Testimonials - EdD

KalpanaKalpana Bala

What work do you do in your professional capacity?
I am a Master Teacher/English Language (EL) with the Academy of Singapore Teachers, providing professional development to in-service EL teachers.

How has the EdD has been beneficial to you and why?
The EdD journey has been exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. I have grown professionally but more importantly I feel my skills as a critical thinker has improved greatly. I truly became a better version of myself.

What did you like about doing your EdD with ELL?
Definitely the guidance from my supervisor. Dr Kiren Kaur was patient and guided me well. The support was customised to meet my learning needs making it relevant, useful and effective.

What advice / words of wisdom would you give to those attempting to embark on their EdD?
It is not an easy journey but a deeply rewarding one. Plan for the various steps needed, be diligent and stay on track. 

ELL Matthew OngMatthew Ong 

What work do you do in your professional capacity?

I am a co-founder and lead learning coach at Learning Playground. I am also a part-time lecturer at NIE. 

How has the EdD has been beneficial to you and why?

The EdD programme has helped me to hone my craft as an educator and taught me invaluable learning skills. 

What did you like about doing your EdD with ELL?

I truly appreciate all the support that ELL faculty have provided throughout my journey. Everyone needs champions on their learning journey and I’m very grateful to have such strong support through mine.

What advice / words of wisdom would you give to those attempting to embark on their EdD?

Every learner needs champions who give them the opportunity to climb. 

Huang YanYan

What work do you do in your professional capacity?

I am an English language educator and researcher in applied linguistics. My research focuses on second language listening and language assessment, with a particular interest in quantitative methods such as Rasch measurement. 

How has the EdD has been beneficial to you and why?

The EdD gave me a strong foundation in research design and quantitative methods, and it has changed the way I look at language learning, both as a researcher and as an educator. 

What did you like about doing your EdD with ELL?

I was fortunate to learn from a caring and dedicated group of faculty at ELL. I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Assoc Prof Vahid Aryadoust, who introduced me to quantitative research and guided me with great patience, and to Dr Willy A. Renandya, Dr Kiren Kaur and Assoc Prof Csilla Weninger, whose encouragement and advice helped me at every stage of my journey.

What advice / words of wisdom would you give to those attempting to embark on their EdD?

Choose a topic you truly care about, and be patient with yourself, as progress is rarely a straight line. Remember that you don't have to do it alone, as your supervisors and peers are there to support you.