. For instance, he made sure as many work like it is a piece of art, not a piece of logo, cards and corporate gifts including At the headquarters, he was doing as 80 per cent of students received four task,” he says. “I don’t tell them what is art, T-shirts and an umbrella. And there are a “very operational job” of policy work and bonus points to enter junior college, by taking but you must know. An assignment is not just stories behind all these products, he says, developing curriculum, organising seminars, Higher Chinese and relevant co-curricular to complete a job, but to complete a piece of sharing the significance behind the umbrella. writing and presenting papers. At a school, activities (CCA) that develop leadership skills. art and explain it to people.” First, it is a helpful tool, sheltering it was vastly different work, leading an He also introduced work attachments for To motivate them, he has developed people from rain or used as a walking organisation and dealing with teachers, students. Students did so well over the years a 3Es concept of “Empower, Encourage and stick. Second, it is also useful as it can be students and parents. that Nan Hua became even more popular, Engage”. For top performers, he believes lent to students during downpours. Third, Before he left the headquarters, then- he reveals. in empowering them with the autonomy it signifies consistency especially when it Director-General of Education Wee Heng He did not just focus on students. He to perform what they think is best for the rains during a major event and everyone Tin gave him four tips in leading a school. also wanted to develop his teachers, bringing school. For the average performers, he aims carries the same umbrella. Fourth, an open One, bring the school to the next level. Two, them to visit private sector companies such to encourage them to do better. And for those umbrella represents a shield during a crisis. develop the staff to make them future leaders. as BreadTalk and Fuji Xerox – companies who are not so good, he engages them with Last, during peace times, a closed umbrella Three, provide opportunities for the students which he visited when he was on a six-month ideas and ways to produce their work of art. shows solidarity. to shine. Four, learn fast from JJC principal learning programme for school leaders at New teachers to the school will be It may be an ordinary product, but Ching Ai Kim as she would be retiring soon. the National Institute of Education (NIE). given “three gifts” to ensure they can be it showcases the extraordinary spirit of the It was a steep learning curve in the “I wanted to let the teachers know what artists too, he says. One, a piece of advice school, says Suan Fong who believes an two short years that he was there, and he the outside world looks like, learn the best from him. Two, a contact number or e-mail inspirational leader can also help develop the appreciated the many opportunities given to practices from these companies in terms of of someone who can help them in their task. school culture by instilling the right values. him by Ms Ching. Till today, he and a group setting standards and monitoring staff and Three, a reference article that they can Using the Chinese phrase ling dao (领 of teachers meet her regularly, he shares. student welfare,” he says. learn from. 导) for leader, he says it is a combination of His stint at JJC paved the way for his Summing up his education philosophy Similarly, he also gives presents to two words – lead as well as guide and teach. next posting in 2003, as Principal of Nan in Nan Hua, he writes five Chinese words, de zhi motivate his students – from personal cards And he hopes to lead the way by showing – Hua Secondary School – now called Nan Hua ti qun mei (德、智、体、群、美). Individually, to bookmarks before their major exams. “I and not just telling stories. “As a leader, you High School. One of his first big tasks was they mean moral, cognitive, physical, social like books and I want them to read. By giving don’t do just visionary work. You must also moving the school to its new campus which and aesthetic. Together, the emphasis is on them a bookmark, it is like the principal do some dirty work,” he says.

6 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 7 The I-Principal A School’s Journey into the Future

ne day, a Primary Four pupil amazed Boon Cheng shares this example to and amused Ms Lim Boon Cheng. He show how technology is changing the way Owalked up to her and said: “Ms Lim, I students learn as well as piquing the interest know what is the world’s longest word.” of students in something they may not be “What is it?” she asked. interested in – studying. “When we talk “Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilico about self-directed learning or independent volcanoconiosis,” he said, pronouncing the learning, you need a tool. In the past, it medical term of Silicosis accurately, without could be an encyclopedia. In a Future missing a beat. Silicosis is an occupational School, it is a laptop with connectivity,” lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. says Boon Cheng, Principal of Beacon Impressed by the pupil, Boon Cheng Primary School, part of the FutureSchools@ inquired: “Who taught you this word?” Singapore (FS@SG) programme. “I learnt it on my own,” he replied. The school, located in Bukit A little stunned, she quickly queried: Panjang, integrates technology into “How did you do it?” teaching and learning to not only deliver “I checked the online dictionary,” he a more engaging learning experience but said, flashing a toothy smile, clearly proud of also equip students with skills that will his achievement. be needed in the future digital workforce. Boon Cheng was still curious. “But Beacon Primary is one of eight schools how did you know how to pronounce this long under this pilot project that was announced word?” she asked with a puzzled knit of her brow. in May 2007. But among the eight, Beacon “Oh, there was an audio thing next to is the only new primary school while the the word teaching you how to pronounce it,” rest were existing schools that converted he answered with a big grin, happy to show into a future school. off his tech-savvy skills. For Boon Cheng, it was an “How long did it take you to learn?” experiment of a lifetime. She not only she continued to quiz him. had to build the school from scratch, as “Just three days,” said the 10-year- in the physical building, but also develop old pupil, a keen learner who shows interest the novel teaching concept. “I’m a pre- outside the academic realm. generation X (baby-boomer generation)

LIM BOON CHENG

“Our guiding principle is simplicity. The focus is still on your pedagogy, whether you can inspire your students to learn.”

8 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 9 leading the millennial generation (students); This almost comical question and it is a very big gap,” says the youthful-looking answer went on for a while until the senior “Teachers used to be the go-to person for knowledge, but now 58-year-old during the interview in her office. official explained that she was to lead a new students can find out on their own. Our role is to be a pathfinder While sharing the unprecedented type of school that was not built yet. Once journey in developing a Future School, she got the message, she immediately said and help students find the way forward.” her trademark chuckle can be heard often yes. But she was filled with excitement as well as she recalls several hilarious episodes. as trepidation about going into the unknown. Her official posting began in December Among them is a caricature of Boon Cheng gadgets, a la James Bond, where pressing 2006, and the first batch of Primary One producers’ of technology. This means they scanning the future in yet-to-be-invented buttons would make various things appear. pupils started school in 2008. In between, she will not just be consumers of technology but “Google glasses”. Laughing as she shows the Fortunately, parents saw merit in the was busy overseeing the construction of the also learn how to be producers of content, for cartoon drawn by an artist during the initial school concept and 240 pupils were enrolled school and conceptualising with the FS@SG instance, by producing content online in the envisioning exercise in 2007, she says it is for Primary One in the first cohort. Today, the project team on how to harness technology form of digital stories. almost impossible to predict future trends. school has 1,400 pupils in all levels. Pupils to design a technology-enriched and holistic It will go from ‘learn to use’ to ‘use “The future keeps moving, we will took to technology like fish to water. “They curriculum, incorporating 21st century to learn’, says Boon Cheng. So pupils will never arrive,” she notes, but her job is to make are digital natives. You teach them one step, competencies. “We had some hazy ideas, but first be taught how to use the technology sure students are resilient and adaptable to they will go two steps,” she shares, giving there was a lot of uncertainty. There were no such as laptops and will go on to use these rapid changes in this globalised world. her team the confidence that the school was examples, no blueprints to follow,” she notes. devices and the online resources to extend moving in the right direction. But the school She tried to look for existing examples their learning. All pupils from Primary Four onwards will have their own personal learning is continually evolving to keep pace with FUTURE SCHOOL PROJECT overseas. There were hardly any and one she devices such as a laptop. technological changes. For instance, it will It started with a phone call while she was found focused on infrastructure such as solar The focus, she points out, is still on introduce coding to encourage computational visiting the United States in late 2006. panels and wireless connectivity rather than learning the national curriculum and 21st thinking to Primary Four pupils this year. She was taking a break after her Masters teaching pedagogy. With a completely blank century competencies. Technology is a tool to The school is also among the first- programme. On the other end of the line canvas, Boon Cheng, her core staff and the make learning come alive while at the same movers on non-technology items such as was a senior official from the Ministry of FS@SG project team began brainstorming time ensuring pupils keep up to date with organising five to six-day overseas learning Education (MOE) back in Singapore. “Would ideas on how to integrate technology into digital trends. With technology, the hope is journey to places such as Shanghai and you go to a future school?” the person asked teaching and learning. They were guided by also that more pupils will pursue self-directed Sarawak for all Primary Five pupils. “For during the conversation to discuss her next four key principles – simplicity, sustainability, learning where they learn from online websites some of them, it could be a life-changing posting. scalability, and ease of transferability. and resources on their own. “If I teach you experience. They are able to experience and As she had been away for the past The curriculum would be the same as how to learn and how to do research online, it explore different cities and cultures,” she year studying Educational Leadership and that in other schools, but technology would will be more useful than just teaching you the says, adding that those going to Suzhou will Administration at Institute of Education, be seamlessly and pervasively weaved into syllabus,” she notes. even attend school there. University of London in England, Boon Cheng teaching and learning, with pupils exposed to Asked if technology can also be had no clue what was a Future School. So she various digital platforms from Primary One, distracting, she replies: “There is a difference enquired: “Which school?” she shares. in self-directed learning and self-indulgent “Future school,” came the reply, which The goal is to teach pupils ‘how to entertainment. In our environment, there are NOT A TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST did nothing to enlighten her. learn’ and move pupils from being ‘users to a lot of distractions. In our structured way of While she is leading a Future School that teaching, we teach pupils that technology is focuses on technology and what is trending used for learning and not just fun and games.” online, she is not exactly into computers or She also emphasises the need for programming. “I’m not a very technology- pupils to learn to be ethical, responsible and savvy person,” she confesses. “I can see the discerning users of technology. “Technology,” power of technology in how it can be used in she adds, is “a great social leveller”. It is no education, and that is my role.” longer about the ‘haves and have-nots’ in Beyond that, she calls on the expertise terms of being able to afford technology. The of her team members of specialists among divide will be between the ‘know and know- the deans, heads of department and teachers not’ with the latter on the losing end. to spot the latest trends in technology and After developing the school concept, update the curriculum. She calls it “distributed Boon Cheng had to market the school leadership”. “There are different people in to parents so that they would enrol their different functions, everyone has a role to children in it. There was quite a bit of play,” she says. There is, for example, a Dean confusion. “People did not really know what is of Development, Research and Technology, a Future School,” she says, recalling her own and a Dean of Curriculum and Pedagogy. puzzlement during the phone conversation As for Boon Cheng, she draws on her on her posting. “Some even thought it was diverse experience in teaching various schools a virtual school.” A teacher she interviewed and levels, a career that began in 1982. She was under the impression that the school started as an accounting and management would be super high-tech and filled with cool teacher. Her first posting was to Raffles Junior Courtesy of Lim Boon Cheng

10 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 11 College for two years, Victoria Junior College “It works to their needs, simple as for the next six years, and subsequently to that,” she says. “We use big words such Seletar Institute for almost seven years. In as self-directed learning or collaborative those 15 years, she taught a wide spectrum learning to explain the benefits of technology of students. when in fact life is very simple – it’s only made “I became a better teacher after every complicated by adults.” posting,” she shares. At Seletar Institute, she Such simple responses also cheer NG PAK TEE learnt that students required a different way her, as it shows that technology is making an of teaching. It helped to teach them meta- impact on pupils. Indeed, older pupils have “How can we expect inspired students without inspired teachers?” cognitive skills such as how to pay attention, also reported putting their skills to good listen and verbalise their thinking. “It was use such as helping their parents prepare learning to understand the learners,” she powerpoint slides for presentation. One pupil says, adding that each of her postings made even learnt how to play the guitar by watching her feel she was “promoted to a new level of instructional videos on YouTube, she adds. incompetency” – into a new role that she had Now, pupils are asking for a Beacon no experience in. Secondary School, she says, so that they can After Seletar Institute, she moved continue their education in a similar fashion – to Northview Secondary School as Vice fusing technology with learning. But she tells Principal – her first management-level role. them not to worry. Once they are grounded She was there from 1997 till 1998. Then, in this foundation, they can do their own self- she was posted to Pasir Ris Primary School directed learning in any school, any time and as Principal till 2005. It was her first time anywhere as they have been equipped with working in a primary school, and she asked skills for life-long learning. For those who around for advice from the experienced miss their alma mater, the school has started primary school principals. One hilarious, yet Beacon Network for alumni to stay in touch practical, tip from a senior principal that she and build up a strong and vibrant school culture. could still remember was not to wear skirts The school has also published two with elastic bands as young children may tug books to record its future school experience. and pull at your skirts to get attention. The first was published in 2010 and was While there, she also realised that translated into Japanese by an academic primary school pupils tell the unvarnished there, and the second book in 2012. truth – or rather the truth from their perspective. “Technology empowers and narrows Once, a shy Primary One boy walked gaps,” she says, adding that it is also aligned close to her and pointed out that Boon with Singapore’s vision to be a Smart Nation. Cheng had permed her hair. Flattered by the Technology also changes how students learn. attention, she asked the boy: “Is it nice?” “Teachers used to be the go-to person for “No, it looks like a cauliflower,” came knowledge, but now students can find out on the brutal reply from the seven-year-old. their own. Our role is to be a pathfinder and She was too shocked and tickled to help students find the way forward,” she says. respond, and the pupil sidled away. But she has never permed her hair again, keeping it in a chic bob instead. This episode also taught her the importance of understanding the learner’s perspective. So today, when she asks pupils for feedback on the use of technology in school, she expects nothing but the truth – from their perspective. A Primary One pupil once told Boon Cheng she loves using the laptop to do her work as she can easily delete wrong answers instead of having to waste time erasing. Easy deletion was not one of the stated official advantages in using technology, she notes, but it is beneficial nonetheless. It not only saves time but also helps pupils seek better answers due to the ease in erasing wrong or not so good answers. This encourages pupils to reflect on their answers, making contemplation and creativity less onerous.

12 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 13 What Principals Must Have: The Skills of a CEO, the Heart of a Teacher

‘dead’ teacher kills his students, while an engaging for his students who are, in fact, ‘alive’ teacher keeps the class engaged, educators themselves – vice principals and Asays Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee principals. He oversees the annual six-month from the National Institute of Education (NIE). Leaders in Education Programme (LEP), He is referring to a boring and uninterested which was launched in 2001, at NIE. He teacher versus an interesting and passionate shares illuminating concepts, illustrated with teacher, which can make all the difference in ordinary objects and everyday life such as how how students learn. teaching is similar to feeding a young child “A teacher who is alive can spark and likening a microwave oven and traditional students’ interest in the subject he is wood-fire oven to education tools. teaching,” shares Pak Tee, NIE’s Head of While he is a master of metaphors, Policy and Leadership Studies and Associate Pak Tee is also the grandmaster of education Dean of Leadership Learning. “On the other given that he teaches principals. Tell him that hand, if students have a ‘dead’ teacher, they and he laughs it off, saying he is only helping will all ‘die’ together. A ‘dead’ teacher can kill principals remember their calling of being a THE TEACHER OF PRINCIPALS have to envisage what the school will look the learning interest of a student.” teacher first and administrator second. Pak Tee joined NIE in 2001. Before this, the like in 10 to 15 years’ time and implement With this in mind, it is not surprising It is a philosophical message that Cambridge graduate taught Mathematics at a component of this ‘future school’ in a that Pak Tee is intent on being alive and he repeats often during the interview where Hwa Chong Junior College for four years and prototype that is feasible now. To do so, they he reflects on why principals must “retain was an officer in the Ministry of Education will have to challenge current beliefs about a teacher’s heartbeat” even though they (MOE) for three years. He also received an education and school leadership as well as ought to develop the skills of a CEO, and the MBA from the University of Leicester and a explore new concepts that can transform the importance of having inspired educators who PhD in management from the University school system in future. They will also need to will inspire students to learn. “As educators, of Bradford. consider global and geo-political factors that we should not simply do things to earn the On his decision to leave MOE for NIE, could influence the country’s development. applause of the world. Do good, rather than he says he wanted to continue teaching in a The aim of this project is not look good,” he urges the profession, so that different capacity. “It is good to teach young just scenario planning, but also a test of it will “safeguard the nation’s future and its people, but it is also good to develop the leadership. “They have no rank, position and social fabric”. capabilities of teachers and leaders.” authority in the school; how would they try He certainly has earned the applause At NIE, the LEP trains education to get things going?” notes Pak Tee. “They of the educators he teaches. Standing in the leaders to develop critical decision-making must try to influence people with their ideas midst of Suntec City’s crowded convention and management skills so as to help them and people-skills. If they can work well with centre, they bowed and enthusiastically deal with high levels of complexity in people on the ground during this project, they shouted in Chinese, lao shi zai jian, xie xie governance and policy implementation. “It will be much better off when they are put in a lao shi (goodbye and thank you, teacher). As is a platform for school leaders to do some position of authority later.” everyone turned to stare, the teacher, Pak serious contemplation and take stock of the This project also showcases that Tee, smiled and returned the bow. They were system, to affirm and re-affirm their values leadership is more than just pulling rank. at Suntec City for an education conference. and beliefs as well as pick up knowledge and “People work with you not just because you “It is important for students to respect skills,” he notes. are ranked higher than they are, but because their teachers and this is an extension of that After they complete the programme, they respect you for who you are, for your practice,” he explains during an interview he hopes they will be able to clearly say, “This ideas and how these ideas can benefit the before his keynote address at the conference is who I am and this is what I stand for.” This school,” he says. where he engages the audience with stories is crucial as how leaders think affect how they Some innovative ideas that have and ‘tweet-able tweets’. But he was still a act, he explains. emerged from these projects, he shares, little amused that they would bow and greet As part of the LEP, participants include having a digital art gallery in schools him outside of the classroom, in front of so are attached to a school where they will be where art pieces are scanned and displayed on many conference participants, he adds. mentored by the principal there. A key feature a portal, and getting top performing students of this attachment is the Creative Action to design tests so that they understand what Project (CAP), in which LEP participants the questions are looking to assess.

14 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 15 From participants’ feedback, a gourmet pizza, would you want one from The challenge, however, is that the they learnt how to conduct ‘futuring’, the microwave oven or wood-fire oven?” environment has evolved. Now, a larger share contextualising projects to individual school The focus should be to get back to of students comes from middle-income conditions, being flexible and adaptable and the basics of pedagogy; it is not about the families as Singapore’s economy has grown collaborating with others, wrote Pak Tee in sophistication of the tool, he says. Technology rapidly, lifting the incomes of many citizens. a paper. can be used to enhance an existing pedagogy “We must help students not to take this Pak Tee describes ‘futuring’ as a or enable a new and superior pedagogy. “The (progress) for granted. They must have the strategic capability to scan horizons and tool is important…but the tool will only be resilience and gratitude to live in this time exploit future trends with advance planning powerful in the hands of the chef,” he says. and age and continue to strive for progress,” – critical competencies for education leaders “If you are not skillful, the food will not be good.” says Pak Tee. in this rapidly changing globalised world. In fact, he adds, educators are more Yet, as Singapore recently celebrated One participant said the futuring aspect was important than before in this digital age. “You SG50 – marking 50 years of independence – extremely useful as “the economy of the cannot google-proof teaching, you still need last year (2015), the question that has been world (from) 2025 will be run by students teachers,” he says with a smile. With all the debated is whether the nation can survive till entering schools now, so we need to make overload of information and misinformation SG100. For educators, he says the answer sure we prepare our schools for that future”. on the Internet, he maintains that teachers is in their hands as they are responsible for The projects also taught them how to are needed to guide students to discern educating the next generation who will be manage people and their own expectations, truths from untruths. in charge of the country’s future. “We are as well as learning when to take control or But because of the digital revolution blessed in many ways. We still have a rather when to let go so as to empower people. and advancements in society where good economy and employment for many It also taught them to be flexible in their information is readily available to students, people. But that may not be true in the thinking, said Pak Tee in the paper. “Keep the he adds: “Educators must up their game and future,” he notes. CAP vague, mind-boggling and challenging. If be even more knowledgeable.” The young today will have to grapple we want our students and teachers to take “The craze is now on e-learning,” he with many issues, including globalisation risks, be innovative, step out of their comfort notes, referring to how more students are now which brings greater competition from other zones, teach differently, do something they doing online learning through educational countries and their citizens. They will have have not been explicitly taught, we have to resources on the Internet. He, however, to be equipped with the skills and stomach know how difficult it is, and we have to be the cautions about going overboard and allowing to fight the competition, he notes. To do so, ones to get rid of the shackles that binds us,” teachers to go extinct by having computers educators will have to get the foundations right. wrote one participant. replace them. “One day, the craze may be the “When I go to other developed While change is necessary, Pak Tee human teacher,” he notes with a wry smile. countries, I see many tall towers and cathedral also reminds educators that the raison d’etre spires,” he shares. “While we focus on what of teaching remains largely unchanged all is visible, for every tall tower and cathedral “What do we do when the child says through the years – to help students learn. spire, there are strong pillars underneath to mai jiak?” he asks, using the Hokkien phrase INSPIRED EDUCATORS, INSPIRED support these structures. My advice to school for not wanting to eat. Instead of cooking STUDENTS leaders: Build down in order to build up.” different food or finding novel ways to feed the One key element in helping students learn He describes the job of educators TEACH LESS, LEARN MORE child, he says “we usually still try to shove the better is how the education system is moving to that of planting trees, using the Chinese The education system has been evolving with same food into the child. This means more of towards less emphasis on examinations. This proverb qian ren zhong shu, hou ren cheng liang a “shift from quantity to quality” in teaching the same teaching that did not work. We are makes learning less rigid and result-oriented, which means the future generation benefits and learning, notes Pak Tee. Today, the not trying to understand how to teach better.” he says. from the shade of the trees that were planted emphasis is on critical thinking and creativity The phrase ‘Teach Less, Learn More’, Instead, students are encouraged by their predecessors. rather than just rote learning. It started in he points out, is all about inspiring educators to learn because they want to and they can As for those who rise up to leadership 1997 with the slogan ‘Thinking Schools, to teach better so that students learn better. It learn subjects and skills that interest them positions, he says they should have “the skills Learning Nation’. Eight years later, in 2005, it is not as easy as it sounds, he acknowledges, – something which educators should bear of a CEO and the heart of a teacher”. “If you received an update from Prime Minister Lee as each student learns at a different pace and in mind, he adds, as they aim to develop want to lead teachers, you must think like Hsien Loong who made a seminal point about everyone has a different interest. creativity and critical thinking in schools. “We a teacher. Don’t just speak from the point education – Teach Less, Learn More. Technology does help some students should make our education not just a life of of view of the management, think from the Education leaders, he says, have to learn better, but it is not the panacea that will tests. Examination results are not the only perspective of a teacher and communicate reflect on what this means for their students solve every teaching problem, he says, giving pathway…there needs to be more assessment the message in a way that will excite them,” and how to go about implementing this new the example of the microwave oven versus of learning and celebrating success in various he shares. way of teaching. He likens the process of the traditional wood-fire oven. The microwave areas,” he notes. “Teachers look up to leaders not teaching and learning to feeding a child. oven trumps the wood-fire oven in terms of Educators, he adds, are beneficiaries just for teaching expertise but educational When the child conscientiously gobbles up all technology, speed and convenience, he notes, of the system and they have a duty to ensure philosophies too. This is a profession not of the food given to him, there is no problem. adding: “The microwave oven is the best the future generation benefit from having a policies and results, not of machines and But the issue arises when the child refuses choice, in one minute, the food will be hot and good education too. “Education is the human tools, but rather, a profession of purpose and to eat. ready to eat. But if you go to a restaurant for enterprise of paying it forward,” he says. principles, and of building people up.”

16 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 17 Examining Singapore: Why Assessment is Needed

xaminations have gotten a bad reputation and administration of national examinations in Singapore, laments Ms Tan Lay in Singapore. Her appointment coincides EChoo, chief executive of the Singapore with this period when Singapore is looking to Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB). shift its emphasis away from examinations “Examinations always comes across as the amid growing complaints of the education bad guy in our system, especially the high system’s focus on academic results. This led stakes part of it,” she says, referring to to a review of the Primary School Leaving national examinations. Examination (PSLE), announced in 2013. But remove examinations from In April (2016), Acting Education schools, and the education system may not Minister Ng Chee Meng said the PSLE will be as effective, she notes, explaining that have a new scoring system with wider bands. the system is supported by three pillars – “The way we currently score the PSLE is too curriculum design and planning, teaching precise, and differentiates our students more and learning, and assessment. finely than necessary. We should therefore, in In a recent speech to principals and time, move away from such fine distinctions, school teachers, Lay Choo likened these which are not meaningful, especially at three pillars to the legs of a stool. “If one that young age,” he said in Parliament. The leg is shorter than the rest, the stool will be Ministry of Education (MOE), he added, will wobbly,” she shares during an interview in her take the next few years to develop and test Bukit Ho Swee office. The alignment of these the new exam and secondary school posting three “legs” is what makes the Singapore systems to ensure a fair and transparent education system successful, but “many do system based on academic merit. not appreciate what we have”, she adds. Mention PSLE and she smiles, saying Foreigners, however, appear to have it is the one question she hopes not to answer noticed something special in the education as there is an ongoing engagement process. system here. Curious, several overseas But she did give her take on the controversial counterparts have asked her the secret to issue. “The PSLE T-score has been around Singapore’s success in scoring well for PISA. for over 40 years; a decision cannot be made The Programme for International Student quickly. People also acknowledge that it is Assessment (PISA) is a triennial international not bad or broken, even though there is an survey, which aims to evaluate education urgency to change,” she notes. “But going systems worldwide by testing the skills and forward, what is a better system that is more knowledge of 15-year-old students. “These aligned with what we want to achieve? If we international tests validate what we have been are trying to de-emphasise or not pay so doing in our education system,” she says, and much attention to the PSLE, what kind of that includes our examination system. signals must we send out clearly?” Lay Choo has helmed the SEAB since While policymakers grapple with 2008. It is a statutory board under MOE that these questions, she has her hands full trying is responsible for the design, development to enhance other assessment methods.

“The PSLE T-score has been around for over 40 years; a decision cannot be made quickly. People also acknowledge that it is not bad or broken, even though there is an urgency to change. But going forward, TAN LAY CHOO what is a better system that is more aligned with what we want to achieve? If we are trying to de-emphasise or not pay so much attention “I don’t like staff who just do but don’t know why. The teacher in me will to the PSLE, what kind of signals must we send out clearly?” come out to explain why this job must be done.”

18 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 19 TWEAKING EXAMS But she maintains that examinations sets Singapore’s national exams. “Every job At the teachers’ meeting to discuss Examinations are being blamed for undue must be “credible and fair”. “Students must that I have done contributes to who I am these cases, the principal looked around the stress on students. She understands the be tested on what they have learnt and not today. I’m fortunate to have this range of table and asked which teacher was willing to concerns. “There are many ways to look at what they have not learnt.” Her biggest test, experience…and see education in various guarantee that this particular student could a child. Why should we only look at their test perhaps, is to make students, parents and perspectives,” shares Lay Choo who is one year pass English, and he would not be detained. or exam results?” she shares, noting that even educators see the continued relevance shy of retirement. “I turned to the English teachers and each child has his or her own talents beyond of examinations and assessments. But she does have one regret: not tried to get them to say yes, but no one did. academic grades. spending enough time teaching in schools. So in the end, I said I would guarantee the Here, she points out that “I’m a teacher at heart,” she says of the student would pass English,” she shares. She examinations and assessments are different. profession she decided to enter since did not tell the student what happened during Major examinations take place once in four secondary school. Her classmates had told the meeting, but other teachers apparently to six years, but assessments occur more her she had a knack for teaching, as many did. “He did not disappoint me,” she says. To frequently in schools to help teachers spot turned to her to teach them how to solve Lay Choo, it was unfair to retain this student students who have difficulty in learning, puzzling Math questions. Her passion with as he was caught in the changes in education she explains. The education system needs numbers and equations started then and she policies. He just needed more time. more of such ‘holistic assessment’ with the went on to major in Mathematics at the then Her next posting was to a totally new discovery of more tools to assess different University of Singapore. frontier – the GEP which began in 1984, the parts of learning, she adds. This includes But she had only seven years in year she became a GEP officer in MOE. There, assessing what is currently not assessable school – her first three years (1981-1983) she covered every aspect of the Mathematics such as creativity. as a Mathematics teacher in The Chinese syllabus such as designing the curriculum, And while examinations are not going High School and , and four setting tests, training the teachers and away, she says they are being tweaked so years (1999-2002) as Principal of Bukit communicating with parents. “It could be that they can measure what they ought to Panjang Government High School. The bulk traumatic at times,” she discloses with some measure – students’ capabilities instead of of her career was at MOE’s headquarters. nostalgic reflection. “The students are gifted their ‘incapabilities’. For instance, e-exams She spent 13 years planning the curriculum but I’m not gifted. I had giftedness thrust were introduced in 2013 for students who and development of the Gifted Education on me.” were weak in their mother tongue. The Programme (GEP), two years in manpower “Sometimes, they shock you with purpose, she explains, is to assess students planning, a year as a Cluster Superintendent, some answers and you are not sure if it’s right. differently using technology. “When it was an four years in Psychological Assessment and One student even claimed to have solved a exam paper, some students handed in blank A PASSION FOR NUMBERS Research and two years in Psychological Services. problem that was supposedly unsolvable,” she scripts other than writing their names,” she Apart from being an ambassador for says, adding she had to check some answers discloses, as they are simply unable to write examinations and assessment, Lay Choo is with university professors. That particular anything down. But when it came to online also an advocate for Mathematics. She gets A LEARNING JOURNEY student was wrong, but it obviously gave her examinations, most attempted to answer the upset whenever students, or even adults, In every posting, she had to deal with many such a headache that she remembers the questions such as composing an e-mail to tell her they are hopeless with numbers and unknowns and learnt new skills. In 1981, incident till today. their friends. hence, abysmal in Math. “Students who used in her first posting to The Chinese High In the middle of her posting, in To Lay Choo, this showed that the to tell me that they can’t do Math – I will go School, she had to teach the first cohort of 1989, she pursued her Masters in Education students found it less daunting to answer after them. I don’t believe them,” insists the students who converted from the Chinese to Evaluation and Research at the University of questions online. For instance, for Chinese former Mathematics teacher. the English-language stream. She saw many California, Los Angeles. “I decided to study language, all students had to do was type She recalls her early teaching years at bright students struggle with learning as they something generic as I thought I won’t be the hanyu pinyin into the computer and the The Chinese High School when she helped a had to switch from learning their subjects in at the gifted programme forever,” she says. Chinese characters would pop up. This way, student who consistently failed Mathematics Chinese to learning them in English. But when she went back to Singapore, she students who did not know how to write the to eventually score a B3 in the ‘O’ levels. Most still managed to score top marks returned to her old role in the GEP, to further words would not be penalised. “The e-exams “What these students need are extra lessons, for all subjects, except English. She was the design and evaluate the programme. also made the assessment more engaging, so more motivation or encouragement to remove form teacher of a Secondary 3 student who In 1997, she moved to Manpower many forgot that they were taking an exam,” the psychological gap,” she reasons. failed English and according to school rules, Planning as Assistant Director, a new role she points out. Her dogged determination to ensure would have to be detained and not promoted created for Lay Choo. Initially, she felt like it Starting this year (2016), Primary students succeed has followed her entire to the next level. was a ‘detour’ in her career. But in her two Five pupils are also tested differently for career in education, spanning the whole Mother Tongue oral examinations. Instead spectrum of students from gifted to those of staring at a picture on a paper, they will with special needs, as well as a wide range view a video and have a discussion with the of areas – teaching, curriculum planning and examiner on what they watched. The intent is assessments. similar to e-exams, using technology, in this Ask her what are the high and low case a video, to make the test more engaging points in her 35-year career, and she breaks and help students give better answers while into a wide smile. “I spotted this question,” allowing them to demonstrate their best effort. quips the woman leading the agency that

20 Principia - Leading Learning Principia - Leading Learning 21 years at the personnel division, she was able to study the trend of teacher recruitment and retention, and work out a better teacher evaluation system. “What dawned on me was the profile of teachers we had. It meant we were in deep trouble. There were many old and young teachers, but not enough teachers in between,” she says. “We were recruiting only enough to replace when we should be recruiting more than what we needed, as it takes time to train teachers.” So she pushed to hire more teachers, leading to the great teacher recruitment in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Lay Choo quickly moved on to her next role in 1999, as Principal of Bukit Panjang Government High School, which some say is the “RI of the West”, she shares. “It was the highlight of my career, as it went back to my how to work with principals who are leaders original intent of teaching,” she notes, even if with distinctive styles and ideas. Her modus she was in a management and not teaching operandi, she shares, was to “advise and add role. “At the HQ, you can influence indirectly value, but not to intrude or interfere”. through policies but you do not feel the After a year, she was posted to a new immediate impact on students. In the school, area as Deputy Director of Psychological you get immediate gratification.” Assessment and Research. The work involved She was the school’s eighth principal, a system-wide evaluation of learning support but the first female and first English-educated programmes for students, especially those principal, which caused some concerns. “They weak in language or maths. Pupils were had a lot of doubts about me. Would I change tested as they entered Primary One in English the school culture?” she explains of the and Maths, she shares. school which was mainly Chinese-speaking. Two years later, she was concurrently She was not there to change anything, and appointed as Deputy Director of Psychological quickly put her rusty Mandarin to good use. Services which caters to students with Her first speech to the school was in English special needs. “I was happy to be there as it and Mandarin, and she also conducted the completed the range of students that I have meeting with the School Advisory Committee worked with,” she notes. in Mandarin. “My Mandarin was at its best At that time, there were no additional during that period,” she says. resources for students with special needs and It was also the first time in a long teachers were not trained to deal with such while that Lay Choo had to deal with different students too. “I fought for more resources, types of students other than those in GEP. looked into training and development of The school had all three different streams teachers, and started to read psychological – Express, Normal and Normal Technical. reports,” she says. So much so that “some But after four years, she was moving again people even asked, are you a psychologist”, – back to HQ as Superintendent in East Zone to which she replied “no”. But it showed her overseeing 12 schools in that area. dedication to her craft. It was 2003, and her first task as Her final stop is at SEAB, which she Superintendent was to manage the outbreak views as “completing a cycle” in her career, of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) going from teaching, curriculum planning, that caused a national crisis. “We were human resources, psychological services and getting reports on the number of students now assessments. But at every step of the who showed symptoms. We were doing our way, she never stopped being a teacher. best to guard the schools to ensure Sars did “I joined the service as a teacher,” not get in, while trying to understand what she says. Despite the different roles over the this disease was all about,” she recalls. years, “I’m still teaching, communicating and When the crisis was over, she had to explaining things to people in an effort to learn a new set of skills for her main task – make things clearer to them.”

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