1. Singapore Teachers’ Pre-service Training and Professional Development
S.K. Lee
Dean, Graduate Programmes & Research
National Institute of Education
Nanyang Technological University

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Pre-Service Training
Developing Education Professionals
Knowledge
Skills
Values
Framework for Initial Teacher Education Programmes
Innovation Independent learning Critical thinking, Commitment and Service.

6. Desired Attributes Framework
Knowledge
Skills
Educational Foundation & Policies
Content
Curriculum
Pupil
Pedagogy
Self
Pedagogical Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Reflective Skills
Personal Skills
Administrative & Management Skills
Values
Desire for continuous learning, excellence & innovation
Commitment and dedication to the profession
Belief that all pupils can learn
Care and concern for all pupils
Respect for diversity
Collaboration, sharing and team spirit

7. Main Areas of Programmes
Education Studies
Curriculum Studies
Content Knowledge
Practicum

8. Education Studies

9. Education Studies
Develop key concepts and principles in education for effective instruction and reflective practice

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

11. Curriculum Studies

12. Curriculum Studies
Equip student teachers with methods and approaches to teach different subjects.

13. Curriculum Studies: Primary Programmes
Art
English Language
Mother Tongue Languages
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Science
Social Studies

14. Curriculum Studies: PGDE (Sec) Dependent on subjects studied at university
English Language
Mother Tongue Languages
Biology
Chemistry
Design & Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Art
Economics
English Literature
Geography
History
Music
Computer Applications
Elements of Office Administration
Home Economics
Physical Education

15. Content Knowledge – Two Types
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.

16. Academic Subjects Only for Degree Programmes
2 Academic Subjects for Secondary strand (corresponding to CS subject)
1 Academic Subject for Primary strand

17. Academic Subjects - Degree
For BA (Ed)
Art
Chinese Language
Chinese Literature
Drama
Malay Language
Malay Literature
Music
English Language
English Literature
Geography
History

18. Academic Subjects - Degree
For BSc (Ed)
Family and Consumer Science
Physical Education and Sports Science
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics

19. Subject Knowledge

20. 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

21. Practicum

22. Practicum
Teaching competencies are developed on site in schools/Junior Colleges
Mentoring by Co-operating Teachers and by NIE staff

23. Practicum
A developmental model – through School Experience, Teaching Assistantship and Teaching Practice
Different periods to have different objectives and different assessment modes

24. Practicum School Experience SE 2 wks Teaching Assistantship TA 5 wks
Teaching Practice 1
TP1
Teaching Practice 2
TP2
10 wks
Degree
Diploma
PGDE
PGDE

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. Professional Development
The Professional Development Continuum Model (PDCM)
Study at own pace
Building block approach
Leads to certification - Advanced Diploma, Advanced Postgraduate Diploma & Masters

31. 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

32. Leadership Programmes
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

33. Leadership Programmes
Diploma in Departmental Management (DDM)
17-week course for Heads of Department
Emphasis on innovation
Elements of self-learning
Support for Principal

34. 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)

35. Thank you