Getting to Know Series

Have you ever wondered what it is like being a graduate student or a faculty member in NIE? Now you can, with our Getting to Know Series, an ongoing miniseries to let you know more about our most important asset - people.

Hear from our graduates and faculty members to find out what NIE is about!

To potential graduate students, lay the foundation well. Ask yourself why you are doing it and prepare yourself for it.

I was pulled into the world of Chinese history through martial arts novels that blended fictional heroes with real historical events.

A historian by training, I study the development of lineage society in maritime China during the sixteenth century which enabled me to develop research interests in Singapore’s history and history pedagogy. These research interests have also helped me develop courses in Asian women’s history and the maritime history of China at NIE.

Associate Professor Lim Mui Ling, Ivy Maria

Humanities & Social Studies Education Academic Group

There is a kind of virtuous serious play at NIE. On one hand, students are encouraged to push intellectual frontiers. At the same time, there is a real-life implication for many, to whom researchers have a great responsibility. Balancing this tension and steering away from extremes is what we seek to communicate to students.

I am revisiting the epistemological foundations of normative principles, which I employ as an evaluative criteria for discerning focal meanings employed critically in educational discourse. Part of this work is multidisciplinary and builds on the work in jurisprudence, ethics, economics, semiotics, media theory and design theory.

Associate Professor Jude Chua

Policy, Curriculum & Leadership Academic Group

Contextual literacy is key to being adaptable and resilient in the 21st century. To perform our multiple roles, we need to negotiate differences, listen, play with ideas and apply imaginative problem-solving as educators and artists.

Having been a theatre practitioner and facilitator before becoming a researcher and educator, my interest and approach are to integrate doing and thinking, sensing and interrogating, feeling and reflecting, across varied mediums.

My work focuses on the relationship between performance, play and imagination as modes of drama learning that are critical to urban society and the 21st century. My research draws from these areas to understand and develop processes and frameworks that advance open, dialogical and creative learning spaces.

Associate Professor Charlene Rajendran

Visual & Performing Arts Academic Group

I had worked with my early childhood colleagues to develop a transition position statement. We hope this statement can support teachers, parents, schools and preschools to provide a smoother transition experience for children starting Primary 1. Through this research, I supported two primary schools to develop their Primary 1 transition programme.

NIE offers students a learning experience that values both theory and practice. I enjoy interacting with my students and listening to their insights arising from varied backgrounds and experiences. This enabled me to consider ways to illustrate this diversity in my teaching and to prompt my students to make meaningful sense of the diversity.

Dr Hanin Binte Hussain
Psychology and Child & Human Development Academic Group

Research and writing can be a lonely journey. The satisfaction is in translating the new data into useful knowledge, making a difference in the lives of others.

My research interests are in the areas of assessment of heritage languages, particularly the Malay Language and the sociocultural issues that impact youth education in the Malay community.

My latest research is on the Assessment for learning (AfL) practices of lecturers in NIE. The open dialogues between Malay, Chinese and Tamil lecturers about our own classroom assessment practices and understanding the differing focus of AfL among peers are the highlights of this research.

Dr Roszalina Bte Rawi

Asian Languages & Cultures Academic Group

8 years prior to my joining the then Institute of Education in 1989, I was a secondary school mathematics teacher.

NIE has provided me with significant opportunities to work with international peers on studies like the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

My research is mainly in the area of mathematics pedagogy - unpacking the complexity of the teaching and learning processes that mathematics Teachers engage in. My research directly impacts my work with school teachers who are enrolled in NIE's pre-service, in-service or graduate programmes, as it contributes to the core of mathematics education.

Professor Berinderjeet Kaur

Mathematics & Mathematics Education Academic Group

“The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn, but to unlearn.” - Gloria Steinem

Transiting from the newsroom to the classroom was not an easy decision for me. As a journalist, I enjoyed connecting with people through my writing and analytical skills. Changing to a professor, I have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge to the next generation.

I have been working on computer supported collaborative learning, learning analytics and mobile learning. I design interactive and collaborative learning environments that encourage different voices and perspectives and thereby promotes higher order thinking.

In NIE, everyone sets high expectations for everyone else, and this encourages everyone to always work at their best level!

Associate Professor Chen Wenli

Learning Sciences & Assessment Academic Group

Trained as an Exercise Physiologist, much of my research examines how physical activity/exercise can affect risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. I often combine any physical activity intervention in these areas with different aspects of nutrition.

Graduate degrees by research take up a good portion of one's working life. Before undertaking the journey, ask yourself: why do you want to pursue a research degree, where will it take you, and what do you want from it? Pursuing a research degree is about the process you undertake and the experience you gain from it.

Also, research does not often progress in the way you anticipate, so the ability to adapt is extremely important.

Associate Professor Stephen Burns

Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group

Many have misconstrued the ultimate goal of research as achieving publication in research journals and moving up the ladder of fame and ranking. In contrast, a major goal of all research projects should be serving humanity and solving real-world problems.

In my field of research, Language Assessment, many social and educational aspects of language tests such as the interplay between test takers’ socioeconomic status, cultural capital, the brain, and test performance, to name a few, which affect the careers, educational opportunities, income et cetera, of test takers are waiting to be addressed. This is an example of where research has the potential to have an impact beyond academia.

Associate Professor Vahid Aryadoust

English Language & Literature Academic Group

I conduct research on the ecology and conservation of vertebrates, particularly understudied mammals (e.g. flying lemur and pangolin) in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region.

There is a huge knowledge gap on the habitat requirements of vertebrate species, without which, evidence-based conservation policies cannot be formulated and implemented. Therefore, I resolve to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the conservation and ecology of vertebrates.

I incorporate the findings of my research in my teaching so that students can better appreciate the real-world relevance of ecological theory and research, and better retain the knowledge presented.

Dr Norman Lim

Natural Sciences & Science Education Academic Group

Our graduate students are our future scholars and researchers who will continue with the arduous task of breaking new grounds in the various fields of study. They often give new perspectives and insights in understanding certain phenomena which we as established academics may overlook or take for granted. Although the questions which they often raise may seemingly sound familiar, the simplicity, honesty and fervor expressed are very heartening. Curiosity is indeed a hallmark of an astute researcher. I find great satisfaction when students are able to provide valuable insights and interpretations during the many collective nteractions and discussions.

My students have taught me to be humble, curious and pure in the way I see and investigate the world, and to love doing what I am doing at NIE.

Associate Professor Hairon Salleh

Associate Dean, Graduate Education by Coursework, Office of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning

Policy, Curriculum & Leadership Academic Group

My main research area is in examining factors that influence helping and help-seeking behaviour, also known as prosocial behaviour. I was intrigued by the “bystander effect” research done by Professors Bibb Latane and John Darley. Their research examined the factors influencing individuals’ helping behaviour in situations where others were present.

NIE is internationally recognised for its people, pedagogies and programmes. In other words, it is a top-ranked institute that uses innovative pedagogies in its prominent programmes. Research is a critical component of the education process in a graduate programme. To potential graduate students, develop your research skills and knowledge regardless of whether you see research as part of your career. Knowing the what, how and why of research will be useful in your career.

Associate Professor Lim Kam Ming
NIE Registrar and Deputy Divisional Director, Office of Academic Administration & Services

Psychology and Child & Human Development Academic Group

As an Assistant Professor with the Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group in NIE, my research interest is in sports marketing. I have previously conducted research on sports marketing in social media, and consumer behaviour in relation to sporting goods. However, my main research interest is in sports sponsorship. I have researched on sponsorship in sports videogames and swimming events. My current projects use an eye tracker to examine the physiological responses towards sponsorship in sporting events, and its relationship with attitude and behaviour.

NIE has put in place a good system for selecting graduate students and those who are enrolled in its programmes are of high calibre. They are articulate, well-read and industrious. Many of them are able to comprehend difficult concepts and analyse issues in depth with little trouble.

Assistant Professor Leng Ho Keat

Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group

I am a plant physiologist. My research areas are highly relevant to not only biological education in Singapore, but also food security and sustainable living in Singapore.

My interest arose from my experience as a farmer during the Cultural Revolution in 1976. I witnessed the poverty of Chinese farmers then and aspired to become a biology teacher or a researcher in plant sciences who could make contributions to overcome rural poverty.

At NIE, graduate programmes are unique in its diversity and richness, allowing the students to plan their individual educational experience in accordance with their career aspirations. Determination is linked to intrinsic interest, and motivation is the key to success.

Associate Professor He Jie

Natural Sciences & Science Education Academic Group

As the Chinese saying goes, “a good beginning is half the battle won” (好的䇖始是成功的一半).

NIE is able to offer our graduate students a learning environment that is highly conducive to learning – the necessary infrastructure, the rich resources, and the wealth of expertise of the faculty members. However, I always feel that NIE contributes a little more to the learning experience of our graduate students. The professors are not only strong in educational research and practice but are also rich in pedagogical knowledge. Professors at NIE are not only esteemed academics that many look up to: they are also teachers, mentors, and friends who walk alongside the learning journeys of the students – something which I can attest to as a product of NIE’s postgraduate programme.

Associate Professor Lee Ngan Hoe

Mathematics & Mathematics Education Academic Group

NIE boasts of the best academic staff members who are simultaneously the experts in their academic fields as well as the best practitioners in the pedagogy of their disciplines. In short, NIE is constantly at the cutting edge of academic and educational research activities, the impact of which is felt worldwide. Graduate students at NIE are guaranteed in the acquisition of up-to-date content knowledge and research skills through state-of-the-art instructional channels.

NIE graduate students form the prototype of a body of inspired, highly motivated and self-directed learners in the 21st Century. The majority of part-time students, who are mostly full-time teachers, are now augmented by a steadily growing number of international students who read our graduate programmes by coursework or research. The richness and diversity of the student body contribute greatly towards an exciting NIE learning community.

Associate Professor Ho Weng Kin

Mathematics & Mathematics Education Academic Group

Being a teacher gives us the opportunity to influence the ideas and thinking of our graduate students who are change-agents in their workplaces. Teaching and mentoring are means to share my passion with others and to ensure continuity of the research ideas that I have learnt from my own mentors.

NIE has a friendly, rigorous and nurturing environment that allows students to pursue their ideas and ideals. As many of our higher degree students are pursuing their studies on a part-time basis, faculty members in NIE are understanding of work-life-school balance and hence, are flexible and creative in devising ways to ensure that the students are able to meet deadlines for assignments and thesis. This requires mutual respect for each other’s (supervisors and higher degree students) time and aspirations.

Associate Professor Tan Aik Ling

Deputy Head (Teaching & Curriculum Matters), Natural Sciences & Science Education

Teaching and learning are reciprocal activities: we learn as we teach. A simple question from a student can prompt me to think deeply about an issue. I also learnt a lot from reading students' theses, which often offer new perspectives about an issue and new research ideas.

Even though educational theories and principles are generalisable and transferable, their applications in classrooms have to be contextualised. In NIE, we have the privilege of linking to the experts in the world and yet having a group of researchers and instructors with local knowledge working in the theory-practice nexus. Many people do not realise that NIE is endowed with a unique interdisciplinary team of staff. Beyond education, we are able to offer graduate programmes in academic subjects (e.g., life sciences) and professional practices (e.g., instructional design).

Associate Professor Tan Seng Chee

Associate Dean, Graduate Education by Research, Office of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning

Learning Sciences & Assessment Academic Group

Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death” - Albert Einstein.

As a firm believer of lifelong learning, it is my personal mission to mentor students as I believe they have great propensity to learn and grow.

At NIE, graduate students will benefit from the intersection between academic disciplinary thinking, pedagogical and andragogical research. In addition, the strong emphasis of theory to practice nexus is manifested in the curriculum design as well as through the modality in the delivery of programmes. With the confluence of these important intellectual resources, NIE graduate programmes offer the student the opportunity for a meaningful learning experience.

Professor Chang Chew Hung

Dean, Academic & Strategic Development

Humanities & Social Studies Education Academic Group

As an applied theatre practitioner with more than 15 years of experience, I was curious if Singaporean children and youth might respond to theatre processes differently because of the uniqueness of our culture and academic system. The desire to understand the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ that cause shifts in behaviours and dispositions when young people engage in theatre and the arts led me to do my PhD.

Research tests one’s tenacity and ability to stay focused and calm. The research process can sometimes encounter unexpected challenges and events that require decisive and swift actions, or issues that can be confounding and require calmness of both mind and heart to analyse and resolve. Therefore, when pursuing a graduate programme in research, one should embark on the journey with grit and yet a sense of adventure to discover new knowledge and skills. Enjoy the process and embrace the challenges.

Dr Jennifer Wong

Visual & Performing Arts Academic Group

When I was 10, my beloved grandfather passed away from lung cancer, and I will never forget how painful that experience was. This inspired me to become a professor, do high-level research and development, contribute to humanity, and nurture the next generation of youth.

My conviction has inspired me to become a “mentor of mentors”, to empower more teachers to inspire the next generation of young scientists and engineers who will change the world.

I am interested in 2D nanosheets that are 100,000 times thinner than our hair, and graphene is a typical example. Understanding the properties of these nanomaterials has significant technological implications.

Before beginning a graduate research programme, consider your life purpose. My life purpose of making a difference in the world through research and development motivates me to work hard every morning. Find a job that inspires you and makes your life worth living.

Assistant Prof Edison Ang

Natural Sciences & Science Education Academic Group

My journey as a PhD student in NIE has been truly remarkable. The excellent laboratory facilities have allowed me to delve deep into my research, exploring the interconversion between charge current and spin current for designing high-performance data storage and information processing devices. The supportive professors, annual conference, and diverse learning opportunities in science, linguistics, arts, and pedagogy have enriched my academic experience. NIE's open spaces and recreational facilities have nurtured both my physical and mental well-being, empowering me to excel in my research. The extensive library collection further enhances the learning environment. Overall, my time at NIE has been nothing short of exceptional.

Sourabh Manna

Doctor of Philosophy, Dean's Commendation for Research winner 2023

Starting with a portable brain imaging device in 2020, to a lab filled with neuroimaging equipment, my PhD journey at NIE has been a blend of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Despite the challenges, I appreciate the unwavering support and encouragement from my supervisors, Asst Prof Teo Wei Peng and Dr Tommy Ng, as well as family and friends.

Jessie Leuk

Doctor of Philosophy, Dean's Commendation for Research winner 2023

Embarking on this programme has always been one of my life goals and it enabled me to develop professionally as a teacher. It allowed me to deepen my knowledge in the Early Childhood field as well as enriched my understanding in Research. I was able to meet like-minded course mates to exchange experiences and most importantly, I was inspired by the dedicated lecturers who shared their expertise and guided me through this rewarding learning experience.

Sheryl Koh

Master of Education (Early Childhood), The Henry David Hochstadt Early Childhood Education (HDHECE) Book Prize 2023

It was my first time participating in the 3MT competition. It was nerve wrecking to speak in front of a big audience and I could feel my heart pounding and my palms sweating as I made my way to the stage.

The NIE Student Graduate Conference 2023 provided me with opportunities to network and learn from other presenters. As a graduate student, I cherish opportunities to meet fellow students and learn about their research journeys, which, in turn, encouraged me. I extend my gratitude to the student organizers for their meticulous planning, and to my supervisors, Dr. Tricia Seow and Prof. Chang Chew Hung, for encouraging my participation in this event.

Sharon Tan

Master of Arts (Research), 1st prize for 3-Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition at NIE Student Graduate Conference 2023

My time with the MME professors and fellow students has been a fulfilling adventure. In the past year, I've not only acquired a wealth of professional knowledge under my supervisor's guidance but also embraced by the tight-knit MME family, receiving unwavering support. This award genuinely mirrors the nurturing and inclusive ambiance at MME, a place that has truly become my second home. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NIE for granting me this incredible opportunity to study here, an experience that has profoundly shaped my journey.

Chen Kexin

Doctor of Philosophy, Dean's Commendation for Research winner 2023

From first working as a research assistant to then embarking on my Ph.D. journey in Literature education, I often felt I was in the right place at the right time at NIE. I’ve had the privilege of being awarded the NTU Research Scholarship, which allowed me to take on various teaching assistantship opportunities, writing academic papers independently and collaboratively, and to contribute in service to the Literature education fraternity alongside my professors. I feel deeply grateful for the generosity and guidance of my supervisor, peers, and faculty members as I grow in confidence, competence, and conviction as a young academic.

Nah Dominic

Doctor of Philosophy, Dean's Commendation for Research winner 2023

The Master of Education (Art) by coursework programme at NIE-NTU bridged my teaching practice and learning. I believe teaching is most effective when teachers role-model a disposition towards continuous learning. Switching to the dissertation track enabled me to conduct rigorous research in my field of art and early childhood education.

Melissa Wong

Master of Education (Art), Class of 2023

As a Nurse Educator, the Master of Arts in Professional Education programme has greatly enhanced my knowledge and skills in teaching and learning strategies. I have gained a greater understanding of curriculum development, assessment, and design, which has improved the quality of education I provide to nurses.

Additionally, the programme has provided me with networking opportunities and access to resources that have helped me stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices in nursing education.

Warric Ng

Master of Arts in Professional Education (Training and Development), Class of 2023

Pursuing a Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching) has provided lenses through which I have been probed to go beyond reflecting on the 'how to' but also the 'why' in making curriculum decisions. I have been challenged to practice reflexivity, questioning the beliefs and assumptions I hold as an educator. This has provided greater clarity on the non-negotiables in my practice and enabled me to distil a more compelling personal narrative as a curriculum leader.

Marianne Li

Master of Education (Curriculum & Teaching), Class of 2021

I have always had a passion for teaching Chinese as a foreign language and wanted to refresh my theoretical and practical knowledge in a systematic way. NIE not only has the MATCIL programme, the perfect programme for me, but it is also the cradle of teacher education in Singapore.

The programme has helped me to appreciate a hands-on approach as the most effective way of learning. Lecturers provided us with the resources, concepts, methods and projects to learn to think critically, apply it to practice and develop my own teaching style.

Among countless memorable moments, my most significant memory is the three months of my internship. It was an interesting and fulfilling time working with my teammates in NIE to find out the best solution for my employer.

Bian Xiaoci

Master of Arts (Teaching Chinese as an International Language), Class of 2022

From the point of acceptance by NIE to graduation, I had an experience of a lifetime at NIE. My time in the Master of Arts in Humanities Education (MAHE) programme and on campus was enjoyable and rewarding. The faculty and staff of NIE treated me very well throughout the programme, and fostered a wonderful learning environment. I am grateful for this opportunity as it has opened new pathways in my career.

Graduating with a MAHE degree has given me opportunities that otherwise would not have been available. I now work at an international school in Thailand teaching Primary 1 to 3 students, and what I had learned at NIE had given me an excellent perspective in applied methods to become a better educator for different curriculums. Thank you NIE for the discipline, focus, rigour and excellent educational experience.

Song Zhuojue

Master of Arts in Humanities Education, Class of 2022

It has always been my intent to return to NIE, my alma mater, the place that set my foundation on how to teach Humanities. Albeit a couple of decades late, I am glad to actualise this promise to myself. Having taught Geography and Social Studies, I had noted how NIE lecturers had contributed immensely to knowledge acquisition in the teaching fraternity. I was keen to learn more from them and be a Humanities advocate to inspire younger Humanities educators.

The programme was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Committed efforts by the lecturers to ensure the rigour of discussion online allowed us to glean interesting insights. For someone who left the University more than 30 years ago, I was especially grateful to the individualised support that the lecturers gave me to write academic essays, for it allowed me to synthesise the new ideas learnt with my teaching practice to benefit my students.

Preeti Sheri

Master of Arts in Humanities Education, Class of 2022

Educational technology has always been my passion. As educators, we not only teach students but also provide professional development opportunities for in-service teachers. With the MAIDT programme, not only did I get to enhance my pedagogy in technology-enabled learning environments, but I also learnt more theories of adult learning. This was extremely useful as I often had to engage a wide spectrum of learners in MOE.

The greatest takeaway from my time in MAIDT is to always be adaptable to whatever circumstance we are dealing with. During the pandemic, we had to adapt to new ways of learning quickly. The mode of lesson delivery pivoted from the usual face-to-face lessons to fully online classes. I enjoyed this programme as it gives me good exposure to the e-learning tools and strategies which I can use to improve my classroom pedagogy.

Da Zun Hui

Master of Arts (Instructional Design and Technology), Class of 2022

The MEd (Tamil Language) course taught me how to develop my knowledge in educational research and apply theory to practice. The curriculum is well designed in terms of content, pedagogy, assessment and academic research. Some of the modules, such as Educational Inquiry and Sociolinguistics, enlightened me to a deeper understanding of language teaching in school.

I believe this programme is important to my professional development in my teaching career. It provided me with more opportunities to demonstrate my knowledge and skills innovatively. I would also like to express my gratitude to my lecturers for nurturing and developing the competencies that I needed for my teaching profession. My journey at NIE will be one of the best memories of my lifetime.

Ramasamy Stalin

Master of Education (Tamil Language), Class of 2022

The MSc (ESS) programme covers all aspects of Exercise and Sport Studies and I enjoyed the flexibility of mixing courses which very much helped me ignite my interest in public health and health education. As a research assistant, I particularly appreciate how the lecturers infused insights from their own research works into their teaching. I was able to pursue my postgraduate academic aspirations in a highly intellectual and stimulating university environment and learn from individuals from different professions. My professors and fellow classmates have been truly inspiring people and are always available whenever I need advice and guidance.

Terence Chua Buan Kiong

Master of Science (Exercise and Sport Studies), Class of 2022

Having spent many years doing my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and now my Doctoral degree here in NIE, NIE is indeed like a home away from home. Throughout my time here in NIE, it has been my pleasure to have met and interacted with many capable individuals and professors, who have been a great source of support in my journey.

People say that friends are the family you choose, and the people I have met here are the greatest takeaway one can have. It is of no doubt that the people I have met in NIE have enabled me to become a better version of myself, constantly encouraging, supporting, and inspiring me to do better, be better.

A huge thank you to all my friends and professors at PESS for being a wonderful pillar of support, lightening days up when they get tough, continuously spurring me on. Thank you.

Tan Zhi Sen

Master of Arts (By Research), Class of 2022

My NIE EdD journey was a highly rewarding experience. I chose NIE because I benefited from its Master of Education programme. I was convinced then that its faculty members could support me in fulfilling my dream of obtaining a doctoral degree.

My most memorable experience was when my supervisor informed me that my coding method was wrong. I had to re-code all my transcripts. It was a major crisis in this journey. I was devastated and fearful that I could not complete the journey within seven years. With encouragement and support from my supervisor, family members and church friends, I persevered and completed the rest of my journey over the next two years.

Dr Yip Hoe Yin

Doctor in Education (EdD), Class of 2022

NIE has always been my top choice. Additionally, it is also the most suitable institute to pursue my higher education in Tamil Language. The staff and faculty member at NIE are like family members, guiding the students to excel in their areas.

I can still recall the day before my PhD Confirmation Seminar. The jittery thoughts about how I was about to be targeted and shot down filled my sleepless night. However, the session changed my mind. I realised the panel was there to suggest improvements and to support the proposal instead. This gave me confidence and prepared me well for my PhD Oral Examination!

My constant and valuable interactions, with my supervisor and other professors, would always be interesting experiences for me. The exchange of ideas and the new thoughts formed out of the various discussions were significant to my thesis writing. I strongly recommend NIE to potential students. Thank you, NIE!

Dr Uma Ramakrishnan

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Class of 2022

“Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communis”, which translates to "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together", is the 2021 updated Olympic motto that highlights the importance of collaborative effort in bringing faster and better results than working in silos.

The Olympic motto aptly illustrates the support from those who have made my doctorate journey possible. Completing a PhD is no small feat; the journey can be stressful and lonely. The systematic structure of the Doctor of Philosophy programme in NIE has provided me with invaluable support through the gruelling times.

I want to thank my supervisors, A/P Koh Koon Teck, and A/P Gregory Arief D Liem, for the guidance and support rendered to help me overcome the multiple hurdles in this marathon. The completion of my PhD does not mark the end of my learning but the beginning of the next phase of my lifelong learning.

Dr Yvonne Seng Bee Gek

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Class of 2022

As an educator, it gives me great satisfaction to see my students understand the curriculum, improve their grades, and motivated to learn. However, the lack of relevant classroom experience had inspired me to sign up for the Graduate Certificate in Curriculum and Teaching offered by NIE.

While the learning curve was challenging and steep, educators and professionals from different educational institutes and industries getting together to engage in critical conversations and exchange ideas about curriculum was enriching. I find the process deeply satisfying.

Upskilling and reskilling has become a critical part of my life journey. I felt confident that I could contribute and connect my real-life work experiences to the concepts learnt in class. Hence, I have decided to sign up for the Master of Education (Curriculum and Teaching) to continue to challenge myself to broaden my knowledge and improve my teaching methods, delivering authentic leaning experiences for my students.

Wong Pey Lih

Graduate Certificate in Curriculum and Teaching

It started off with the new challenges I faced during the initial phase of Covid-19 pandemic where face-to-face lessons in school were frequently disrupted by home-based learning (HBL). I found it difficult for me to engage my students in my lessons and manage their mental well-being, as well as mine. That became a great motivating factor for me to look out for professional courses in psychology to find solutions. Thankfully, NTU launched the MiniMasters™ (which is now replaced by the FlexiMasters) around that time and I came across the programme in Learning and Development which consisted of various psychology courses for me to choose and start my learning journey. Since then, I have learnt that empowering myself with knowledge would help me deal with the challenges I faced in life. Applying the knowledge of psychology had helped me understand the learners deeper and allows me to customise suitable learning experiences for them.

Tan Sini

FlexiMasters in Learning and Development