Getting to Know Series

“These days, we are in a position of information abundance. There is always going to be a need to process, distill and pass on new information. So regardless of which industry you are in, teaching and pedagogical skills are always going to be transferable. You are always going to need to teach, and you are always going to need to learn.”

Read how with a flexible postgraduate programme, Mr Benjamin Alexander Chua could take care of his young family while gaining skills that supported his career.

The Straits Times: A father’s journey of love and learning: How he donated a kidney to his daughter while pursuing his master’s

At 58, Mr Michael Adam’s desire to learn proves age is nothing but a number. Driven to deepen his understanding of athlete psychology and develop a research-backed coaching framework, Mr Adam returned to school in 2022. While pursuing his part-time studies, he also served as an associate lecturer at a polytechnic and an assistant coach at a football academy. Graduating in 2023, he is now a coach at a training facility, mentoring teenagers and under-eight football players.

Read more about how in his quest to train young athletes for success, Mr Michael Adam immersed himself in sports psychology and coaching with a Master of Science (Exercise & Sport Studies).

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CNA: Learning to exercise new skills as a sports educator

Driven professionals like Dr Lili Mutiary understand the power of continuous learning. As the Head of Performance and Risk Management in the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, read why Dr Mutiary strategically chose NIE to pursue her postgraduate studies.

The Jakarta Post: Becoming Education Expert in the Ministry: A Doctorate Journey at NIE

Studying abroad has long been considered a life-changing experience, especially for students from Southeast Asia, where opportunities to explore advanced research fields are expanding but remain competitive.

Find out why Ms Wong Sook Wei, a Malaysian scholar and research analyst, chose NIE to further her postgraduate studies.

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In today's competitive global education landscape, Singapore stands out as a favoured destination for students from Vietnam. With its academic excellence, cultural similarities, and proximity, it offers a unique advantage for those looking to further their studies. For one English teacher from Vietnam, NIE was the ideal place to deepen her expertise and transform her teaching career.

Read how Ms Nguyen Hoang Thu Phuong developed her growth, resilience, and learning through her postgraduate studies at NIE.

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VNExpress International: A Vietnamese educator’s journey at National Institute of Education, Singapore

For many Indian educators, the decision to pursue studies overseas is influenced by the dual desire to gain advanced skills and insights while also broadening perspectives on education.  With nearly two decades of experience, including significant contributions as a teacher and academic consultant, Ms Shobhana Mani embarked on this programme to deepen her understanding of how students learn, how educators teach, and how curricula can bridge these two essential aspects of education. 

Read how Ms Shobhana Mani pursued a postgraduate studies at NIE to advance educational expertise and shape future generations.

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The Higher Education Review: How NIE’s Science of Learning Programme Inspires India’s Educator to Shape Future Generations

Embarking on the programme during the pandemic was a true challenge, swiftly transitioning from face-to-face to online learning. With minimal disruption, the programme proceeded effectively. My learning curve was steep yet fulfilling. I acquired significantly greater research and content knowledge during my time in the programme. The content learnt was pivotal for me as an educator and more so as a lifelong learner.  

After 14 years in Accounting and Finance, I found my passion and lifelong career as an Education Counsellor.  

I started my own education consultancy company. As my background is not from the education sector, learning new things was not easy. My lecturers, particularly Dr. Sandra Wu, was warm and supportive. I had opportunities to meet and exchange knowledge with people around the world, working in educational related fields in both private and public sectors. 

The Master of Education (Learning Sciences and Technologies) programme enriched my knowledge of learning theories and research trends in educational technology. The nurturing tutors skillfully facilitated deep learning, equipping me as a curriculum specialist with research skills and competencies to design innovative learning and technology-enhanced environments underpinned by learning sciences principles. 

Thanks to the Master of Education (Curriculum and Teaching) programme, I have had the privilege of learning from the wisdom of the lecturers, who designed rich and rigorous learning experiences, which empowered me to synthesise theories from various modules, to add value to my existing practice in school. 

My PhD experience at NIE has encouraged further growth as a researcher. We are challenged to be critical yet objective thinkers, mindful of broader contexts. I've greatly benefited, particularly from Policy, Curriculum, and Leadership (PCL), and Humanities & Social Science Education (HSSE) departments. It was a privilege to learn from established faculty who readily mentored us, providing the nurturing environment we needed as we embarked on our academic careers. 

It’s often said that the PhD journey is a lonely one, but it hasn’t felt that way at NIE. People make the place – my experience at NIE has been greatly enriched by the individuals who have been part of my journey. Whether it’s my fellow PhD students, my supervisor, or others who have played a supportive role, they have all helped me develop holistically, both academically and personally. 

Believing in the value of the research, policy, and practice nexus, the NIE EdD Programme empowered me to understand Singapore-based and international research thoroughly, prompting me to read, think critically, write, and reflect deeply. The valuable group learning experiences, constructive guidance, and student-centred support from the NIE professors, alongside the support from the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE), and my family, as well as the many Humanities educators I met, inspired me to learn, unlearn, and relearn as I dream, believe, and create..

The NTU/NIE PhD programme has been a remarkable experience. The faculty here has been incredibly supportive and approachable, making the academic journey much smoother and enjoyable. Interacting with diverse peers and experts has broadened my thinking and given me unique insights into the field of teacher education. I've grown both professionally and personally, thanks to the good mix of theoretical and practical learning experiences. The mentorship from my supervisor and insightful feedback from various faculty members have been instrumental in refining my research questions and methodologies, helping me become a confident and proficient researcher.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.