Singapore Teachers’ Pre-service Training and Professional Development

S.K. LeeDean, Graduate Programmes & ResearchNational Institute of EducationNanyang Technological University

National Institute of Education

More than 50 years of history Almost all teachers in Singapore are

trained in NIE Autonomous institute within Nanyang

Technological University All budget funding is provided directly

from the Ministry of Education Provide pre-service training,

professional development, school leadership preparation and educational research

Pre-service Training

Early model involves work & training together

Full time training programmes All trainees are recruited by the

Ministry of Education and are employees of the Ministry while under training

All trainees are fully sponsored by the Ministry of Education

Pre-service Training

The programmes available provide opportunities to different groups of trainees 1-year Postgraduate Diploma in

Education (PGDE) for graduates

4-years degree BA/BSc (Education)

Programme for high school graduates

2-years Diploma Programme for high

school graduates

Pre-Service Training

Framework for Initial Teacher Education

Programmes

Developing Education

Professionals

Innovation Independent learning

Critical thinking, Commitment and

Service.

Desired Attributes Framework

Pedagogical Skills Interpersonal Skills Reflective Skills Personal Skills Administrative &

Management Skills

Educational Foundation & Policies

Content Curriculum Pupil Pedagogy Self

Care and concern for all pupils

Respect for

diversity

Commitment and

dedication to the

profession

Collaboration, sharing and team

spirit

Desire for continuous learning,

excellence & innovation

Skills Knowledge

Values

Belief that all pupils can learn

Content Knowledge

Main Areas of Programmes

Practicum

Education Studies Curriculum Studies

Education Studies

Develop key concepts and principles in education for effective instruction and

reflective practice

Education Studies

Include topics such as Pupil development Individual differences Social context of education Educational Psychology Classroom management Use of ICT in teaching

Education Studies

Curriculum Studies

Equip student teachers with methods and approaches to

teach different subjects.

Curriculum Studies

Art English Language Mother Tongue Languages Mathematics Music Physical Education Science Social Studies

Curriculum Studies: Primary Programmes

English Language Mother Tongue

Languages

Biology Chemistry Design & Technology Mathematics Physics

Computer Applications Elements of Office

Administration Home Economics Physical Education

Art Economics English Literature Geography History Music

Curriculum Studies: PGDE (Sec)Dependent on subjects studied at

university

Academic Subjects which develop understanding of fundamental concepts and principles in specific disciplines.

Subject Knowledge modules which provide content mastery and depth for topics relevant to primary curriculum.

Content Knowledge – Two Types

Academic Subjects

Only for Degree Programmes 2 Academic Subjects for Secondary

strand (corresponding to CS subject) 1 Academic Subject for Primary strand

For BA (Ed)

Academic Subjects - Degree

English Language

English Literature

Geography History

Art Chinese Language Chinese Literature Drama Malay Language Malay Literature Music

Academic Subjects - Degree

Biology Chemistry Mathematics Physics

Family and Consumer Science

Physical Education and Sports Science

For BSc (Ed)

Subject Knowledge

Subject Knowledge Modules

In diploma and degree programmes (primary strands)

In upper primary strand of the PGDE(P) Linked to the choice of curriculum

studies

Practicum

Practicum

Teaching competencies are developed on site in schools/Junior Colleges

Mentoring by Co-operating Teachers and by NIE staff

Practicum

A developmental model – through School Experience, Teaching Assistantship and Teaching Practice

Different periods to have different objectives and different assessment modes

Practicum

School ExperienceSchool Experience SESE 2 wks2 wks

Teaching Teaching AssistantshipAssistantship TATA 5 wks5 wks

Teaching Practice 1Teaching Practice 1 TP1TP1 5 wks5 wks

Teaching Practice 2Teaching Practice 2 TP2TP2 10 wks10 wks

Degree

Degree

PGDE

PGDE

Diploma

Diploma

PGDE

PGDE

Multicultural Studies Module

Now only in degree programme

To introduce student teachers to the implications of living in a diverse society, to understand the dynamics suggested by multiculturalism, multiracialism

Group Endeavours in Service Learning

All student-teachers Community projects in arts, culture,

education, environment, health, sports, others

Complete within 1st yr of studies (Degree – 2nd yr)

Facilitated by academic staff

GESL: Parameters & Deliverables

20hrs minimum (excluding planning time)

Address organisation/community needs – mutually agreed scope

Conduct needs analysis Specify project objectives Presentation (including ‘product’) Assessment framework: MOE’s PW

Professional Development 100 hours provided for every teacher 27,000 teachers Update knowledge and skills Pursue certification, eg Master Financially supported by Ministry of

Education

Professional Development The Professional Development

Continuum Model (PDCM) Study at own pace Building block approach Leads to certification - Advanced

Diploma, Advanced Postgraduate Diploma & Masters

Leadership Programme

Diploma in Departmental Management (DDM) for middle level managers

Senior Teachers Programme (STP) for potential master teachers

Advanced Senior Teachers Programme (ASTP) for master teachers

Leaders in Education Programme (LEP) for potential principals

Leader for Leaders Programme (LLP) for senior leaders

Leaders in Education Programme (LEP) Changing educational landscape A shift from the competency-based model to focus on values and mindset change 6-month executive programme to equip potential School Principals Innovation being a key emphasis Industrial attachment Overseas visit Journal and future school project

Leadership Programmes

Diploma in Departmental Management (DDM)

17-week course for Heads of Department

Emphasis on innovation

Elements of self-learning

Support for Principal

Leadership Programmes

Postgraduate Programmes

Doctor of Philosophy Master by Research Master by coursework

Master of Arts (Applied Linguistics) Master of Arts (Applied Psychology)   Master of Arts (Educational Management) Master of Arts (Instructional Design and

Technology) Master of Arts (Social Studies) Master of Education Master of Science (Exercise and Sport Studies) Master of Science (Life Sciences)

Thank you