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CARING TEACHER AWARDS 2008Caring Teachers an Inspiration to AllBy Jolene Tan, Public, International & Alumni RelationsThe 7th Caring Teacher Awards ceremony organised by NIE,partnered by ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, and supported by theMinistry of Education was held at the NTU Alumni Club on5 September 2008.Launched in 1996, the awards are aimed at acknowledging andrewarding teachers who, through their daily deeds and actions,exemplify the values of caring, sharing and concern for the academic,moral, social, emotional and mental welfare of their students.NIE received close to 2,000 nominations from 158 schools forthe national level awards. From this, 14 teachers werehonoured at the award ceremony, with three main winners and11 commendation winners.The ceremony was graced by Mr Wong Siew Hoong, Director ofSchools, Ministry of Education. In his welcome address, MrWong listed several characteristics of a caring teacher,including a passion for working with children; the belief thatevery child is worthy of learning and should be givenopportunities to benefit from education; and compassion andwillingness to go beyond the call of duty.In his words, “The most important characteristic is the ability tobuild good relations with their students.”There are 14 special teachers here today, all of whom havedemonstrated some, if not all, of the attributes we associate withcaring teachers. We want to recognise them and give them theresponsibilities of inspiring colleagues and the new generation ofteachers to be equally caring.”Commendation Award WinnersMdm Ng Wei Huah, Mee Toh SchoolMrs Diana Wang-Tien Choon Lan, Nanyang Primary SchoolMrs Khoo Phui Hong, Marymount Convent SchoolMdm Kiren Kaur, Yumin Primary SchoolMs Nelleke Eng Su-Ping, Northbrooks Secondary SchoolMdm Aishah bte Abdullah, Woodlands Ring Secondary SchoolMs Tan Peiru, Jurongville Secondary SchoolMrs Tan Lee Kiaw Lucy, Crescent Girls’ SchoolMs Lee Phui Jiun, Broadrick Secondary SchoolMr Muhamad Salahuddin B Ibrahim, Serangoon Junior CollegeMs Caroline Manonmani Selvanayagam, National Junior CollegeNational Award WinnersPrimary School Level Secondary School Level Junior College LevelMs Halimatussa’diah bte JaffarMs Halima has been a Malay Languageteacher at Junyuan Primary School forthe past five years. She was herself abeneficiary of selfless love from hercousin since her parents divorced whenshe was a child. She believes that everychild is special, valuable and deservesher attention, care and time.In her thank-you speech, she said, “Ifothers can shower their love on me, whycan’t I do it too.” During her spare time inschool, she makes it a point to meet upwith her weaker students for extracoaching even though they are no longerunder her direct charge. One of herstudents’ parents wrote, “She is a verydedicated teacher who shows care andconcern about her students, especiallythose who cannot read very well… Shemakes them believe that they can be betterlike any other students.”Ms Deborah NgMs Deborah Ng has been a ResourceTeacher at Ahmad Ibrahim SecondarySchool for the past 30 years. Ms Ng,herself a visually-handicapped person,believes that disability is no hindrance tolearning. Besides imparting academicknowledge to her visually-impairedcharges, she goes the extra mile bysharing with them important life skillssuch as boiling water and preparingsimple meals for themselves. Thisencourages them to lead normal lives.Mr Michael KwokA mid-career change has Mr Michael Kwokfulfilling his dream in teaching. He has beenin the teaching service for almost 10 years,and is currently the Head of Department forPhysical Education at Pioneer JuniorCollege. Michael believes in the holisticdevelopment of his student-athletes, andgoing the extra mile to help his students intheir studies by personally supervising theirstudy sessions. One of his students wrote,“Mr Kwok had faith in each and every oneof us wanting to improve, and he found away to bring that out. As long as we werethere, he appeared to trust a 100% that wewere not going to let him down.”NIE news03

COLLABORATIONSTo be established by the middle of next year, the centre will focuson the training and professional development of in-serviceChinese Language (CL) teachers.Mr Robin Hu, Executive Vice President of Chinese NewspapersDivision, Singapore Press Holdings has been appointed theChairperson of SCCL Board of Directors. NIE AssistantProfessors, Dr Chin Chee Kuen and Dr Tan Chee Lay, will serveas Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director of SCCLrespectively. Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for NationalDevelopment and Education, will be the advisor to the centre’sboard of directors.(From left) Dr Tan Chee Lay, Prof Lee Sing Kong,Mr Robin Hu & Dr Chin Chee Kuen at the media briefingLaunch of the Singapore Centrefor Chinese Language新 加 坡 华 文 教 研 中 心 – 使 新 加 坡 成 为 世 界 华 文 第 二 语 文By Chan Bee Ai, Public, International & Alumni RelationsTo strengthen Singapore’s bilingual and multicultural society,the NIE, together with the Ministry of Education, will set up theSingapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL). The launchof the SCCL was announced by Prime Minister Lee HsienLoong at Lianhe Zaobao’s 85th Anniversary Gala Dinner on6 September 2008.For a start, SCCL will provide structured in-service programmesand courses to local CL teachers. The centre will also function asa test-bed for innovative ideas on pedagogy and the use of newtechnology and software to establish Singapore as a knowledgehub and international centre of excellence for teaching theChinese language. Moving beyond local shores, SCCL aims toexport its expertise overseas through the provision of consultancyand training services.On the development of local in-service CL teachers, SCCL aims totrain 25% of all CL teachers in its first year of operation and toreach out to all CL teachers by the fifth year. The centre will belocated at the former Ghim Moh Primary School for the firstthree years.The details of the new centre were highlighted during a mediabriefing chaired by Mr Robin Hu, NIE Director Professor Lee SingKong, Dr Chin Chee Kuen and Dr Tan Chee Lay. Both Dr Chin andDr Tan are academic staff of the Asian Languages and Culturesacademic group, NIE.04As Singapore seeks to build up its Chinese language capability withthe launch of the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language, NIENews brings to you a well written essay by one of our NIE students...The Dujiang WeirDujiang Weir ( ) is a well-known irrigation project locatedin the Sichuan province of China. The weir was constructedabout 2,000 years ago during the Period of the Warring States.Its characteristics of “harmony with nature” and “water workswithout dikes” are a manifestation of the creativity specific tothat of the ancient Chinese.Mr Zhao Xinfang ( ), a writer and currently a participantin the Master of Education Administration programme at NIE,presents a history of this grand project and how it hasmiraculously remained intact even after experiencing thedisastrous earthquake on May 12, 2008. 。

COLLABORATIONSIA Members Meeting Up In Denmark(From left) Dr Berng Widdig, Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling,Prof Lee Sing Kong, Rev. Joseph O’Keefe, Assoc ProfBerinderjeet Kaur, Professor Maria Brisk, Professor DonaldHafner, Professor Marilyn Cochran-Smith &Professor Philip AltbachBoston College, USA & NIE sign aMemorandum of UnderstandingBy Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling, Sub-Dean, Degree Programmes,Foundation ProgrammesIn a significant and meaningful ceremony on Monday, 15September 2008 at the Office of International Programmes atBoston College (BC), USA, an MOU was signed between NIEDirector Professor Lee Sing Kong and the Provost of BostonCollege, Professor Cuberto Gaza.The signing was witnessed by BC’s Vice Provost forUndergraduate Affairs, Professor Donald Hafner, Director ofthe Office of International Programmes, Dr Bernd Widdig,Dean of the Lynch School of Education, Rev. Joseph O’Keefeand several other world-renowned professors from the LynchSchool of Education who have had close dealings withNIE/NTU in the past few years.NIE Director Prof Lee was accompanied by Assoc ProfBerinderjeet Kaur and Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling. In a powerfulspeech before the signing, Professor Lee spoke about the factthat in today’s globalised world, “…no man nor institute can affordto be an island...” He further asserted that the synergy that islikely to take place as a result of the signing of the MOU, will havea tremendous impact on the international educational fraternity.The MOU covers student exchange possibilities for BC & NIE’sstudents to spend up to a year abroad at each other’s instituteand also possible research collaborations between NIE andthe Teachers’ for a New Era Evidence-based research team.NIE will also work with the Trends in Mathematical and ScienceStudy (TIMSS) and Progress in International Reading andLiteracy Study (PIRLS) International Study Centre to assist initem development for the TIMSS as well as to explore thesetting up of a Centre for International Comparative Studies forthe purpose of identifying key success factors for highperforming Asian countries in the TIMSS survey. The NIE teammet with different faculty members at BC during their visit tofollow up on all aspects of the collaboration and alsoparticipated in the Boston College Study Abroad Fair held on17 September 2008.Leading Educators Seek toEnhance Teacher EducationBy Letchmi Devi d/o Ponnusvamy, Research Associate, Centre forResearch in Pedagogy and Practice, Office of Education ResearchThe International Alliance (IA) of Leading Education Institutesheld its second meeting on 17th August 2008 in Copenhagen.Established locally in August 2007 under the leadership of NIE’sDirector, Professor Lee Sing Kong, the think tank’s principal roleis to provide an international voice on education-related mattersthat will inform and shape future policies.At its launch in Singapore in 2007, the Alliance identified teachereducation as an area of concern and Singapore was selected tocoordinate this project. A six-member project team, headed byProfessor Gopinathan, consulted representatives of membercountries to identify significant trends and issues in initial teachereducation among the countries in the IA.The report, entitled “Transforming 21st Century TeacherEducation Through Redefined Professionalism, AlternativePathways and Genuine Partnerships ”, illustrates broad trends ininitial teacher education and provides models that reflect bestpractices in the member countries. The findings were presentedto the Alliance at its second annual meeting in Copenhagen andlater shared with an international audience of teacher educators.The Alliance started with leading institutes from Australia, China,Denmark, Korea, Singapore, UK and the USA. Since then, Brazilhas joined the Alliance and South Africa will formally become amember in 2009.Helping Schools PsychologicallyBy Vivien Lee, Public, International and Alumni RelationsThe NIE, Ministry of Education (MOE) and University CollegeLondon (UCL) have jointly developed the first Diploma inEducational Psychology. Launched on 10 September 2008, thisinaugural programme aims to increase the pool of educationalpsychologists to assist government schools in Singapore.Commenting on the programme, Associate Professor Koh ThiamSeng, Deputy Director, NIE, said, “This Diploma in EducationalPsychology is the first such programme that is specially designedfor the associate psychologists at MOE to acquire the necessaryknowledge and skills in educational psychology. Through thisprogramme, we hope to increase the pool of educationalpsychologists who will be able to work with schools and teachersto help children with various learning disabilities to reach his orher maximum potential.”According to Miss Damodaran Meena, Assistant Director ofPsychological Services, Education Programmes, MOE, there arecurrently less than 50 specialists in educational psychologysupporting schools here. With this programme, MOE hopes tobetter support schools in areas such as pupil counselling andhelping students with learning disabilities.NIE news05

AWARDS & ACCOLADESKallang Water Sports Centre or helping out at Beyond SocialServices, a child-care centre for low-income families. Theadventurous young woman also travelled to Shan RefugeeVillage in Chiang Mai, Thailand to teach the village studentsFor her involvement in a host of voluntary and challengingactivities, Sherlyn received the National Youth AchievementGold Award along with other youths from the President of theRepublic of Singapore, Mr S R Nathan, at a ceremony held on 3October 2008.Striking Gold at the National YouthAchievement AwardBy Vivien Lee, Public, International and Alumni RelationsWhile most youngsters her age were hanging out at mallsor movie theatres on weekends, 20-year old Sherlyn Tanwas trekking through jungle trails in Malaysia, kayaking atLaunched in May 1992, the National Youth Achievement Award(NYAA) seeks to encourage young people to developself-reliance, perseverance and a sense of responsibility tothemselves, to society and to the nation. To date, about 130,000young people in Singapore have been motivated to undertake avariety of voluntary and challenging activities.Beyond the joy of receiving the NYAA Gold Award, Sherlyn feltthat she had become a more confident person through herparticipation in the various activities. It also made her realise themeaning of kindness and true happiness: “…it is not alwaysthrough big things that bring peace and happiness, but by thesmall acts of kindness we do for those around us. And it is onlywhen we put others before ourselves can true happiness occur.”Singapore Honours NIE Council Members andStaff through National Day AwardsThe Singapore National Day Awards recognise various forms of merit and service toSingapore. This year, a total of 3,514 individuals in 22 award categories received NationalDay Honours.In recognition of their contribution to Singapore’s education and their commitment to theuniversity, NIE Council Chairperson, Mrs Tan Ching Yee, Deputy Chairman, Mr Khoo ChinHean, and council member Mr Wong Siew Hoong were bestowed the National Day Honoursby the President of Singapore.Awards WinnersThe Public Administration Medal(Gold) (Bar)The Public Administration Medal(Gold)The Long Service MedalMr Khoo Chin HeanDeputy Chairman, NIE CouncilMrs Tan Ching YeeChairperson, NIE CouncilMr Wong Siew HoongMember, NIE CouncilIn addition, five of our NIE colleagues also received National Day Honours:The Public Administration Medal(Silver)The Public Administration Medal(Bronze)The Public Adminstration Medal(Bronze)Associate Professor Koh Thiam SengDeputy DirectorAssociate Professor Tan Oon SengHead, Psychological StudiesAssociate Professor Lim Siew-Lee, ShirleyHead, Natural Sciences & Science EducationFirst Singaporean Awardedthe ISBNPA Annual MeetingParticipant ScholarshipProgram 2008Associate Professor John Wang fromPhysical Education and Sports Scienceacademic group (PESS), was awarded ascholarship of US$1,200 conferenceregistration waiver for the 7th AnnualConference of the ISBNPA in Canada inMay 2008 and a one-year ISBNPAmembership. ISBNPA stands for theInternational Society of BehavioralNutrition and Physical Activity.His winning abstract, entitled “Physicalactivity patterns and psychologicaldeterminants of physical activity amongSingaporean primary, secondary, andjunior college students”, was part of a studyfrom the Educational Research Fundproject on teaching and learning inPhysical Education. This three-year projectreceived a funding of $432,050 from theMinistry of Education.The Efficiency MedalThe Public Service MedalMs Chia Peck LengAssistant Head/Human ResourceAssociate Professor Teo-Koh Sock MiangPhysical Education & Sports Science06

AWARDS & ACCOLADESNIE Student Attends Hitachi YoungLeaders’ InitiativeBy Muhammad Faeez Bin Rahmudeen, Bachelor of Science, Year 3For a week in July, 28 young leaders from six ASEAN countriesand Japan gathered to discuss the region’s pertinent issues at the9th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) in Jakarta.Established in 1996, the Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative is acommunity relations programme developed and launched byHitachi to encourage active dialogue among outstanding Asianyouths, with the aim of identifying and inspiring the region's talentsto help shape Asia's future.The five-day regional programme, which include a forum,closed-door student workshops, a press conference and acommunity project, offers a platform for the best young minds inAsia to formulate solutions to regional and global issues relating tothe forum's theme of "Strengthening Asian Partnerships –Economic Integration and Energy Management".Muhammad Faeez Bin Rahmudeen, a third-year NIE/NTU studentand President of NIE's Bachelor of Science Club, was one of thefour representatives from Singapore. The other forumrepresentatives were from the Singapore Management Universityand the National University of Singapore.The young leaders had the privilege of meeting two IndonesianMinisters and leaders from the various countries who shared anddiscussed issues related to the two-day forum’s theme.For the community project, the students got involved with the SOSChildren’s Village in Cibubur, Jakarta for a two-day communitywork. Faeez’s team had to teach the village children the conceptof water cleanliness, and ways of testing the cleanliness of water.Following that, the children had to present their findings as well aswhat they had learnt from the activity. According to Faeez, it wasan enriching experience for both the children and his team.Recounting his experience, Faeez shares, “The programme gaveus a platform for discussions as well as a cultural exchangebetween the different countries. On top of this, it allowed usaccess to top-level leaders who provided us with further insightsinto the issues. Through this initiative, future synergies will bepossible as the friendships that we have formed prove that cultureand national boundaries are not barriers for us to come to acommon consensus.”National CSSP MedallionNIE-VPA Reaches Out with ArtBy Asst Prof Winston Ang, Visual and Performing Arts (VPA)Academic GroupIn 2007, an interdisciplinary social-change artinitiative was conceived by Asst Prof Winston Angfrom NIE’s VPA academic group in conjunction withthe Singapore Prison Service to raise awareness inorder to help ex-offenders and their familiesintegrate into the Singapore society.‘Project Unity’ was founded through inter-agencyinteraction and discourse. The aim was to bringtogether isolated segments of Singapore societythat otherwise would have little interaction within thenormal course of social functioning.Under a central theme of ‘metamorphosis andjourney’, inmates, public school students,individuals with special needs and the public workedcollectively towards a four-in-one sculpture.Working within meaningful boundaries, participantswere challenged to re-define social stereotypes inthe light of their existing circumstances, culminatingin much learning. Ultimately, this project fostereddeeper understanding between people from differentbackgrounds through re-conceptualisation andnew-knowledge creation.In recognition of this effort, the project was awarded theMinistry of Home Affairs Community Safety & SecurityProgramme (CSSP) Medallion in July 2008.Muhammad Faeez(extreme right) andHitachi Young Leadersinvolved in communitywork in JakartaDisplay of Project Unity @ The Arts HouseNIE news07

BOOK LAUNCHESProf Paul S TengDean, Graduate Programmes and ResearchNational Institute of EducationNanyang Technological UniversityProf Lee Sing Kong, Director NIE (right) and Mr Loh Ngai Seng,Deputy Secretary (Policy), MOE (middle), participating in the book launchBioscience Entrepreneurship In AsiaNIE Professor Paul Teng, Dean of Graduate Programmes andResearch, recently launched his new book, ‘BioScienceEntrepreneurship in Asia: Creating Value with Biology’, atKinokuniya, one of Singapore’s premier book stores.Many members of the Life Science industry, academics,educationists and the public attended the book launch hosted byWorld Scientific Publishing and Pansing.In his book, Professor Teng talks about how biology can becombined with technology and entrepreneurship to createsuccessful bioscience enterprises that develop products neededby modern society, such as food, feed, fuel and fibre.In his Foreword, Dr. Norman E. Borlaug, Nobel Peace Laureate1971, writes, “Professor Teng’s book is a timely contribution. Itillustrates how Asia is using biology to create innovativeproducts, services and technologies to meet the goals of povertyreduction, food security, livelihood improvement and wealthcreation in future years. It helps entrepreneurs to understandwhy investments in agriculture are important and how profitablethey can be.Teachers’ Day Gift of Love forNIE Student TeachersAs a gift of love to student teachers on Teacher’s Day, eduNetlaunched the book “Class Dismissed: Lessons beyond theClassroom”. Targeted at NIE’s student teachers, ClassDismissed is a compilation of personal accounts from educatorswho share about their life experiences and philosophies as theyput principles into practice in educating the young.This book is an inaugural project by eduNet, a group comprisingNIE Alumni members and educators from various fields of study.Formed late last year, eduNet aims to spur educators to excel intheir role to make a positive impact in the field of education.The book launch on 15 August 2008 was graced by Mr Loh NgaiSeng, Deputy Secretary (Policy) of the Ministry of Education(MOE). In his address to the alumni and eduNet members,students teachers and NIE staff at the launch, Mr Loh waspleased to note that NIE’s alumni members have shown how NIEhas left an indelible mark on them, and are now inspired to makea contribution to teacher education.EduNet’s representative, Mr Ng Yeow Ling, Principal of NorthView Primary School, hopes that the anecdotes and experiencesshared in the book with the student teachers will inspire andre-affirm their choice to become teachers.Professor Teng has ably drawn from his long and variedexperience in Asia to bring to life the applications of biology forvarious enterprises which serve society’s needs. “I hope thatreaders will be inspired to explore further how they canparticipate in increasing bioscience entrepreneurship in Asia sothat more may benefit from the practical fruits of these endeavours.”Prof Teng lectures on Innovation and Enterprise, food andenvironmental topics in several Masters level modules. He ismuch sought after by external groups to give lectures and adviceon bio-entrepreneurship.08Team of eduNet members proudly displaying their gift of love toNIE student teachers

BOOK LAUNCHESCONFERENCESThe Last Kampung Mosquein Singapore‘The Last Kampung Mosque in Singapore - TheExtraordinary Story and Legacy of Sembawang’, byNIE Associate Professor Dr Hadijah Rahmat,Assistant Head of Asian Languages & Cultures, waslaunched by Minister for Health, Mr Khaw Boon Wanand Dr Tony Tan, GOH and Special Guest for theevent early this year.The book is based on a special research projectheaded by A/P Hadijah to study the history of thePetempatan Melayu Sembawang Mosque and itssurrounding areas.Commissioned by the Islamic Religious Council ofSingapore (MUIS) and the Ministry of Community,Youth and Sports (MCYS) in 2005, the research wasinstrumental in assisting the Government to make adecision on preserving the Mosque. The studyrevealed the historical and national value of themosque, which provided Singaporeans with a windowto the past - the past rural life, its vital links to Britishcolonial history and the history of the Sembawang area.This book, which comes with a video, encouragesSingaporeans to appreciate and preserve ourhistorical and endangered legacies, regardless ofreligion or ethnicity.Professor Harry Aveling of La Trobe University speakingat the seminar. Looking on are Prof Vladimir Braginsky(left) and A/P Hadijah Rahmat, Asst Head ALC (right)Seminar Honours SingaporeNational Laureate, Masuri S.N.By Asst Professor Razif Bin Bahari, Asian Languages & CulturesAcademic GroupThe Malay Language and Culture division of the AsianLanguages and Cultures (ALC) academic group of NIEhosted to a seminar on 26-27 July 2008 dedicated to thelate Dr Masuri bin Salikun (better known in literary circlesby his nom de plume, Masuri S.N.), recipient of the TunSri Lanang Award and a renowned poet in the field ofMalay literature. It aimed to identify the effects andinfluence of his work in the field of Malay language,literature and culture.Themed “Masuri S.N.: His Work and Contributions”, theseminar presented Malay Studies academics from abroad range of institutions, all experts in their respectivefields, to present their papers to discuss the works andcontributions of Singapore Malay literature's mostwell-known literary doyen.Prominent speakers included Malaysia’s NationalLaureate, Professor Muhammad Haji Salleh of Universityof Science, Malaysia, Indonesian critic and writer,Professor Emeritus Budi Darma of Surabaya StateUniversity, Professor Vladimir Braginsky of the LondonSchool of Oriental and African Studies, currently a visitingprofessor at ALC and Professor Kirpal Singh of theSingapore Management University.(From left) Dr Maliki Osman, Parlimentary Secretary Ministryof National Development, Chairman of the Preservation ofSembawang Mosque Project, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister ofHealth, GOH, A/P Hadijah Rahmat, Dr Tony Tan, SpecialGuest, Haji Suppien, Chairman of the Sembawang Mosqueand Haji Alami Musa, President of MUISThe seminar was successful beyond all expectations andtermed "a historic gathering" by Professor MuhammadHaji Salleh. This was the first time such a gathering ofacademics and writers was ever held to honour the workand contributions of one of Malay literature’s mostsignificant laureates.NIE news09

SPECIAL FEATUREDirector’s Race SponsorsA warm thank-you to all who have contributed in one way or another tothe success of the NIE Director’s Race 2008.NIE DIRECTOR’S RACE 2008RAISES NEARLY S$60,000 FOR THESINGAPORE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY“…Someone once said, ‘The bestamong us are those who bring thegreatest benefits to others.’ To eachof you, please accept our thanksand appreciation for coming out tosupport this event that benefitschildren and youths.”- Asst Prof Clara Tan, Chairperson, NIEDirector’s Race 2008 Organising CommitteeBox made by kids from MINDS Jurong Gardens SchoolAV Media Pte LtdBlueprint Global Services Inc Pte LtdCadbury Singapore Pte LtdCampus Book CentreCiti SingaporeCJS Catering Pte LtdConverscient Pte LtdCPG CorporationD’fine Catering Pte LtdEight Flags Computer System & Supplies Pte LtdElca DesignEssential TimingEstee Lauder Cosmetics Pte LtdFaith General Contractors Pte LtdFave Pte LtdFrontline Technologies Pte LtdFuji Xerox Singapore Pte LtdGethin-Jones Medical Practice(and Dr Peter Yeo)Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Sales) Pte LtdI-Vex Marketing Pte LtdJasa Investigation & SecurityServices Pte LtdKHL Printing Co Pte LtdKim Yew Electrical and Sanitary Pte LtdMoxie DesignNaviCom Technology Pte LtdNCS Pte LtdNTU Healthy LifestyleOracle Corporation Singapore Pte LtdPrudential Assurance CompanySingapore (Pte) LtdPublic Utilities BoardRasel Food Fusion Pte LtdRc Hotels (Pte) LtdSingapore Computer Systems LimitedSinkho Advertising & DesignSPH Magazines Pte LtdStyle Photo Studio Pte LtdTeamsystem Construction Pte Ltd01 Computer System Pte LtdNCSS Award PresentationOne Year On ...A Heartwarming VisitBy Irene Teo, Public, International & Alumni RelationsMs Iris Tan, Singapore Children’s Society (left) receiving thecheque from Prof Lee Sing Kong, Director, NIE and Asst Prof ClaraTan, Chairperson of NIE Director's Race 2008NIE’s Crime Scene InvestigationCharity sale to raise fundsOn 3 September 2008, Ms Debbie Lui, Deputy Director,and Ms Lee Swee Ching, Senior Executive of CommunityChest (ComChest), the fund raising arm of the NationalCouncil of Social Services paid a courtesy call to NIEDirector, Professor Lee Sing Kong.Parade for endangered animal speciesUp close and personal withProf Lee, Director NIEAre you very good with language?I can draw!Students and staff show offtheir talentsLet your fingers do the solvingNIE’s third annual charity event, NIE Director’s Race 2008,was a roaring success as staff raised over S$60,000 for theSingapore Children’s Society. Held on 22 August 2008, therace saw a combination of talent, skills, power and gracecoming together for a good cause. The final amount raisedcame up to about S$80,000.Through the efforts of the NIE community, the NIEDirector’s Race continues to uphold its mission ofcelebrating life by bringing hope and love to our children.Asst Prof Clara Tan, Chairperson for the NIE Director’sRace 2008 Organising Committee, said, “The NIEDirector’s Race is NIE’s unique way of giving back to thecommunity by involving the community. This year, morethan 1,000 runners and participants registered to supportthis worthwhile project. To each of you, we express ourheartfelt thanks and appreciation.”In her acknowledgement, Ms Iris Tan, Executive, FundRaising from the Singapore Children’s Society thanked theNIE community for the ‘sunshine’ that has come their way.The first NIE Director’s Relay was held in 2006 where fundsraised went to the Singapore Heart Foundation. The 2007charity event aided MINDS Jurong Gardens School.Ms Lui, who presented Prof Lee with a specially designedtoken of appreciation aptly named ‘Finding Happiness inGiving’, expressed her sincere thanks for the supporttowards Community Chest and MINDS Jurong GardensSchool, the adopted beneficiary for NIE Director’s RelayRun 2007. The S$48,000 raised during the NIE Director’sRelay Run 2007 had helped the Community Chest to meetits fund raising target of S$52 million for the financial year2007/2008.Mr Alan Ch’ng, Divisional Director, Corporate Planning andDevelopment and Chairman of the NIE Director’s RelayRun 2007, was also present to witness the giftpresentation. It was indeed heartwarming to receive thespecially crafted token made personally by the trainees atthe MINDS IDEA Employment Development Centre.Prof Lee felt that the yearly charity drive by NIE is indeed awin-win effort as it is an integral part of teacher training toinculcate values in helping the less fortunate whilst thefunds raised will go a long way to bring some cheer to theneedy.For its support towards ComChest, NIE/NTU was alsopresented the Bronze Award at the Community ChestAward 2008 (right) on 2 October 2008. Besides receiving atrophy, NIE/NTU will also be eligible to use the ComChestlogo (above) on its corporate materials to show that it is asupporter of charity.Grrrr.... Who dares to come near me?NIE’s angelsMr Alan Ch’ng, Divisional Director, Corporate Planning &Development, NIE, receiving the Bronze Award at the CommunityChest Award 2008 from Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister forCommunity Development, Youth & SportsStaff and studentsshowing off their skills10Library MazeYour time starts now!Charity is serious businessRaising more funds for charity11

VISITORSVisit by Dr Abdul Kalam(ex-president, India) at LSL ExhibitBy Assoc Prof Chee Yam San, Learning Sciences & Technologies AcademicGroup and Learning Sciences Laboratory, Office of Education ResearchDr Abdul Kalam, former President of India, was awarded an HonoraryDoctorate by NTU on 26 August 2008. The Learning SciencesLaboratory (LSL), NIE, participated in the research showcasemounted by NTU for Dr Kalam in the Exhibition Hall of the NanyangAuditorium. LSL mounted a live demonstration of the multiplayergame Escape from Centauri 7, which has been the subject ofclassroom research in two Singapore schools. Dr Kalam wasespecially interested in using games to help young children learn.Visit by Education Secretary of thePhilippines, Hon. Jesli A. LapusBy Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling. Sub-Dean, Degree Programmes, FoundationProgrammesOn 20 June 2008, the honorable Jesli Lapus, Education Secretary,Department of Education, Philippines, led a Filipino delegation tovisit NIE. The delegation was received by NIE Director Prof LeeSing Kong, Dean Graduate Programmes & Research Prof PaulTeng and Sub-Dean, Degree Programmes Assoc Prof Low Ee Lingand the Filipino members of staff working at NIE including facultymembers and researchers. Prof Lee gave the welcome addresswhile Assoc Prof Low introduced our initial teacher preparationprogrammes and Prof Paul Teng spoke about graduateprogrammes and teacher professional development in Singapore.In the Q & A session that followed, Prof Lee shared key ingredientsof success of the Singapore education system including how we attractand retain quality teachers in our teaching workforce in Singapore.Assoc Prof Chee Yam San of LSL (second from right)interacting with Dr Kalam (right) at LSL exhibitThe Hon Jesli Lapus (7th from left) being received by NIE Director ProfLee Sing Kong (8th from left), Prof Paul Teng (4th from right) andAssoc Prof Low Ee Ling (5th from right) and the Filipino staffmembers from NIEPhonetician appointed VisitingProfessor at Department of Linguistics,University of ChulalongkornBy Wendy Goh, Public, International and Alumni RelationsFrom 30 June – 4 July 2008, Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling wasappointed as a visiting professor at the Department ofLinguistics at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Duringher time there, she was asked to deliver five lectures in herarea of specialisation (measurement of speech andimplications for language teaching) specifically on thefollowing topics:12- The English-knowing Bilingual in Singapore:Issues and Challenges- Segmentals and Prosody in Singapore English- The measurement of speech rhythm andapplications for language acquisition theories andlanguage teaching- An Introduction to Forensic Phonetics- Current trends in Acoustic PhoneticsHer lectures were attended by participants from otheruniversities in Thailand and the Education Ministry including:Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Ministry of Science,Mahidol University, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU),Assoc Prof Low (left) giving individual consultation onspeech analysis to a doctoral studentNational Institute of Development Administration (NIDA),Kasetsart University, Payap University and the NationalElectronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC).In the afternoons, Assoc Prof Low’s schedule was filled withindividual consultations with graduate students of phoneticson their research design and speech measurement techniques.

CONFERENCESNurturing Talents for theGlobal CommunityBy Publicity Committee, 10th Asia-Pacific Conference on GiftednessOrganising CommitteeFor the first time in its history, the Asia-Pacific Conference onGiftedness (APCG) was held in Singapore from 14 to 18 July 2008.Jointly organised by the Ministry of Education’s Gifted EducationBranch and NIE, the 10th conference brought together prominentscholars and experts, who spoke on key educational issues andprovided updates on their latest research.After the official opening of the conference by guest of honourEducation Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, Prof Robert J Sternberg deliveredhis keynote address on ‘Teaching for Leadership’. The Dean of Artsand Sciences at Tufts University touched on teaching creative,analytical, practical and wisdom-based skills to meet the needsof diverse gifted learners.With the theme, ‘Nurturing Talents for the Global Community’, theconference provided a platform for local and overseas educators toexplore and exchange views on the medium that education for thehighly-able could and should take. They were also able to share goodpractices, effective strategies and innovative programmes to cater tothe varied needs and abilities of gifted students.Over 300 foreign delegates from 34 countries and 1,300 localcounterparts attended the conference. For more information, visit theconference website at http://www.10apcgifted.org/.Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence,Dr Ng Eng Hen at the 10th APCGBackgroundThe Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness is abiennial event organised under the aegis of theAsia-Pacific Federation of the World Council forGifted and Talented Children (APF-WCGTC). TheAsia-Pacific Federation was established in Manila in1990 and became affiliated to WCGTC in 1994.NIE Chinese Language Experts Speakat Hong Kong Institute of EducationBy Asian Languages and Cultures (ALC) Academic GroupIn June this year, NIE made an added mark in the internationallanguage arena when three of our Chinese Language Experts wereinvited to speak at an event organised by the Research Centre intoLanguage Education in Multilingual Societies (RCLEMS), HongKong Institute of Education.Alongside world renowned scholars in their field, AssociateProfessor Goh Yeng Seng (Head, Asian Languages & Cultures),Professor Chew Cheng Hai and Assistant Professor Cheung LinHong delivered addresses at the inaugural roundtable, themed ‘TheRespective Roles of English and Local Languages in the SchoolCurriculum’ held in Hong Kong.Assoc Prof Goh spoke about ‘The Spread of Mandarin: A GlobalPerspective’, which offered insights into the spread of Mandarin. Heexplored the reasons for the spread of Mandarin, possible impedingfactors, the teaching of Mandarin as an international language andthe challenges and opportunities of Mandarin in the near future.Prof Chew’s address focused on the topic, ‘LanguageChoice and Language Education: A Historic andGeographic Overview’. He examined the reasons forthe choice of language and highlighted how languageeducation is affected by language choice. Prof Chewalso illustrated the various types of language choiceand language education from a regional perspective,citing Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and HongKong as examples.Asst Prof Cheung presented a joint paper with DrTong Ho Kin from the Hong Kong Institute ofEducation on ‘Globalisation as the Driving Force ofCultural Identity in Language Education: CaseStudies of Hong Kong and Singapore’. The papertouched on how cultural identity is widely taken as anatural connection between the language spoken bymembers of a social group, and the social importanceand historical continuity from using the samelanguage as the group members. A comparison studyof the multilingual landscapes, language policies, andlanguage education policies of Hong Kong andSingapore was also discussed.NIE news13

CONFERENCESProud Representation by NIE StudentTeachers in United Nations’ StudentConferences in Local and Global ArenasBy Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling, Sub-Dean, Degree Programmes,Foundation Programmes, Shoon Ming Hui, David Teo, JoshuaMeyyappan and Linus Lee (NIE Students)On 12 July 2008, NIE student teachers who helmed the UnitedNations Student Association of NTU-NIE, Shoon Ming Hui, (Year4 BA Sec) David Teo Kim Seng, (Year 4 BSc student) RadhaSamikannu (BA Year 2 crossover student) and BhairaviLachmanan (Dip Ed Year 2) did NIE proud by being plenary andworkshop presenters at the United Nations Association ofSingapore (UNAS) Student Seminar 2008 with the theme ‘Facingthe Challenges of Poverty, Peace & Security and EnvironmentalDegradation: The UN and Development over the last threedecades.’ Ming Hui and David spoke on the topic, ‘UNPersonality: Practical Applications of the United Nations’ Values’while Radha and Bhairavi facilitated an engaging and stimulatingworkshop using latest pedagogical modes on the topic of‘Climate Calamity: Kicking the Habit.’From 21 to 25 July 2008, joining Shoon Ming Hui (teamleader) and David Teo were Joshua Meyyappan (Year 4 BAPri) and Linus Lee (Year 4 BA Sec) and together, theyrepresented Singapore in the 3rd Asia Pacific Model UnitedNations (APMUN) Conference, held in IncheonMetropolitan City, South Korea.The APMUN Conference is an initiative of the WorldFederation of United Nations Association to foster ModelUnited Nations activities in the Asia-Pacific region. TheConference was centred on achieving the 2015 MillenniumDevelopment Goals, which aimed to reduce global povertyand improve worldwide living standards. Over the course offive days, the Singapore delegation got to interact with anddebate against their international counterparts, with regardto the themes of climate change, poverty reduction,managing globalisation and human trafficking.During the conference, our student teachers also met withSingapore’s Ambassador to South Korea, Mr Chua ThaiKeong, First Secretary, Mr Kenneth Seet and the Mayor ofIncheon Metropolitan City, Mr Ahn Sang-Soo.NIE faculty were also active participants of the seminar: AssocProf Low Ee Ling, one of the Directors (board members) ofUNAS was the emcee and discussant for the seminar, Asst ProfJude Chua was one of the co-chairs of the organising committeeand Dr William Choy served as a guest judge for an essaycompetition. 20 of our NIE student teachers attended theseminar targeted for junior college and tertiary students this year.(From right) NIE’s student teachers: David Teo, Linus Lee,Joshua Meyyapan, Shoon Ming Hui, Singapore’s FirstSecretary to South Korea, Mr Kenneth Seet, United NationsAssociation of Singapore Board Member, Mr Lee Kwang BoonThe seminar, which serves as a platform for criticalintellectual discussions between academics, researchers,practitioners and students on early childhood and specialeducation, also facilitated networking and possiblecollaborative research activities.The day began with a thought-provoking keynote addressby Assistant Professor Mary Dixon (Centre for Research inPedagogy & Practice and Curriculum, Teaching & LearningDepartment). She spoke about the shifting identities of‘teacher’ and ‘researcher’, and discussed issues such asthe role of universities and educators.NIE faculty: Asst Prof Jude Chua (left), Dr William Choy (2nd fromleft) & Assoc Prof Low Ee Ling (4th from right) posing with studentteachers and UNAS President Professor Tham Seong Chee(5th from right)14Early Childhood and SpecialEducation Research SeminarBy Asst Prof Nicole Green, Early Childhood & Special Needs Education(ECSE) Academic GroupOn 5 September 2008, NIE’s student teachers, faculty, educatorsand researchers from various fields of education joined the EarlyChildhood and Special Needs Education (ECSE) academicgroup for its second research seminar.The afternoon keynote speaker, Associate ProfessorMaureen Neihart from Psychological Studies Departmentalso engaged audience in a thought-provoking session ongifted youths, and also highlighted what research can andcannot reveal about their development, needs, abilities, andlives beyond formal schooling.Other presentations throughout the day included thesharing of international teaching approaches that can beimplemented for students with disabilities in the Singaporecontext; preschool children’s perceptions of peer rejectionexperiences, and the use of moral dilemmas in thecharacter and leadership education of students.The Research Seminar ended with a panel discussion toreflect, share insights, and discuss future researchdirections on early childhood and special education locallyand internationally.

IN CAMPUSSeeing the ‘Stories of NIE’By Mr Mohd Firdaus, Chairperson, Stories of NIE 2008In February 2008, NIE’s Bachelor of Arts Club(BA Club) held its inaugural photo contestentitled ‘Stories of NIE’. Contestants wereasked to submit pictures of NIE that theyfound meaningful.Aimed at encouraging the NIE community todevelop a greater appreciation for the Arts, thephoto competition allowed the club to create a‘unique album in which personal stories areshared through photographs’, and to show NIEin a different light.The judges were surprised by the entries, whichhighlighted facets of NIE that few would payattention to, such as the imposing flight ofstairs that links the canteen to the bus stop andthe colourful orchids that line the corridors ofthe offices in the Maths & Maths Education(MME) department.The entries were displayed at both NIE andNTU campuses in August. In case you missthe exhibition, NIE News brings you the topthree entries. Congratulations to PeerapunChutatape, Ng Wen Jie and Muhamad IshamBin Ishak for winning the competition.Do look out for the next competition coming upin January 2009!NIE Grand Welcome 2008By Siti Elfeeza Binte Mohmed Ehsan Ul Haq, Diploma in Education, Year 2Held at the Nanyang Auditorium on 1 August, the NIE Grand Welcome 2008 was a feastfor the eyes and soul. Packed with inspiring speeches and fantastic performances, theevent showcased the best of NIE talents and culture which caught the audience’sundivided attention till the end.Professor Lee Sing Kong, Director of NIE, opened the event with an inspiring and wittywelcome speech which received a warm response from the audience.Three other speakers who graced the event with their heartfelt speeches at the event werethe President of the Trainee Teachers’ Club (TTC), Miss Kimberly Peh Hui Min, NIEAlumus, Ms Renee Yuanna Sulaiman and Chairperson of Club Jeux, Mr David Teo.Kimberly shared her current experience on and off campus while Renee gave aninspirational and emotive speech entitled “I Love NIE”. David, in turn, gave a motivationalspeech to a captivating crowd.The DanceFuzion Club opened the performance segment of the event with an energeticand passionate dance number. This was followed by a cute and vibrant dance item byguest performers from Xingnan Primary School. Members of the Service Learning Club(SLC), led by Faizal from DanceFuzion, presented a light-hearted Teacher CulturePerformance skit-cum-catwalk item which got freshmen and lecturers laughing throughout.2nd Prize : Ng Wei Jie forLook Up!National Day ObservanceCeremony 2008By Jessica Tan - Wong, Assistant Head, StudentDevelopment, Foundation ProgrammesNIE kick-started the celebration of Singapore’s43rd National Day with two exhibitions on 4 August2008. The ‘Living History: Tracing our Customsand Traditions’ exhibition from National Archivesand ‘Get-to-know Singapore’ poster exhibitionbased on stamp-based books by ex-NIE staff, DrTan Wee Kiat. Both exhibitions gave viewers abetter understanding of Singapore’s differentcultures that make the nation unique.1st Prize : Peerapun Chutatape forSpontaneous CombustionOperational Readiness -Better Safe than SorryThe NIE Crisis Management Committeeconducted two exercises on campus, namelythe Contact Tracing Exercise from ‘confirmedAvian Flu cases’ and a Fire Drill exercise froma ‘lab explosion’. Both the exercises wereperformed smoothly and provided valuablelearning insights for NIE. The NIE CrisisManagement Committee would like to thank allfor their active participation and co-operation.3rd Prize : Muhamad Isham BinIshak for LepakOn the eve of National Day, NIE staff and studentteachers celebrated with a Food and GamesGalore in the morning. Following that, staff andstudent teachers dressed in red and white ethnicclothes gathered for the National Day ObservanceCeremony. Following tradition, NIE DirectorProfessor Lee Sing Kong read a speech byMinister for Education and Second Minister forDefence, Dr Ng Eng Hen after the rendition of thenational anthem and the reciting of the national pledge.The formal ceremony gave way to the fun ofProject Runway NIE show. The fashion paradeshowcased garments designed by NIE’s GroupEndeavours in Service Learning (GESL) groups.Audience at the show were entertained by NIE’svery own models sashaying down the runway with‘Olympic Rings’ on the head and skirts tailoredwith ‘recycled bottles’ to reflect the 'Uniqueness ofSingapore' and the Youth Olympics Games’tagline of 'Blazing the Trail'.< The blistering sun was of no hindrance as thefire fighters came forth and staged what goes onthe scene of a fire. Action packed and full ofenergy! Our NIE heroes!!NIE news15

IN CAMPUSTeachers’ Fiesta 2008By Mrs Seah-Lee Moi Fong, Assistant Head, StudentDevelopment & Liaison, Foundation ProgrammesNIE celebrated Teachers’ Day with a Learning Festival andAwards Ceremony for the Passion Award and the NIEClub Award on 28 August 2008.Organised for the third time by the Bachelor of Arts Club,Learning Festival III comprised 19 workshops facilitated bylecturers and student teachers.The workshops garnered very good response, with 330students and staff taking part to pick up skills like MuffinMaking, Basic German, Balloon Twisting, Lifesaving,Tchoukball and Western Calligraphy. NIE DirectorProfessor Lee Sing Kong, who enjoyed his tour of theLearning Festival, commended Sapiee, ex-Chairman ofBachelor of Arts Club and Coordinator of the LearningFestival, for having done a great job in organising the event.Winners of NIE Passion Award 2008, flanked by Mrs Seah-Lee Moi Fong(extreme left) and Prof Lee Sing Kong, Director of NIE (4th in front rowfrom left)Following the Learning Festival, Prof Lee presented thePassion Award to 12 teachers and The NIE Club Award tofour winning clubs.The Passion Award, introduced in 2005, is presented tonewly graduated student teachers in recognition of theirdedication, commitment and invaluable service to the NIEcommunity during their course of study.For the NIE Club Award, it is given to the top three NIEclubs that have contributed significantly to student life oncampus, promoted the brand name of NIE, and/orundertaken projects to serve the NIE community.16The winning clubs receive certificates of recognition andcash to be used for clubs activities. The cash award isvalued at $500 for Gold award, $300 for Silver award and$200 for Bronze award.This year, a new award – The Most Promising New Clubaward - was introduced with a cash award of $100. Theaward aims to recognise a newly formed club that hasshown potential to be an outstanding club despite itsyoung age.2008 NIE Club Award WinnersGold AwardSilver AwardBronze AwardMost Promising New ClubService Learning ClubDanceFuzionBachelor of Science ClubASEAN ClubBesides the above awards, Club Jeux was awarded aspecial commendation for its drive and push to promotelearning through games.2008 Passion Award RecipientsAnnabelle Tay Cai FangAudrey Ei Ei ThinCrystal Quek Hein LuanEric Choo Guan KiatLim Hong DaMohamed Nidzam bin ZakariahOlivia Lum Jia HuiRadha d/o SamikannuRozianah Binte IbrahimSarah Ong Yong ChenSherina Koh Shi LingYap Kim HungClub Jeux President David Teo sharing tips onboard games with workshop attendeesPlay, Learn and Build with Board GamesBy Mr David Teo, Chairperson, Club Jeux @ NIEClub Jeux, together with Settlers Cafe, Singapore's first andlargest board games cafe and Melchiz Pte Ltd, a training companywhich uses games as a medium, hosted a one-day workshop inJune. Titled "Board Games for Education", the workshop aimed tofulfil Club Jeux's motto of play, learn and build.Play - Participants were exposed to key games with educationalvalues, followed by a discussion of strategies and adaptation ofthe games. One example was the Settlers of Catan, a worldrecognisedgame which offers skills training in areas like resourcemanagement, negotiation and early planning.Learn - Mr Colin Lim, one of the four bosses of Settlers Cafe aswell as a games creator, gave a light-hearted and enlighteninglecture on game mechanics.Build - The highlight of the day was the games creation section,where participants were split into groups and asked to creategames based on specific subjects.Established in January 2008 by NIE students, Club Jeux aims topromote learning through board games.

GRADUATIONGrooming the Next Generation ofLeaders and ManagersBy Kamsina Alfia Jumari, Public, International & Alumni RelationsOn 29 July 2008, the second cohort of 130 Management andLeadership in Schools (MLS) participants graduated from thefour-month programme. The graduation ceremony, which was heldat NIE, was graced by Dr Koh Thiam Seng, former Director of theEducational Technology Division, Ministry of Education (MOE). Dr Kohis currently Deputy Director, NIE.The MLS programme is designed by NIE’s team of experts andprofessionals in consultation with MOE and is managed by NIE’sGraduate Programmes and Research Office. It prepares head ofdepartments (HODs) to be exemplary people managers as well asexperts in teaching and learning.The MLS programme focuses mainly on team learning andcurriculum innovation, and places special emphasis on collaborativelearning. It aims to develop mid-level leaders to expand their rolesbeyond departments and take on direct leadership for teaching andlearning. The programme also addresses issues and technologiesimpacting education.Ms Adila Ong Kim Luan of Pasir Ris Primary School, who won the DrRuth Wong Medal for demonstrating the best overall performance inthe MLS programme, shared that the MLS programme had certainlybeen ‘a learning journey of discovery’. She stressed that the wealthof wisdom that she had learnt from the course would certainly notend with the graduation ceremony. “Let this wealth of wisdom leadus on as we serve as leaders and contribute as educators. I amconfident that our wealth of wisdom will be further enriched withmore reflection, imitation and experience as we continue our lifelongjourney of learning, re-learning and un-learning with each passing day.”First batch of LEAP PGDE studentsLeaders & Educators InAsia Programme (LEAP)By Ms Zoelyn Choy, Assistant Head, Strategy & ProjectDevelopment, Foundation ProgrammesIn July this year, 14 student teachers from thePhilippines were selected to receive the LEAPPGDE Award sponsored by Leaders & Educators inAsia programme (LEAP). Recipients got to attendthe Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) atNIE, and also received campus accommodationand cash awards of $4,000 each.Launched in January 2008, LEAP aims toencourage growth and innovation in education, andestablish a strong network of leaders andeducators. Funded by the Temasek Foundation andin partnership with NIE, the programmecollaborated with Ateneo de Manila University toenhance the teaching capacity in nine schools inManila’s Quezon City.On PGDE, student teacher Angelo Unay feels thatthe ‘PGDE programme is interesting’. Meanwhilecampus life for him has been fulfilling. “I foundSingaporeans to be friendly and caring and alreadymade friends with a lot of them.”For Sabrina Ongkiko, she felt blessed to be giventhis learning opportunity. “What I am learning frommy teachers, classmates and fellow Filipinosinspires me to become a better person and a betterteacher to serve my country.”Upon graduation, the teachers will return to teach inone of the nine LEAP schools in the next threeyears to share their knowledge and experienceswith fellow teachers.Graduates of MLS 2008NIE news17

HAPPENINGSFinancial Literacy OutreachBy Dr Koh Noi Keng, Chair, Citi-NIE Financial Literacy Hub for Teachers, SeniorLecturer, Humanities & Social Studies Education (HSSE) Academic GroupAs part of its outreach to the community, the Citi-NIE FinancialLiteracy Hub for Teachers recently organised two events to educatethe public in financial literacy. NIE News brings you excerpts of thesetwo events.Dollars & Sense Financial Literacy CarnivalThe Frontier Community Club at Jurong West was abuzz withactivities on Saturday, 26 July 2008 with the launch of Dollars &Sense, a financial literacy carnival. More than a thousand peopleattended this event graced by Minister for Finance, Mr TharmanShanmugaratnam.Aimed at imparting budgeting and life skills to middle incomefamilies, this event was a tripartite effort between Citi-NIE FinancialLiteracy Hub for Teachers, Keat Hong Grassroots and Citibank Singapore.The event included carnival-style activities and talks for both adultsand children to promote financial literacy, such as the FinancialEducation Amazing Race and Finsy Litsy Spider.For Financial Education Amazing Race, participants travelledthrough different stations of fun-filled financial education adventures,getting their passport stamps at each station and accumulatingpoints for their teams.In Finsy Litsy Spider, aimed at secondary school children,blindfolded participants had to navigate a ‘spider-web’ guidedverbally by their team mates to pick up question cards to beanswered later for bonus points. Through the game, students weretaught not to get caught in a debt trap or make investment decisionsbased on hearsay.Besides the activities, financial education talks on "Saving for yourchildren's education" and "Is your CPF enough for your retirement?"were conducted by financial experts from Citibank and CreditCounselling Singapore. There was also a talk on energy saving bythe National Environment Agency to promote prudent usage ofelectricity and to help households reduce their utility bills.Students from Holy Innocents’ High SchoolFinancial Literacy And EnterprisingRetailing Team Challenge 2008From 7 to 8 June, groups of Secondary Three students had a tasteof what being an entrepreneur means. Participating in theinaugural Financial Literacy and Enterprising Retailing TeamChallenge 2008 held at Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, the studentshad to set up stalls and attract shoppers to buy their products.The challenge aims to foster and cultivate an entrepreneurialmindset among students by giving them an opportunity to putinto practice what they have learnt in the Elements of BusinessSkills (EBS), a new GCE ‘O’ Level subject that aims to impartfoundation knowledge and skills in the services sector.11 teams from nine schools participated in the competition. Eachteam, comprising 10 students, was given the autonomy tomanage all aspects of its business including marketing, customerservice and finance management.Mr Wong Kai Hong, advisor to the project said, "This inauguralretail competition challenges students to execute what they havelearnt in class in a real-life setting such as in a shopping mall,while experiencing first-hand what frontline operations in theretail industry is like,"Supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE), Financial Literacyand Enterprising Retailing Team Challenge 2008 was organisedby Yuying Secondary School and Citi-NIE Financial Literacy Hubfor Teachers, in collaboration with the Association of CommerceEducators Singapore (ACES).Schools that participated in the Financial Literacy andEnterprising Retailing Team Challenge 2008:First Toa Payoh SecondaryHoly Innocents High SchoolMayflower SecondaryWestwood SecondaryZhenghua SecondaryGan Eng Seng SecondaryHong Kah SecondaryMontfort SecondaryYu Ying SecondaryMr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance (in red)observing participants at the Finsy Litsy Spider gameStudents from Monfort Secondary School18

HEALTHY LIFESTYLEPaddling To SuccessBy Pauline Appleyard, Project Manager, Centre for Research inPedagogy and Practice (CRPP), Office of Education ResearchQuestion: When is a Project Manager not a ProjectManager?Answer: On weekends of course...when she’s a DragonBoater!!It’s been over five years since Pauline Appleyard, CRPPProject Manager, first picked up a dragon boat paddle andshe hasn’t looked back since.“I was an undergraduate at Plymouth University, which ison the coast in the UK, and I joined the Canoe Club so Icould take part in white water and sea kayaking. When Igraduated and started work, I returned to my first sportingloves, hockey and running, as it was difficult for me to getaccess to canoes”.Roll the clock forward to 2002 when Pauline moved toSingapore and was reintroduced to water sports and inparticular dragon boating by a hockey team mate.“I remember my first session like it was yesterday, not tomention the aching muscles the day after! I’ve been solucky with the places dragon boating has taken me;regattas and 35km races along the Yangtze River,Okinawa, Boracay, and of course regattas in Singapore.Also, the people I’ve met; the incredibly brave and mentallystrong people of the Singapore Breast Cancer Foundationteam, paddlers from different countries who don’t speakthe same language, but manage to demonstrate paddlingtechniques through their actions and not forgetting, mywonderful local and expat team mates”.Pauline (second left) with team mates(and gold medals!) from the successful Canadian teamPauline paddles for the Canadian dragon boat team and recentlywon a gold medal in the 800m inter-international team race in theSingapore Dragon Boat Association June 2008 regatta held atBedok Reservoir.“I’m not ashamed to say I cried with joy after we won the gold; all thehard work at training, fitting training round a full time job and existinghockey/running commitments, all paid off. But, if you ask any dragonboater they’ll tell you it’s all worth it; there is nothing quite like thefeeling of a team working together to move a boat at speed andcrossing the finish line ahead of the others...”NIE’s BUZZ on Healthy LifestyleIn her continuous pursuit of excellence, NIE recognises theimportance of a holistic and healthy workforce. Hence, thebirth of BUZZ (Basically and Ultimately Zest and Zeal), asix-month pilot programme that was launched to encouragestaff and student teachers to actively pursue a healthylifestyle through sport, game, exercise or physical activity.NIE has dedicated a one-hour lecture-free slot on every Wed,since August 2008, to provide opportunities for participationin sports such as soccer, captain's ball, basketball or floorball.In line with this, NIE’s PESS Club has organised a series ofsports pick-up sessions specially catered for beginners.NIE news19

UPCOMING EVENTSFinancial Literacy ConferenceThe inaugural Citi-NIE Financial Literacy Conference 2008 will be held this 21 & 22November 2008 with the theme ‘Breaking New Frontiers’. Join us as we unpack theissues and challenges facing schools on the path to innovation in financial education.Come alongside well-known experts to explore a diverse range of topics and learn howto promote financial literacy to our youths.It is one thing to recognise the value of innovation but quite another to make it happen.Realising that follow-up support like sharing of best practices will further hone skillsand pool resources for the implementation of financial education in schools, theConference is organised to serve as a platform for the sharing of knowledge and bestpractices among experts and educators in Singapore. Among the objectives of theconference are to:- Provide an opportunity for teachers, school leaders, researchers andpractitioners to showcase and share best practices,- Serve as a platform for academics and practitioners to interact and network,and make linkages between theory and practice, and- Promote and facilitate collaborative research and exchange of resourcesfor the teaching and learning of financial literacy.Highlights of the conference include paper presentations and showcase exhibits ofteachers and students from our grantee schools in Singapore. These have been thepioneers in championing the cause to pilot financial literacy through the infusion offinancial literacy messages into the day-to-day core curricular lessons or asco-curricular and enrichment programmes. This conference will provide a platform forthe sharing of best practices by these educators who have succeeded in turninginnovative ideas into reality with their students.Please visit conference website at www.finlit.nie.edu.sg/conference2008.2nd International Conferenceon Character Developmentthrough Service andExperiential LearningOnline registration is now open for NIE’s 2ndInternational Conference on Character Developmentthrough Service and Experiential Learning!Calling all teachers and service-learning practitionersfrom institutions of higher learning, and government,non-government and community organisations inSingapore and overseas to join us on 17-18 March 2009!In schools and institutions of higher learning,opportunities are increasingly sought for students todevelop character, values, and social-emotionalcompetencies. Such attributes can be developedthrough service and real life experiences whichprepare people to face real-world situations.Organised by NIE, together with National YouthCouncil (NYC) and Ministry of Education (MOE), thistwo-day international conference, themed ‘BuildingYouth Capacities for Real-World Impact’ bringstogether 500 practitioners to share ideas and bestpractices on service and experiential learning andhow these modes of learning have enhancedcharacter development of youth.Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear from ourinspiring speakers, walk through our exhibitionshowcase and network with like-minded educators!Early bird special!Register now at http://www.servicelearning.nie.edu.sgCalendar of EventsEventDateVenueContact PersonNew Dimensions inHumanities Education18-19 Nov 2008Nanyang Girls’ High SchoolDr Radin Fernandomerennage.fernando@nie.edu.sgFinancial Literacy Conference21-22 Nov 2008M HotelDr Koh Noi Kengnoikeng.koh@nie.edu.sgElements of Business Skills (EBS)Seminar24 Nov 2008MOE EdutoriumDr Koh Noi Kengnoikeng.koh@nie.edu.sgAsia-Pacific Educational ResearchAssociation Conference26-28 Nov 2008NIE CampusMs Joey Limapera08@nie.edu.sg13th International Conference on Englishin South East Asia Conference4-6 Dec 2008NIE CampusMs Celeste Tayyizhen.tay@nie.edu.sg2nd International Conference onCharacter Development throughService and Experiential Learning17-18 Mar 2009NIE CampusMs Shirley Seetservicelearning@nie.edu.sg20Redesigning Pedagogy InternationalConference 20091-3 Jun 2009NIE/NTU CampusMs Shirley Seet09edconf@nie.edu.sg