Art
IVP4211 - Two Dimensional Studies
This course will provide primary teachers with the opportunity to work in an extended, in-depth manner with one two-dimensional studio process. Participants will be able to select from a range of courses each of which offers a specific approach to drawing, painting or printmaking. In making their selection, participants will be able to select a course that will enable them to:
- Build on their previous experience of working with a particular two-dimensional process
- Select a course in which they have a personal interest
- Gain experience and knowledge of working with specific process that is required by their schools
- Gain experience and knowledge of working with specific equipment that their schools either already have or are planning to acquire
IVP4212 - Three-Dimensional Studies
This course will provide primary teachers with the opportunity to work in an extended, in-depth manner with one aspect of three-dimensional studies. Participants will be able to select from a range of courses each of which will focus on either working with three-dimensional processes and techniques, time-based and temporary investigations, or site-based installation work. In making their selection, participants will be able to select a course that will enable them to:
- Build on their previous experience of working with a particular three-dimensional process
- Select a course in which they have a personal interest
- Gain experience and knowledge of working with specific process that is required by their schools
- Gain experience and knowledge of working with specific equipment that their schools either already have or are planning to acquire
IVP4213 - New Media Studies
This course will provide primary teachers with the opportunity to work in an extended, in-depth manner with one aspect of new-media studies. Primary teachers will be able to select from a range of courses each of which will focus on either working with an aspect of new media studies. In making their selection, primary teachers will be able to select a course that will enable them to:
- Build on their previous experience of working with a particular two-dimensional process
- Select a course in which they have a personal interest
- Gain experience and knowledge of working with specific process that is required by their schools
- Gain experience and knowledge of working with specific equipment that their schools either already have or are planning to acquire
IVP4214 - The Development of Children's Art and its Implication for Teaching
This course will consist of introductions to classical and contemporary theories of children's development in the visual arts. It will help primary teachers understand the various theoretical frameworks and how these underpin particular approaches to pedagogy and classroom practice. Participants will be aware of the values and philosophies that underpin the art curriculum in primary school and will also learn how to design art experiences for young children which will promote and encourage intellectual and emotional development:
- Understand key developmental and cognitive theories that underpin artistic development in children
- Evaluate critically these theories and their relevance in today's art education in schools
- Be informed and aware of their own beliefs when planning art instructions in classroom
IVP4218 - Understanding Visual Literacy
Visual literacy refers to the capacity to read and interpret visual images. In contemporary culture, the visual image is being increasingly used as a vehicle through which information is relayed. From bill-boards to DVDs, from computer games to MTV clips, from television to the internet, information is being communicated visually. It is essential that we develop the capacity to understand that visual images do more than merely decorate. Visual images need to be read with the rigor and attention that was once reserved for the printed word. This course will offer an introduction to the study and interpretation of visual culture through a range of theoretical perspectives that seek to explain how visual images generate meaning:
- Study the image as a vehicle of information
- Investigate a range of theoretical perspectives that consider how visual images generate meaning
English
IEL4111 - Language Use and Language Learning
Introduction to the relationship between language and society and to the processes of first and second language acquisition. Exploration of language in its social context, focusing on concepts such as language variation, language and context, language planning and cross-cultural communication. Examination of theories of language acquisition, the development of linguistic and communicative competence in children, bilingualism, and the affective and social factors involved in language learning.
IEL4112 - The Meanings of English
Introduction to the meaning system of English; types of meaning, the relationship between form and meaning, sense relations and the distinction between sense and reference. Processes by which meaning is achieved in context; speech acts and their conditions, the cooperative principle, implicature and presupposition, and the concepts of politeness and face. Written and spoken texts in relation to situational, institutional and cultural contexts. Differences between spoken and written language. Social purpose and internal organisation of different types of genre, including those required in educational contexts.
IEL4113 - Drama in Education
The focus is on drama as a learning medium specifically for support of language development. Teachers will use drama to develop their pupils' oral communication skills, as well as to provide a motivating context for reading and writing. Participants will use resources ranging from tales from oral tradition, children's literature & Asian folktales, and non-fiction materials.
IEL4115 - Trends in Language Evaluation
This course will provide an overview of the trends in English Language evaluation related to teaching and learning, and examine the principles, purpose and implications of evaluation. It will also explore the range of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating language learning (for e.g., diagnostic tests; formative and summative assessment; placement tests; norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessment). Issues of validity and reliability of assessment, and 'subjective' and 'objective' assessment will be looked into. Current research in language evaluation will also be covered.
IEL4116 - Trends in Language Teaching
This course aims to equip the teacher with an understanding of current trends in language teaching. Some of the topics that will be explored include the driving forces behind the revision in the EL Syllabuses, the implementation of new initiatives in the curriculum, the quest for a revitalized pedagogy, new directions in and approaches to EL instruction, changing dimensions in language instruction, web-mediated and computer-assisted language learning, creative and critical thinking skills, collaborative and problem-based learning. Participants will be provided with opportunities to dialogue with course mates and the lecturer to better understand the roles of teachers in a changing socio-political landscape.
IEL4117 - Text and Discourse
Language is a social phenomena and all texts, regardless of their mode or medium are representations of the reality around. Authors and audiences share a field of discourse in constructing representations of their world and all texts produced are grounded in a particular discourse. Texts and discourse draw on audience's semiotic and literacy competencies in order to deconstruct the ideologies, world views and histories that are embedded within. Meaning is produced through this engagement and intertextual interaction. This course will provide participants with an understanding of texts and discourse by analysing language use in context, examining textual conventions and genres, socio-cultural determinants of significance, individual subjectivities and multiple discourses that permeate all texts.
IEL4118 - Language in Education
In this course we will look closely at the importance of language for learning. We will consider the role that language plays in subjects across the curriculum; the nature of the language used in different subjects; the relationship between language and learning; the relationship between language and thinking; the role of cognitive, affective and social factors in learning and language learning; and at how teachers, by developing their knowledge about and awareness and understanding of language, language use and language needs, and by developing practical skills and strategies, can better facilitate their students' language development, and thus foster greater confidence and success in the different curriculum areas. The course will thus bring together theory and practice, and will consider spoken and written language, and the relationships between verbal and visual language.
IEL4119 - Social Variation of Language
This course will focus on key concepts in socio-linguistics and teach its user ways of language variation in society. It will also critically review the relation between language use and social context, culture and identity, as a basis for understanding issues relating to the teaching and learning of English in local contexts.
IEL4120 - Understanding the Sounds of Words
This course will focus on the basic concept of English morphology and familiarise the participants with the use of IPA. It will also cover pronunciation of English words and introduce participants' sound-letter correspondences.
IEL4121 - Text Types
This course will enable participants to consider the function of language in social situations and the classroom, identify the different text types, articulate the language features for use in the classroom.
IEL4501 - Drama Activities for Language Development in SEED Classes
This course aims at providing teacher participants teaching SEED classes with drama and drama-related strategies for language development. Drama activities will be explored through stimulus from Children's literature (including use of Big Book titles from SEED classes). Participants will explore how to move into Oral activities using Puppets (hand, stick, dish), how to empower story reading and retelling with use of mime, freeze- frame, speaking improvisation and hot seating. Participants will work out follow-up activities of Listening, Writing, Reading; Action poems, choral reading, dramatic dance and song; and materials for Drama centres will also be explored.
Mathematics
IME4501 - Fostering Mathematical Thinking in Whole Numbers for the Thoughtful Classroom
This course is to help teachers use the Thoughtful Classroom as a framework for guiding the selection of appropriate teaching strategies to foster mathematical thinking in the teaching of whole numbers. It will cover the topics in Singapore Mathematics Curriculum, Thinking Skills and processes, and The Thoughtful Classroom.
IME4502 - Assessing Mathematical Thinking in Whole Numbers for the Thoughtful Classroom
This course is to help teachers to use the Thoughtful Classroom as a framework for guiding the selection of appropriate assessment tasks to foster mathematical thinking in the teaching of whole numbers. It will cover the following areas: The Thoughtful Classroom - A Revisit, Assessment In The Thoughtful Classroom, and A Balanced Assessment Scheme For The Mathematics Classroom. (Participants are required to complete IME4501 - Fostering Mathematical Thinking in Whole Numbers for the Thoughtful Classroom before taking this course.)
IME4503 - Making Sense of Fractions
This course aims to extend teachers' knowledge and understanding of the development of fraction, extending their number sense and whole number concepts. It also assist teachers in developing lessons on fractions using innovative approaches that promote thinking, to analyse and find ways to address students' common errors and misconceptions of fractions.
IME4504 - Making Sense of Decimals & Percents
This course aims to extend teachers' knowledge and understanding of the development of fraction, extending their number sense and whole number concepts. To assist teachers in developing lessons on decimals and percents using innovative approaches that promotes thinking, to analyze and find ways to address students' common errors and misconceptions of decimals and percentages.
IME4505 - Engaging Primary Pupils in Learning Geometry
The course will present different approaches to some geometry topics and provide sample hands-on activities with manipulatives organized into four sections: 2-D geometry concepts including symmetry and tessellation; 3-D geometry concepts including nets and drawing; relationships among properties of shapes including angle sums; and enrichment including problem solving in spatial visualization. The van Hiele model on geometry learning will be explored to develop pupils' insight and higher levels of thinking. Activities involving IT would include the use of tools such as GSP and some other software.
IME4506 - Implementing New Assessment Strategies in Primary Mathematics
This course will provide teachers with necessary knowledge and skills for implementing new ways of assessment in primary mathematics classroom. New assessment techniques including assessment based on project, performance and authentic tasks, communication tasks and student-self assessment tasks will be covered. There will be International and local examples of using new assessment techniques in primary school mathematics.
IME4507 - Action Research in Primary Mathematics I: Concepts & Designs
This course will allow teachers to understand the nature of Action research and plan a small-scale action research project in primary mathematics. This course will cover areas such as:
- Aims and research questions.
- Literature review.
- Action plan.
- Methodology: quasi-experiments, surveys, correlations, case study.
- Data collection: Qualitative and qualitative measures.
- Data analysis (theoretical): Descriptive statistics. T-tests.
IME4508 - Action Research in Primary Mathematics II: Implementation
At the end of this course, teachers should be able to plan a small-scale action research project in primary mathematics and write an action research report. Topics of data analysis and report writing will be covered. (Participants are required to complete IME4507 - Action Research in Primary Mathematics I: Concepts & Designs before taking this course.)
IME4509 - Fostering Algebraic Thinking in the Primary Years (1)
Algebraic reasoning is the cornerstone of mathematics and is used right across early years of mathematics education. Looking for patterns, abstracting the rule underpinning a given pattern, extending a given pattern, constructing rules for sorting and classifying objects, exploring relationships among objects are some examples of algebraic reasoning. Lack of understanding of these forms of reasoning may mean that children could complete such tasks successfully but at a procedural level. The aims of this module are to (i) heighten teachers understanding of these forms of reasoning and (ii) to develop appropriate questioning techniques to assess primary students' learning.
IME4510 - Fostering Algebraic Thinking in the Primary Years (2)
A major section of primary school mathematics curriculum focuses on numbers. Activities often require children to use numbers to solve problems. The relationships between numbers, the structure underpinning numbers as it were, however, is given a cursory treatment. Such relationships offer a wealth of activities to help children develop deeper understanding of patterns and relationships between numbers. This course uses number theory to develop notions of algebraic reasoning and also helps teachers understand how these activities form a vital link between primary school mathematics and secondary school algebra.
IME4511 - Lesson Study in Primary Mathematics: Concepts & Design
In this course, teachers will understand the purpose of lesson study, learn about the four stages in the lesson study cycle, how to plan for lesson study lessons, conduct research lessons, post-lesson discussion, and reflection.
IME4512 - Lesson Study in Primary Mathematics: Implementation
Participants will complete one lesson study cycle. Schools are encouraged to send teams of three to five teachers for this course. (Participants are required to complete IME4511 - Lesson Study in Primary Mathematics: Concepts & Design before taking this course.)
IME4513 - The Use of Calculators In the Teaching & Learning of Primary Mathematics
In this course, teachers will examine the role of calculators in the primary mathematics classrooms, and develop strategies and resources for the effective use of calculators in the teaching and learning primary mathematics.
IME4515 - Problem Solving Heuristics in Lower Primary Maths
This course aims to provide teachers with knowledge on different problem-solving heuristics and an understanding of the concept of teaching for and teaching of problem solving. It will cover topics like:
- Mathematical problems for primary one to three.
- Problem-solving heuristics, intellectual competence and thinking dispositions.
- Design, implement and reflect on a problem-solving lesson.
- Teaching for problem solving. Teaching of problem solving.
IME4516 - Problem Solving Heuristics in Upper Primary Maths
This course will enable teachers to assess the use of problem-solving heuristics and to understand the concept of teaching through and teaching about problem solving. It will cover topics like:
- Mathematical problems for primary four to six.
- Problem-solving heuristics, intellectual competence and thinking dispositions.
- Teaching through problem solving.
- Teaching about problem solving.
- Assessment of problem solving.
IME4517 - Promoting the Learning of Whole Numbers Using Multiple Intelligences
The objective of this course is to help teachers to use Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences as a framework for guiding the selection of appropriate teaching strategies to cater to the unique learning needs of the lower primary pupils.
IME4518 - Promoting Mathematics Learning Using Children's Literature
The objective of this course is to help teachers develop an understanding of how, why, and when, as well as to identify and examine situations where, children's literature resources can be used to help children learn lower primary mathematics.
IME4519 - Teaching and Learning Lower Primary Mathematics with Understanding
This course aims to increase the participant's knowledge about the reasons for children's learning difficulty, identify pupils' misconceptions through task analysis and develop plausible strategies to help children learn. It will look at factors affecting children with mathematical learning difficulties, identification of lower primary pupils' common errors and their difficulties through error analysis. This course will also look at diagnosis and plausible strategies in remediation efforts towards teaching for understanding and monitoring of remediation work.
IME4520 - Teaching and Learning Upper Primary Mathematics with Understanding
This course aims to increase the participant's knowledge about the reasons for children's learning difficulty, identify pupils' misconceptions through task analysis and develop plausible strategies to help children learn. It will look at factors affecting children with mathematical learning difficulties, identification of upper primary pupils' common errors and their difficulties through error analysis. This course will also look at diagnosis and plausible strategies in remediation efforts towards teaching for understanding and monitoring of remediation work.
Music
IVP4111 - Developing Classroom Teaching and Learning Practices in Lower Primary Music
It is the aim of this course to provide primary school music teachers with the knowledge and skills required to conduct a substantive and meaningful music programme for the lower primary classes. It will focus on a variety of ways of developing musical skills and understandings in lower primary school children through the various learning outcomes listed in the new music curriculum. The course will attempt to unite the skills developed through theoretical understanding towards good practices in classroom music teaching.
IVP4112 - Developing Classroom Teaching and Learning Practices in Upper Primary Music
It is the aim of this course to provide primary school music teachers with the knowledge and skills required to conduct a substantive and meaningful music programme for the upper primary classes. It will focus on a variety of ways of developing musical skills and understandings in upper primary school children through the various learning outcomes listed in the new music curriculum. The course will attempt to unite the skills developed through theoretical understanding towards good practices in classroom music teaching.
IVP4114 - World Music Perspective for the Classroom
The course will examine the fundamental concepts, ideas and issues of non-world music and to introduce a "new world of musical experience" through which a deeper understanding of "one's own music" may be attained. It is hoped that through the exposure, promotion, performance and teaching of world music and cultures, common prejudices and misconceptions may be dispelled.
Science
INS4346 - Topics in Biological Sciences for Primary Science Teaching
This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of topics in Biological Sciences from the new Primary Science (2008) curriculum. The topics to be discussed included basic biology, classification and diversity of organism (reproduction and life cycles), structure and functions of plant system, structure and functions of animal system, ecology and environmental issues.
INS4347 - Topics in Physical Sciences for Primary Science Teaching
This course deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of Physical Science topics selected from the new Primary Science (2008) curriculum. The topics include matter and materials, forms of energy and conversions, heat, light and the solar system, magnetism and electricity, forces and simple machines.
INS4501 - Thematic Primary Science (Diversity): An Inquiry Approach
This course seeks to equip participants with the essential pedagogical content knowledge to be leaders of inquiry in the teaching and learning of "Diversity", one of the 5 themes in the new Primary Science (2008) Syllabus. By means of innovative inquiry-based activities on the topics of diversity of materials, living and non-living things, participants will gain valuable insights on how content and process skills are integrated to make the learning of science an engaging and enjoyable human endeavour.
INS4502 - Thematic Primary Science (Cycles): An Inquiry Approach
This course seeks to equip participants with the essential pedagogical content knowledge to be leaders of inquiry in the teaching and learning of "Cycles", one of the 5 themes of the Primary Science (2008) Syllabus. Besides providing participants with engaging hands-on and minds-on activities on the topics of cycles in plants, animals, matter and water, a special 2-hour on-line learning activity has been customised. This on-line learning seeks to foster the spirit of self-directed learning and the notion that the learning of science goes beyond the confines of the laboratory.
INS4503 - Thematic Primary Science (Systems): An Inquiry Approach
This course seeks to equip participants with the essential pedagogical content knowledge to be leaders of inquiry in the teaching and learning of "Systems", one of the 5 themes in the new Primary Science (2008) Syllabus. For this course which involves the teaching of the important concept that a system is a whole consisting of parts that work together to form a function, a repertoire of powerful inquiry-based activities will be used. Examples include the student-centred experimental kit set (AMATRIX) for electrical system, colourful and interactive models of plant and animal systems and a specially designed 4-hour on-line learning to extend learning beyond the laboratory.
INS4504 - Thematic Primary Science (Interaction): An Inquiry Approach
This course seeks to equip participants with the essential pedagogical content knowledge to be leaders of inquiry in the teaching and learning of "Interaction", one of the 5 themes in the new Primary Science (2008) Syllabus. For the topics in interaction of forces and interaction within the environment, participants will be given guided-inquiry activities to gain deeper understanding into the world of forces and their interactions. Of special focus will be the planning of scientific investigations to hone their process (thinking and practical skills). In addition, there is also a specially designed 2-hour on-line learning activity to foster the spirit of self-directed learning and the notion that the learning of science goes beyond the confines of the laboratory.
INS4505 - Thematic Primary Science (Energy): An Inquiry Approach
This course seeks to equip participants with the essential pedagogical content knowledge to be leaders of inquiry in the teaching and learning of "Energy", one of the 5 themes in the new Primary Science (2008) Syllabus. For this course which involves the topics of energy forms, uses and conversions, a wide repertoire of powerful inquiry-based activities (including the use dataloggers and a 2-hour specially designed on-line learning) will be used. Besides equipping the participants with important science process skills, these inquiry-based activities also seek to enthuse the participants to appreciate the nature and importance of energy in our daily lives.
Social Studies
IHS4116 - Teaching Social Studies the Creative Way
Identifying and developing children's creative potential; establishing the classroom conditions for creative learning; strategies for creative teaching and learning applied to the primary Social Studies curriculum; teacher planning, management and coordination of creative learning in Social Studies.
IHS4123 - Organising, Implementing and Evaluating Social Studies Programmes
Establishing place and goals for Social Studies in the primary school curriculum; developing achievement standards for Social Studies; choosing and sequencing themes; infusion of thinking, IT and National Education in Social Studies; the assessment structure; managing, monitoring and evaluating the instructional programme.
IHS4126 - Singapore in Asia
This course integrates geographical skills and different study strands - human and technical - in the study of Singapore in the Asian region. The global positioning of Singapore and the contemporary challenges to development that it faces in a highly competitive and fast changing global environment will be the framework for the study of issues and problems that have emerged - SARS, bird flu, haze, terrorism, implications of cross straits relations between China and Taiwan, economic liberalization in China and India among others.
IHS4129 - Singapore History: The Making of a Global City-State
This course looks at critical stages in the birth, decline and rise again of Singapore as a Global City. Singapore first briefly bloomed in the thirteenth to fourteenth centuries, declined into relative obscurity as a minor Malay port, and then from 1819 entered a new, free-trade and multicultural phase of development. This course takes the story from the early years, through the nineteenth century, to the tumultuous birth of a new nation after the war. It covers the major markers of Singapore history, and the variety of that history, with its experience of development and disaster, conflict and peace, multiculturalism and modernity, and wealth and poverty. It is a History that allows for the perspectives of a variety of people who helped to build Singapore, from the politician and the colonialist, to the prostitute and the opium addict.
IHS4130 - Cooperative Learning for Active Engagement in Learning and Thinking
A Cooperative Learning classroom environment can enhance learning and thinking. This course will explore more complex cooperative learning models such as Cooperative Controversy and Group Investigation which promote high level thinking. In a series of workshops, participants will be led through and experience of cooperative learning and planning. They will be actively engaged in the learning process through inquiry and discussion with their peers in small groups.
IHS4131 - Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in Classrooms
The Singapore classroom comprises learners of varied cultural backgrounds and diverse needs. This course looks at the meanings and implications of diversity in the classroom and aims to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to cater to this diversity. It will examine the principles of differentiated instruction and explore how the teacher can achieve the balance between meeting the needs of her students and the requirements of the curriculum.
IHS4132 - Action Research for Classroom Teachers
Why classroom research by teachers? Models of action research; research questions and design of study; data collection and analysis; reporting and writing methods; establishing trustworthiness; presentation and discussion.
IHS4133 - Elements of Physical Geography
Global occurrences of natural phenomena and the physical environment associated with such events and understanding of the Earth as a multi-dimensional system; concepts and interrelationships underlying the succession of natural events; geomorphic data and map analysis in understanding processes and the various processes operating within the physical environmental systems.
IHS4134 - Biography and History
Biography is one of the most popular and enjoyable ways of reading history. Biographers employ a range of interesting methods to discover their subject. Psychoanalysis of the individual's action and using the memories of the subject and those of others who knew him or her are just a few. Studies how life stories are written not only of the "great" figures of history but also of the "unknown" men and women who also "made history."
IHS4135 - Elements of Human Geography
This course examines the study of geography as a social science emphasising the relevance of geographic concepts to human problems. Spatial organisation of human activities, settlement patterns, cultural traits and their changes over time and space. The human-environment and regional study approaches that attempt to explain spatial variations in human behaviour and activities, and the delineation of cultural, political, ethnic and economic landscapes. Also included are attributes of regions, issues of time-space convergence and inter-connected worlds in relation to diffusion of technologies and process of modernisation.
IHS4136 - Film and History
History does not only include examining the written word. Other media such as film can be used in looking at the past. This course looks at the use of film as a source for exploring the past, how history has been represented in film, the history of cinema and television, empowering students to interpret films in critical and analytical ways, as well as to teach students how films are created.
IHS4137 - Techniques in Geography
This course focuses on theoretical and practical applications of information technology for the collection, analysis, interpretation and visualisation of geographical information as well as use of spatial data from field surveys, census reports, remote sensing, and GPS records. Geographic data analyses and representation techniques are practised using maps, tables, presentation graphics, and animations to facilitate spatial thinking, problem solving and decision making and is essentially computer-based. There are hands-on experiences of computer software like spreadsheets and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
IHS4501 - Inquiry-Based Learning (Humanities Based)
This course aims to equip participants with knowledge of inquiry-based learning and its essential elements, skills for facilitating effective inquiry-based learning, methods to design an inquiry-based lesson, and methods to use ICT in an inquiry-based lesson.
IHS4502 - Fieldwork in Social Studies
This module covers the principles and practice of organizing and conducting inquiry based fieldwork. Teachers will first experience a demonstration fieldwork. They will then be given the opportunity to plan and carry out fieldwork in areas relevant to the primary Social Studies curriculum. There will also be opportunities to exchange ideas with teachers from different schools.
IHS4503 - Engaging Students through Cooperative Learning
In this course, participants will learn the skills of organizing and managing cooperative group work, understand some methods of cooperative learning and their respective academic and social goals. They will also be able to better appreciate the benefits of cooperative learning in classroom teaching.
Drama
IVP4220 - Learning Through Drama: Theory and Practice
It is the aim of this course to provide primary school music teachers with the knowledge and skills required to conduct a substantive and meaningful music programme for the lower primary classes. It will focus on a variety of ways of developing musical skills and understandings in lower primary school children through the various learning outcomes listed in the new music curriculum. The course will attempt to unite the skills developed through theoretical understanding towards good practices in classroom music teaching.
IVP4222 - Theatre in Education: Theory and Practice
This course will provide opportunities to study the aesthetic, social and cultural issues surrounding Theatre-in-Education. International and local examples of TIE scripts will be researched and analysed. Students will have opportunities to develop material suitable for a TIE performance. Consideration will be given to the development of criteria for school TIE performances.
IVP4226 - Process Drama in the Curriculum
This course offers an introduction to the genre of process drama. Students will develop skills in structuring and facilitating drama experiences in the classroom incorporating such conventions as pre-text, role-play and teacher-in-role into process dramas. These dramas will enhance learning outcomes and creative thinking across the curriculum.
IVP4501 - Supporting Language and Literacy through Drama in the Primary Years
This course will provide participants with a range of tried and tested strategies and schemes of work directly applicable to classroom teaching. At its heart will be an understanding of how drama can provide rich contexts for learning that engage children's interest and motivate them to want to speak, listen, read and write.
IVP4502 - Introduction to Drama as a Vehicle for Learning
In this course teachers will be introduced to a range of drama strategies that can be applied for learning in different subjects. They will engage with the theories of embodied and experiential learning as they work through practical activities that they can integrate into their own classroom practice. As they learn to facilitate drama strategies, teachers will learn to reflect-in-action, developing skills in reading and facilitating their students' learning. Teachers will be given the tools to apply their new knowledge and skills into their current teaching practices to generate a holistic learning environment.
Psychological Studies
IPS4111 - Fundamentals of Group Guidance
Understanding the psychosocial processes underlying interactions in groups. Knowledge and skills of developmental guidance to enhance pupils' learning, social interaction and personal growth through group processes. Topics include group dynamics; group theories; life stages of a group; helpful and unhelpful group behaviours; techniques in team building; fostering creativity in groups; group decision making; group problem solving and conflict resolution in groups.
IPS4112 - Fundamentals of Counselling
Equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and counselling skills to identify and help pupils with learning difficulties and social/emotional problems. Topics include identification and assessment of adjustment problems; nature of the helping relationship; the teacher's role in helping; qualities of the effective helper; the case study model in counselling and basic counselling skills.
IPS4501 - Introduction to Service Learning for In-Service Teachers
This course will enable participants to have working knowledge of key principles of community Service-Learning, understand framework for managing student-led Service-Learning projects, be aware of knowledge and application of KOLB cycle in relation to facilitation, and use Micro-skills of facilitation and creative facilitation techniques.
IPS4502 - Strategies for Empowering Metacognition and Self-Regulation
This course will provide teachers with an understanding of thinking skills in teaching and learning; and in nurturing a thoughtful social-emotional learning environment conducive for thinking with relevant approaches and implications for classroom practice.
IPS4503 - Facilitating Student SEL: A Collaborative Approach
The course seeks to provide teachers with an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the values, knowledge and skills to deliver instruction and school programmes promoting the personal and social development of students. The primary aim is to enhance understanding of group and collaborative experiences that engage educators and students in creating a classroom and school atmosphere where caring, responsibility, and a commitment to learning thrive. The course provides an avenue to explore approaches to nurturing students' sense of emotional security and safety, attitudes and values about self, others, work, health, and citizenship within a collaborative framework.
IPS4504 - Problem-based Learning
To meet the challenges of the new millennium, educators need to incorporate real-world problems, higher-order thinking skills, multidisciplinary learning, independent learning, information mining, teamwork and communication skills into their curriculum. This module provides participants to use these problem-based learning approaches to instil curiosity, inquiry, self-directed learning and collaborative learning among learners as well as to design simple ill-structured real-world problems. Participants will learn to acquire a better understanding of coaching and facilitation techniques and assessment of problem-based learning projects.
ILS4001 - ICT-Based Cognitive Tools for Engaged Learning
The participants will be introduced to the concepts and theories of cognitive tools with their applications in international as well as local primary and secondary schools. When ICT tools are used as cognitive tools, they help to foster students' higher order thinking through collaborative construction of mental representations such as concept maps, models, websites or databases. The participants are expected to work in pairs or groups on a project employing one or two ICT-based cognitive tools. The participants are expected to contribute actively to the class and group project. The course assessment includes oral presentation and write-up of the group project as well as class participation.
Special Learning & Behaviour Needs
IEC4007 - Understanding and Working with Pupils in the Lower Primary Years
This course aims to extend participants' breadth and depth of understanding about the developmental learning needs of young children. Current programmes that adopt a more holistic approach to learning will be introduced and evaluated for use in the lower primary setting. Practical on-site workshops and visits to preschool centres will be conducted in order to identify the skills necessary for working constructively and creatively with young children in mainstream settings.
IEC4008 - Understanding and Providing for Pupils with High Ability in Mainstream Classrooms
This course seeks to help participants understand and provide for the needs of highly able pupils in mainstream classrooms. Participants will given a broad overview of the nature and needs of highly able children and learn how to modify the curriculum for these learners. Participants will also explore the use of appropriate teaching methods and materials for instructing the highly able.
IEC4501 - Supporting Students With Special Needs in Mainstream Classrooms 1
This course is an introduction to young children with special needs. It introduces participants to some reasons underlying students' difficulties in learning, and strategies for developing an inclusive learning environment. It provides examples of perspective taking, diversity, inclusion of young children with special needs in the lower primary classroom, teaching approaches and developmentally appropriate interventions.
IEC4502 - Supporting Students With Special Needs in Mainstream Classrooms 2
This course extends on the first module, going more deeply into practical examples of strategies for planning, implementing and evaluating appropriate interventions to support students' learning. It delves deeper into aspects of inclusive pedagogy and the importance of teachers being reflective practitioners.