Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) hosts National Junior College teachers for an introduction to the Science of Learning

On 6 November 2026, the Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) welcomed a group of teachers from National Junior College (NJC) to its Collaborative Space at the National Institute of Education (NIE) to introduce the research centre’s mission, research projects, and the significance of understanding the science of learning on both academic and educational contexts.

Key Highlights

• A/P Teo Wei Peng, the Deputy Centre Director of SoLEC, introduced the centre’s vision and mission, highlighting interdisciplinarity, implementation and knowledge mobilisation through research, teaching and community engagement. He also shared SoLEC’s evidence-informed knowledge base framework, NIE’s science of learning academic programmes, the centre’s outreach initiatives and signature projects, and future research directions.
• Dr Nastassja Lopes Fischer, Education Research Scientist at SoLEC and CRPP (Centre for Research in Pedagogy & Practice), presented one of SoLEC’s signature work, Arts for Cultivating Creativity, Emotional and Social Outcomes (ACES)), outlining the project’s objectives and current progress.
• A/P Eddy K. M. Chong, Head of Visual & Performing Arts Department at NIE, explored the project’s methodology and its potential implications for arts programmes in Singapore classrooms. Prof Chong and Dr. Fischer also discussed potential opportunities for research collaboration between NIE and schools in arts education and the science of learning.
• Dr Eleanor Koo, Research Fellow at SoLEC, conducted a live demonstration of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), explaining its principles and applications in research investigating learners’ executive functions and their neural correlates. Dr Koo also provided a guided tour of the research institute’s state-of-the-art technology and research equipment at the SoLEC Classroom.

While the group of teachers from NJC teach a variety of subjects––from fine arts to economics and mathematics, the introduction of the science of learning offered these educators an opportunity to better understand ways they can elevate and reflect on their students’ learning progress. Aligning with SoLEC and NIE’s goal, this exchange allowed for a platform to apply and further build connections between research and education. 

We thank the National Junior College, speakers, and organisers for the successful and insightful visit.