Life@NIE Sinsgapore - Learning Initiatives for the Future of Education

 

Developed upon the foundations of NIE philosophies since our establishment in 1991, namely i) values-driven paradigm; ii) responsiveness, relevance, rigour; and iii) future-orientation, Learning Initiatives for the Future of Education at the National Institute of Education Singapore (LIFE@NIE SG ®) comprises a set of Institute-level key priority areas and initiatives for NIE’s next lap of growth. They serve to create knowledge and advance research across disciplines. As the Institute builds capacity and reputation in these areas, they also serve as a focus for the investment of NIE resources for the next few years.

As Singapore’s national institute for teacher education and only institute for teacher accreditation, the NIE Vision is to be an institute of distinction that is leading the future of education. Our Mission is to inspire learning, transform teaching and advance research in education and education-related disciplines.

Under the current NIE Strategic Plan 2022, with the theme "A Future-Ready National Institute of Education", NIE has been focusing on delivering programmes and pedagogies underpinned by a "life-long, life-deep, life-wide and lifewise" ("4-Life") philosophy. As the education landscape continues to evolve, the Institute adopts a long-term view of learners’ outcomes. Guided by the "4-Life" philosophy, NIE inculcates values, knowledge and skills in educators and learners who will contribute to the future of the nation. These educators and learners are willing and ready to adopt new technologies, seize opportunities for self-directed learning and embrace an experimenting disposition for solutioning, based on mastery.

Likewise, to be a future-ready organisation, NIE must be forward-looking and cognisant of the need to strive for continuous improvement. For NIE to remain relevant and for our programmes to remain impactful in a rapidly evolving landscape, the Institute focuses on the development of current and new capabilities to take advantage of future opportunities and respond well to future challenges.

Towards this aim, a set of NIE-level key priority areas and initiatives known collectively as "Learning Initiatives for the Future of Education at the National Institute of Education Singapore" or LIFE@NIE SG® was introduced in 2020 to strengthen the Institute’s capability and capacity to lead the future of education over the next decade.

 

The nomenclature of "LIFE" is inspired by the national "Learn for Life" movement and builds upon NIE’s current "4-Life" philosophy of providing life-long, life-deep, life-wide and life-wise education and education-related programmes and thought leadership.

The identification of the key priority areas provide a focus for the investment of resources at NIE to develop and deliver future-ready initiatives for
• Teaching and learning
• Education and content research
• International outreach and reputation building
• Strategic hiring and capacity building

The LIFE@NIE SG ® areas and initiatives are also well aligned with NTU 2025 strategies to address Singapore’s and humanity’s grand challenges and are being implemented as part of the current and next NIE strategic plans.

Contact Us

For more information or copyright requests on LIFE@NIE SG ® and any of the content on this webpage, please contact:

Strategic Planning and Engagement
Email: spenie@nie.edu.sg


To find out more about the key activities for the SGAs and/or explore opportunities for collaboration, please contact:

Child & Human Development SGA

Dr Shallu Sansanwal
Email: shallu.s@nie.edu.sg​​​​


Science of Learning

Ms Eric Chong
Email: hunghiong.chong@nie.edu.sg​​


Emerging Technologies

Mr Lim Shi Guo Ricky
Email: ricky.lim@nie.edu.sg​​​​​​


Assessment & Evaluation

Mr Lee Jian Xiong
Email: jianxiong.lee@nie.edu.sg

Centre for Assessment & Evaluation
Miss Michelle Tan / Mr Lee Jian Xiong
Email: cae@nie.edu.sg
Visit the CAE website. 

View the CAE Video channel.

 

Values & Ethics

Ms Jocelyn Tan Shi Yah
Email:  jocelyn.tan@nie.edu.sg

Ms Nadiah Brown

STRATEGIC GROWTH AREAS

Child and Human Development

By gaining deep insights into the different aspects of human development, e.g., physical, cognitive, language and socio-emotional, meaningful educational experiences can be created to impact the lives of diverse learners, be they early childhood learners, adolescent learners, learners with special education needs or low-progress learners.

Recognising the unique needs of our diverse learners, NIE aims to foster multiple research interests and generate interdisciplinary knowledge to improve educational practices and policies and enhance the well-being of our learners. By studying normal developmental processes in learners and those at risk for adverse outcomes or disorders, we strive to engender innovative programmes to enhance the learning and well-being of our learners and mitigate risks if and when they occur.

STEERING COMMITTEE
A/P Lim Kam Ming

A/P Lim Kam Ming
Chair

AP Caroline Koh

A/P Caroline Koh
Co-chair

Translation Workstream
Dr Sa'eda Bte BuangMember
Dr Yvonne Seng​​Member
A/P Toh Tin Lam​​Member

 

Research Workstream
Dr Melvin Chan Chee Yeen​​​Co-lead
Dr Imelda Santos CaleonCo-lead
A/P Lum Chee Hoo​Member
Dr Luo Qingming​Member
Dr Ng Ee Lynn​​Member

 

Supporting Officers
Shallu SansanwalResearch Associate​
Mr Chris Chua Wee Ann​​Secretariat​

 

Lien Ying Chow Visiting Professorship Visiting Professor: Prof Sharon Vaughn

Dr Sharon Vaughn is the Manuel J. Justiz Endowed Chair in Education and executive director of The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at The University of Texas at Austin.

Date of Visit: 15 August 2024 till 21 August 2024

She visited various schools in Singapore and discussed her work in learning disabilities and dyslexia with educators, speech-language therapists, SPED Educators, early interventionalists, Psychologists/ Counselling therapists, Secondary Education Support and preschool teachers. Prof Sharon Vaughn also shared her insights and expertise with NIE researchers.
Life@NIE SG Key Developments - Visiting Professor Prof Sharon VaughnLife@NIE SG Key Developments - Visiting Professor Prof Sharon Vaughn

Published Articles in The Straits Times

Sharing of DREAMS project (Drivers, Enablers, and Pathways of Adolescent Development in Singapore) in The Straits Times newspaper (October 24)​

Title 1: Teacher-parent partnership important in motivating secondary school students: NIE Studies
​Principle Investigator: A/P Arief Liem ​
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/teacher-parent-partnership-important-in-motivating-secondary-school-students-nie-studies​

Title 2: Adolescent boys feel more supported by parents, as compared with adolescent girls: NIE Study (June 9)​
Principle Investigator: Dr Melvin Chan
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/adolescent-boys-feel-more-supported-by-parents-compared-with-adolescent-girls-nie-study

Key Findings:
  • These articles discussed the importance of teacher-parent partnership in motivating secondary school students based on the preliminary findings from DREAMS project.
  • Gender differences in adolescents' perceptions of parental support and the importance of home and school support were also discussed.
  • These findings may help inform educators and parents on the appropriate and differentiated support practices between boys and girls and the importance of teacher-partnership.
See more key developments here.

 

Article from the Topic Lead of Interpersonal Relationships by Dr Imelda Caleon Santos, Assistant Dean, Patnerships, OER Centre of Science of Learning in Education, NIE, NTU.

Title: Relationships Matter in Human Development and Flourishing

Dr Imelda Santos Caleon is an Assistant Dean on Partnerships at the Office of Education Research and Senior Education Research Scientist at the Science of Learning in Education Centre, National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. She is experienced in conducting studies using both experimental and mixed-methods research methodologies. Her main research interests are in the areas of well-being, resilience, mindsets, metacognition and social networks. She has led several research projects, including large-scale longitudinal studies focusing on factors and processes that influence students’ emotional, psychological and emotional well-being; academic and school resilience; and  academic motivation and engagement. 

Values and Ethics

In an increasingly complex and diverse landscape, learners who are grounded with strong moral character and ethical values are better placed to make sound decisions and be active, positive contributors to the well-being of those around them and the larger society.

Through carefully designed programmes, research and innovative pedagogies informed by evidence, NIE inculcates and promotes positive values and ethics in educators and learners ‒ empowering them to lead, teach and learn ably and responsibly; seize opportunities for self-directed learning; and embrace an experimenting disposition for solutioning, based on mastery.

STEERING COMMITTEE
Prof Low Ee Ling

Prof Low Ee Ling
Chair

Dr Dennis Kwek

Dr Dennis Kwek
Co-chair

Prof Tan Oon Seng

Prof Tan Oon Seng
Dir. SCCCE

A/P Suzanne ChooMember
A/P Jude ChuaMember
A/P Ivy LimMember
A/P Jasmine SimMember

 

Special Interest Group (SIG) Members
A/P Jude ChuaMember
A/P Jasmine Sim​Member
A/P Loh Chin EeMember
A/P Mohd Mukhlis​​Member
A/P Mary Anne Heng​​Member
Asst/P Yang Peidong​​Member
A/P Koh Koon TeckMember
A/P Leonel LimMember
Ms Liaw Shao Jun NicoleMember
Ms Ng May GayMember
Ms Sandra WuMember

 

Supporting Officers
Ms Jocelyn Tan Shi YahSecretariat
Ms Nadiah BrownResearch Assistant

 

Book Launch and Seminar - Enhancing Holistic Well-Being of Children and Youth (September 2024)

The Director-General of Education and NIE Director launched the book edited by Prof Low Ee Ling and Prof Tan Oon Seng. A seminar was held after the launch featuring speakers who contributed to the book chapters. The book examines the well-being of children and youth in Singapore through theoretical insights and practical approaches across developmental stages, encompassing research on psychosocial risk factors and the role of education in enhancing student well-being.

Prof Alex Yeung visit (September 2024)

Prof Alex Yeung, Emeritus Professor of Australian Catholic University and head of its Positive Psychology Centre, was invited as a consultant for methodology construction and positive psychology in the field of Values and Ethics. He also spoke on Education, Policy, and Well-Being: ​Building Equitable Futures in a seminar hosted by the Department of Policy, Curriculum and Leadership.

Redefining Global Citizenship Competencies from Asia-Pacific Perspectives (September 2024)

A/P Suzanne Choo was invited by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) in Korea to contribute to the Confucian cosmopolitanism and its implications for postcolonial and multicultural societies in Asia paper. She also did a presentation at their closed-door conference.

Dialogue with Prof Marvin Berkowitz (August 2024)

As part of his visit, Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE) invited Prof Marvin Berkowitz to conduct a dialogue session with staff and student teachers to discuss how a teacher’s identity affects students’ character education. Building upon Aristotolian principles, Prof Berkowitz and attendees also discussed how character is taught in the classroom and the challenges teachers face in helping students negotiate moral dilemmas.

Publication: Enhancing Holistic Well-Being of Children and Youth (July 2024)

The book, edited by Prof Low Ee Ling and Prof Tan Oon Seng, examines the well-being of children and youth in Singapore through theoretical insights and practical approaches across developmental stages, encompassing research on psychosocial risk factors and the role of education in enhancing student well-being. It emphasises the importance of resilience, caregiving, parental involvement and mindfulness in early to middle childhood; and explores factors such as language use, gratitude, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and creative environments that influence well-being.

PCL Visiting Scholar Seminar (April – May 2024)

As part of the continuing PCL scholar lecture series, Dr Charleen Chiong, Dr Juan P. Dahdoub and Dr Zhao ZhenZhou spoke to NIE faculty about educational development in Singapore, framing thoughts to redesign character education and worldview construction in China’s education system respectively.

International Academy of Education (IAE) Invited Session at American Education Research Association (AERA) (April 2024)

Under the theme, ‘Global Citizenship and Values in an Era of Multiculturalism and Technological Advancements: what Education Can Do’, Prof Low Ee Ling and Prof Tan Oon Seng were invited to speak on the forums ‘Values and Ethics in Teacher Education’ and ‘Trends Calling for Character and Citizenship education: A Singapore Perspective’ respectively.

 See more key developments here.

 

Prof Wiel Veugelers visit (October 2024)

Prof Wiel Veugelers is an Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht and an international expert in moral and citizenship education. He will be invited to share about his niche in democratic and citizenship education with the V&E SGA as well as NIE faculty.

Taiwan Study Trip (November 2024)

Members of the SGA will be travelling to Taiwan to learn more about current research in character and citizenship education in relation to Asian philosophies such as Buddhism and Confucianism. The team aims to understand how Taiwan has integrated them into its character and citizenship education curricula and pedagogy.

Online workshop series and consultations by Dr Judith Glaesser 

Dr Judith Glaesser is Research Fellow at the School of Education and Methods Center at Tübingen University, Germany. She will be conducting a series of online workshops around Qualitative Comparative Analysis and having consultations with the V&E SGA to refine research methods for Values and Ethics projects

Science of Learning

A better understanding of the science of learning enables educators and learners to tackle learning issues and difficulties with enhanced precision, personalisation and differentiation.

NIE aims to promote knowledge, cultivate collaborations and develop thought leadership in science of learning in education through the Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC@NIE) and programmes such as the Master of Science in Science of Learning, bringing together multiple disciplines that includes neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, technology and AI in education. These endeavours will contribute to a deeper understanding of learning processes and better ways to support successful school learning.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Prof Kenneth Poon

Prof Kenneth Poon
Advisor

Prof David Hung

Prof David Hung
Co-chair

A/P Anne Rifkin

A/P Anne Rifkin​
Co-chair

A/P Chen WenliMember
A/P Teo Wei PengMember
Asst/P Azilawati JamaludinMember
​Dr Elizabeth Koh Member
Dr Teo Chew LeeMember
A/P Eddy ChongMember
Dr Peter SeowMember
Ms Wah Shih FenMember
Ms Teo Lek HongMember

 

Supporting Officers
Mr Eric ChongAdministrative Support Officer

 

Associate Professor Anne Rifkin-Graboi Appointed as Co-chair of the LIFE@NIE SG® Science of Learning Strategic Growth Area Steering Committee

Associate Professor Anne Rifkin-Graboi has been appointed as the Co-chair of the LIFE@NIE SG® Science of Learning (SoL) Strategic Growth Area (SGA) Steering Committee (SC) for a two-year period with effect from 11 March 2024.

As the Co-chair of the SoL SGA SC with Professor David Hung, Associate Professor Rifkin will render support in the strategic positioning and advancement of Science of Learning in Education at NIE.​
See more key developments here.

 

Trip to the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society (IMBES) Conference

A small team from NIE will be attending the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society (IMBES) Conference in July 2024 to initiate the exploration of a global network of specialised centres in Science of Learning/Educational Neuroscience. NIE’s participation in in this network will strengthen its position in the field of the Science of Learning in Education, in particular educational neuroscience.​

Dr Astrid Schmied, Professor David Hung, Professor Michael Thomas (Centre for Educational Neuroscience), and Professor Roberto Ferreira (MiNSoL Chile) submitted a symposium proposal that was accepted and will be part of the IMBES scientific program.

Fostering Partnerships for Science of Learning in Education.

Under the 5th Tranche of the Education Research Funding Programme (ERFP), the Science of Learning LIFE@NIE SG ® Strategic (SoL) Strategic Growth Area (SGA) is actively establishing a diverse array of local and international strategic partnerships. These collaborations focus on tackling critical issues affecting adolescents and adults, encompassing areas such as mental well-being, social-emotional learning, cognitive health and brain literacy.​

Beyond the acquisition of crucial grants, this seeks to unlock the full potential of research findings; foster interdisciplinary cooperation; bridge the divide between academic research and practical real-world applications; and strengthen the essential link between research, teaching, and the wider community

Collaborations with various institutions

SoLEC@NIE SG is exploring collaborations with various institutions such as New Town Primary School and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). SoLEC@NIE SG is also looking forward to welcoming visiting faculty and other appointment holders to guide the strategic direction of the LIFE@NIE SG ® SGA and to provide advice on grants.​

Emerging Technologies

NIE promotes the assimilation of knowledge and skills for the effective design, development and use of innovative pedagogies and learning technologies through educational programmes, ethical interventions, collaborations and thought leadership. The Institute also aims to exemplify how emerging pedagogies, technology and spaces may be used to enhance life-long learning outcomes.

By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence in education, educators and learners can more effectively customise content, augment cognition, assess and evaluate learning outcomes, and enhance the overall learning process with the aid of simulations, visualisations and learning analytics.

STEERING COMMITTEE

AP Ang Keng Cheng

A/P Ang Keng Cheng​
Advisor

AP Tan Seng Chee

A/P Tan Seng Chee​​​
Chair

A/P Chen Wenli

A/P Chen Wenli​
Co-chair

Chua Bee Leng

A/P Chua Bee Leng
Co-chair

A/P Victor Lim​Member
A/P Teo Tang Wee​Member
Asst/P Tanmay SinhaMember
Dr Alwyn Lee​Member
Mr Benny Lam​Member

 

Emerging Technologies SGA Workstreams (WS)​
A/P Tan Seng Chee​​Co-lead of AIEd WS
A/P Chen WenliCo-lead of AIEd WS
A/P Teo Tang WeeCo-lead of meriSTEM@NIE WS
A/P Tan Aik Ling​​Co-lead of meriSTEM@NIE WS​
Ms Shamini Thilarajah​​Co-lead of Innovation in Learning WS​
Dr Tricia Seow​​Co-lead of Sustainability Learning Lab WS
Asst/P Edward ParkCo-lead of Sustainability Learning Lab WS

 

Supporting Officer
Mr Lim Shi Guo Ricky​Senior Research Assistant

 

Faculty Technology-Enabled (FacTEL) Learning Development Framework in NIE

FacTEL, developed in partnership with the Office of Academic and Faculty Affairs (AFA), represents a vision for faculty development in technology-enhanced education. It outlines strategies at various institutional levels, led by Digital Leadership, to transform the state of technology-enabled teaching and learning at NIE. The initiative encourages faculty to rethink and innovate their pedagogical approaches by being Digitally Fluent. The detailed proposal for faculty development programmes under FacTEL includes engagement sessions, workshops and seminars/webinars in areas such as pedagogical innovations, generative AI and other tech-enabled teaching and learning applications. These efforts align with NIE's strategic focus on leading transformative pedagogies and practices.

Web Dashboard on Education Landscape Environmental Scan and NIE-wide Audit on e-Pedagogies and Use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Tools

The migration of the dashboard from Tableau to PowerBI was successfully completed in July 2024. Given the differences between the platforms, several features of the dashboard required rework, which was finalised in August 2024. The updates were pushed onto the testing site in early September 2024. The first round of User Acceptance Testing (UAT) will begin once ACIS has granted access permissions to the dashboard.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Package for Teachers of Singapore

This self-directed, microlearning course on AI literacy aims to prepare teachers for an AI future. This project is expected to reach 1,400 pre-service teachers. Subsequently, it will be expanded to reach out to more teachers across Singapore and potentially established as a pre-requisite for ICT modules delivered in NIE. It comprises 7 modules and incorporates real-life examples and applications, ensuring its direct relevance to the field of education. IN-Learning collaborated with Office of Teacher Education & Undergraduate Programmes (OTE) and Office of Education Research (OER) to develop microlearning packages on AI Literacy for educators, aimed at developing insightful self-directed learning experiences aligned with microlearning principles through EdApp, a Mobile Learning Management System. The team also developed an NTULearn course site for these modules which is free for students to enrol. The course was published on 1 August 2024.

AI-powered Sports Coaching Observation Tool (COT) for Values-Focused Feedback

COT is an app that enables meaningful feedback to sports practitioners to improve their craft in values-driven teaching or coaching. An AI model was trained and developed using the video dataset provided by A/P Koh Koon Teck (PESS). The Android version of the app has been developed and is undergoing a User Testing Phase with sports coaches and MOE Physical Education teachers. The user acceptance test (UAT) is expected to be completed by the end of September 2024 and the team will proceed with the review of the App and AI model after the UAT. The COT team was awarded the Incentivising ICT-use Innovations Grant (I3G) grant in October 2023.

GenAI-powered Learning EXperience Design (ALEX) Tool Add-In for Microsoft Office

ALEX, a GenAI application conceptualised by IN-Learning and Learning Sciences and Assessment (LSA) in collaboration with Microsoft, is a Human-GenAI collaboration tool with human-in-the-loop for a seamless experience in co-designing constructively aligned blended courses and lesson plans. ALEX was conceptualised to reinforce curriculum design frameworks such as Outcomes Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) by NTU, NIE’s Enhanced Teacher Education Model for the 21st Century (TE21) Model and the Blended Learning@NIE Policy. This refines the way NIE courses are designed and developed so that the quality of the courses can be improved and potentially enhance the intended student learning outcomes. The current version of ALEX is integrated with Microsoft Word for a streamlined personalising the user experience through a contextualised course outline/lesson plan that transcends conventional responses from other GenAI applications.

As of 30 July 2024, ALEX has successfully switched to the newest model, GPT-4o. However, despite multiple rounds of testing, the response quality remains below the expected standard due to challenges with the system instructions. To address this, ACIS has recommended testing and refining the system prompt using the in-house AI Sandbox. The team is currently focused on revising and testing the system instructions to improve performance.

 See more key developments here.

 

Gen-AI Teaching Analytics Dashboard

The Gen-AI Teaching Analytics Dashboard empowers faculty to use natural language to interact with complex datasets for obtaining data-driven teaching insights into learning patterns, student engagement and classroom dynamics. To date, two trial sessions have been conducted in TR201, making use of its recording and analytics capabilities to capture classroom dynamics. The collected data is currently being processed to ensure it is compatible with the Generative AI platform, which is in the testing phase.

 

Assessment and Evaluation

Literacy in assessment and evaluation is crucial to educators in making informed decisions about teaching and learning. Through the assessment and evaluation processes, educators collect and analyse evidence on student learning against pre-defined standards and how a programme or initiative affects the intended or unintended outcomes of learning.

NIE aims to develop new knowledge, expertise, collaborations and thought leadership in the areas of assessment and evaluation through education, research and outreach programmes and initiatives.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Prof Chang Chew Hung

Prof Chang Chew Hung
Chair

AP Chong Wan Har

A/P Chong Wan Har
Co-chair

Dr Tay Hui Yong

Dr Tay Hui Yong
Co-chair

A/P David Ng Foo SeongMember
Dr Dennis KwekMember

 

Strand Leaders
Dr Chue Kah LoongStrand Leader​
​Dr Christina Lim-RatnamStrand Leader​
Dr Rasooli AmirhosseinStrand Leader​
Asst/P Amelia YeoStrand Leader​

 

Centre for Assessment & Evaluation
Ms Ng Shi Huay Merlyn​Admin Support
Ms Teo Qing Sibelle​Admin Support
Ms Michelle Tan​Research Assistant
Ms Ow Ming Li Phoebe​Research Assistant

 

Supporting Officers
Mr Lee Jian Xiong​Secretariat

 

Event

iCafe Meeting (on-going)
Collaborations with overseas Centres on policy analysis of Artificial Intelligence (AI) used in higher education in Singapore and its impact in higher education for assessment and evaluation. Three papers on policy, meta-analysis and AI competencies will be presented at the American Educational Research Association (AREA) 2025 symposium or National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME).

Rapid Cycle Evaluation (RCE) Research (2024-2027) - Evaluation
The RCE team is collaborating with NIE Departments, Ministry Of Education (MOE), primary and secondary schools and other external organizations to trial and further enhance the application of RCE. The team aims to develop a cohesive framework that can be a viable evaluation model of applicability across Singapore schools and organisations.

WERA Visiting Researcher Award 2024 (September 2024)
The WERA Visiting Researcher Award 2024 is a collaborative initiative by the World Education Research Association (WERA), the Educational Research Association Singapore (ERAS) and the Centre for Assessment and Evaluation (CAE) at the NIE NTU, Singapore. It offered a unique opportunity for researchers at early stage of their careers to advance their projects with the guidance of leading experts at CAE, NIE NTU, Singapore. Submission was open to current WERA members, as well as those from WERA-affiliated associations and institutions.

Appointment of Professor David Robert Carless as Visiting Scholar (1 September - 11 September 2024)
Professor David Carless, Professor and Head of the Academic Unit SCAPE (Social Contexts and Policies in Education), Faulty of Education at the University of Hong Kong was invited as the CAE's Visiting Scholar (Assessment). A seminar, online consultation sessions and meetings were organised during his visit.

CAE seminar on “Assessment re-designs for GenAI: Principles and practices” (4 September 2024)
Prof Carless shared with faculty some key principles and practices to inform assessment design in the age of GenAI.

Life@NIE SG Key Developments - Prof Carless
Life@NIE SG Key Developments - Prof Carless
Life@NIE SG Key Developments - Prof Carless

Visit by delegates from Cambridge and Singapore Examination and Assessment Board (SEAB) (25 June 2024)
The Cambridge Consultative Meeting (CCM) event provided an opportunity for the Centre for Assessment & Evaluation (CAE) to introduce its aims to advance expertise in assessment and evaluation through research, teaching and outreach. Additionally, CAE shared on research in improving teaching practices in Singapore.

Life@NIE SG Key Developments - CCM SEAB Event June 2024

Redesigning Pedagogy International Conference (RPIC) 2024 (28 May - 30 May 2024)
The Rapid Cycle Evaluation (RCE) team conducted two symposia on RCE: 'Advancing Educational Practice: Insights and Applications of RCE' and 'Change, faster: RCE, a framework for programme evaluation in schools' to provide awareness, engagement and discussion regarding the state of work on RCE.

Life@NIE SG Key Developments - RPIC 2024 Group Photo
Life@NIE SG Key Developments - RPIC 2024 Group Photo

Redesigning Pedagogy International Conference (RPIC) 2024 (28 May - 30 May 2024)
Dr Tay Hui Yong, was a discussant in the symposium 'Engaging Primary Students in Feedback in Mathematics Using the Feedback Pedagogy' to offer insights and strategies for effectively engaging students in acting on feedback.

Life@NIE SG Key Developments - RPIC 2024 Group Photo

Research Projects & Publications

Special Issue for Asia-Pacific Journal of Education (APJE) (ongoing)
APJE accepted the proposal for a special issue titled ‘Educational evaluation research and practices: Perspectives from Singapore’. The issue comprises eight research/theoretical papers and is expected to be published in the September 2024 issue. Prof Chen Huey-tsyh, 2023 Evaluation Visiting Consultant contributed two papers including a commentary on the 8 papers.​

SRF Projects (ongoing)
CAE undertook two SRF Projects: (1) 'Epistemological Differences between Assessment and Evaluation' which was completing its 2nd phase; and (2) 'Examining the Emotional Regulation for Feedback Receptivity in Singapore Secondary Schools: An Instrument Development and Validation Study' which had its grant proposal approved. Another project on meta-synthesis on teacher readiness is in the midst of an SRF grant.

See more key developments here.

 

Research Projects & Publications

Special Issue for Asia-Pacific Journal of Education (APJE) (ongoing)

APJE accepted the proposal for a special issue titled ‘Educational evaluation research and practices: Perspectives from Singapore’. The issue comprises eight research/theoretical papers and is expected to be published in the October 2024 issue. Prof Chen Huey-tsyh, 2023 Evaluation Visiting Consultant contributed two papers, including a commentary on the 8 papers.

Strategic Research Fund (SRF) Projects (ongoing)

CAE undertook two 2 SRF Projects: (1) ‘Epistemological Differences between Assessment and Evaluation’ which was completing its 2nd phase; and (2) ‘Examining the Emotional Regulation for Feedback Receptivity in Singapore Secondary Schools: An Instrument Development and Validation Study’ which had its grant proposal approved. Another project on meta-synthesis on teacher readiness is in the midst of a SRF grant.

Educational Research Funding Programme Office (ERFP) Local Evidence Synthesis (LES) on Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Co-Head CAE, A/P Chong Wan Har, assisted with a synthesis on the state of Educational Research Funding Programme (ERFP) research on SEL. An LES report that informs the state of research on SEL will be produced to serve as a guide for potential ERFP project proposal on SEL in October 2024.

Teaching framework for evaluative inquiry at NIE (July 2025)

Ensuing from the evaluation teaching synthesis, CAE (Evaluation) is developing a framework on Evaluative Inquiry at various curriculum decision-making levels in schools. This Management and Leadership in Schools Programme (MLS) elective has been approved and is expected to be offered in July 2025.

Signature Masters Course (January 2025)

With the endorsement from the Graduate Studies and Professional Learning Programme Office on the proposed revisions for the programme, a signature course for students interested in the field of Assessment is slated from January 2025.

Developing and trialling a Learning Buddy AI chat-bot (January 2025)

In collaboration with IN-Learning, CAE will be piloting a chat-bot with in-service students and MLS participants. The aim is to level up participants’ assessment literacy while interacting with the chat-bot. Their learning will be reinforced through the Q and A and automated quizzes.




EVERGREEN STRENGTHS AND DISTINCTIVE CAPABILITIES

Disciplinary Knowledge and Curriculum

NIE has the unique value proposition of being able to leverage synergies among content and curriculum experts working alongside one another, which enables us to stand out among teacher education institutions globally.

Teacher Education and Professional Development
At the heart of what we deliver are teacher education programmes, pedagogical know-how and professional development offerings that prepare and equip educators with the latest knowledge, values and skills to inspire life-long, life-deep, life-wide and life-wise learning in their students, and who embrace and model positive values and ethics themselves.
Education, Transformation and Sustainability
NIE leverages our strengths and potential in linking research, theory and practice to inform educational policies and contribute towards transformational changes in the education system for a caring, sustainable and progressive society.