EARCOME 5 Plenary Panel Discussion

Plenary Panel Discussion

Excellence in Classroom Practice

Yeap Ban Har

Marshall Cavendish InstituteSingapore

Pathlight SchoolSingapore

[email protected]

Photo: Princess Elizabeth School, Singapore

• What does it mean by "excellence" in classroom practice in Singapore?

• What are examples of "excellent" classroom practices?

Focus

Princess Elizabeth Primary School, Singapore

What is Excellence in Classroom Practice?

Mathematics is an excellent vehicle for the development and

improvement of a person’s intellectual competence in logical reasoning, spatial

visualisation, analysis and abstract thought. ... When ideas

are discovered and insights gained, students are spurred to pursue mathematics beyond the

classroom walls.

Ministry of Education 2006

• From the Perspectives of Curriculum

Focus on Thinking

Thinking Schools, Learning Nation (1997)

Primary Mathematics (Third Edition)


Engaging Pedagogies

• Learning by Doing• Learning through Inquiry• Learning by Collaborating• Learning by Reflecting• Learning in and about the Real

World


• From the Perspectives of Pedagogy

Engaging Pedagogies

PERI Report (2009)

Photo: Fuchun Primary School, Singapore


• From the Perspectives of Teacher Education

Methods courses that emphasize both content and learning theories

• Courses are organized around content, for example teaching of whole numbers, teaching of algebra, teaching of trigonometry and so on.

• Learning theories such as Bruner, Skemp and Dienes are given emphasis.


12 ÷ 4 = 3


A poultry farmer raised chickens, ducks and geese in his farm. Taking into account various conditions such as sale of poultry, deaths caused by infection, etc. that affect the population of geese on his farm, the number of geese of geese at the end of n months is modelled by un where

un+1 = 0.75 uo + 80 where uo is the initial number of geese. Calculate the values of u1, u2, u3 and u4 in the cases when (i) uo = 576 and (ii) uo = 320. Comment briefly on your results. Show that un = 0.75n (uo – 320) + 320 and deduce that when n becomes very large un 320. Justify the comments you have made earlier with the aid of the expression of un you have just proven. Draw the graphs of y = k 0.75x + 320 for 3 different values of k. With the aid of your graphs, provide an advice to the farmer.


• From the Perspectives of Technology

• Calculator in Upper Primary Levels (MOE 2007)

• Graphing Calculators in Junior Colleges (MOE 2005)

• Integration of ICT with curriculum, pedagogy and assessment (MOE 2008)

Photo: Princess Elizabeth Primary School, Singapore


It emphasises the important role of assessment to support our children’s holistic development. “Transformative assessment” reflects MOE’s commitment to enabling our primary schools to harness the potential of assessment to improve learning and teaching.

Grace Fu 2010Senior Minister of State

Ministry of Education

• From the Perspectives of Assessment

Holistic Assessment especially in early grades.

PERI Report (2009)

Photo: PCF Kindergarten Pasir Ris West, Singapore


Jim bought some chocolates and gave half of them to Ken. Ken bought some sweets and gave half of them to Jim.

Jim ate 12 sweets and Ken ate 18 chocolates. After that, the number of sweets and chocolates Jim had were in the ratio 1 : 7 and the number of sweets and chocolates Ken had were in the ratio 1 : 4.

How many sweets did Ken buy?

Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board 2009

• From the Perspectives of Assessment

Assessment includes challenging problem-solving tasks especially at the upper grades.




• From the Perspectives of Individual Differences

Programmes Catering to Students with Different Level of Readiness• Learning Support Programme

(LSM) for Primary 1 and 2• Foundation Mathematics for

Primary 5 and 6• Gifted Education Programme

from Primary 4• Express, Normal (Academic)

and Normal (Technical) Courses in secondary levels



This year, the School of Science and Technology, with its niche in applied learning and rich ICT learning environment, took in its first batch of 198 students, and is well positioned to be a new peak of excellence in the landscape.

For those students who benefit from a different more hands-on learning style, we have Northlight School and Assumption Pathway School, which gives them a practical education. You will be visibly moved by the dedication and patience of teachers in these schools.


• From the Perspectives of Individual Differences

Schools Catering to Different Needs at Upper Levels• NUS High School for Science

and Mathematics• Integrated Programmes • Northlight School and Pathway

Assumption Schools• Pathlight School

Photo: Northlight School, Singapore

• What are some issues involved in bringing “excellent” practices to classrooms?

Focus

Balestier Hill Primary School, Singapore

Photo: National Institute of Education

The Singapore Case• Towards a more

educated teaching force• Common pre-service courses

• Emphasis on the use of manipulatives• Limited opportunities for practice

Photo: National Institute of Education

What are key factors associated with pre-service teacher education?

Princess Elizabeth Primary School, Singapore

Fuchun Primary School, Singapore

A good education system depends on high quality teachers who constantly seek to improve their practice, supported by school leaders and administrators, and resources from departments and agencies within MOE.

Minister of Education 2009

What are key factors associated with in-service professional

development?

Fuchun Primary School, Singapore

North Vista Primary School, Singapore

We need to build capacity for teachers themselves to take the lead in professional upgrading.

Minister of Education 2009

collaboration

authentic

EARCOME 5 Plenary Panel Discussion

Education

Transcript of EARCOME 5 Plenary Panel Discussion