The Mentor Newsletter T1 2016

A publication of the Singapore Teachers' Union

MCI (P) 130/01/2016

Term 1 / 2016

STU 70 Anniversary Events p5 th

STU70 Quiz Time! p4

Social Media: What Educators Need to Know p6 Workshop on Adolescence and Autism Spectrum Disorder p8 STU Memento 2016 p20

We are the VOICE OF TEACHERS. We represent the collective opinions affecting your professional interest and the teaching profession.

We REPRESENT you in work-related issues.

We CONDUCT Professional Development Workshops and Forums.

Enjoy STU and NTUC BENEFITS – Passport to a whole array of rebates, discounts and privileges.

We provide SPONSORSHIPS for UniSIM programmes and STUDY GRANTS for MDIS courses.

The STRENGTH of a union lies in its membership numbers. Be a part of the union and we can strengthen the fraternity of Singapore teachers more effectively.

How to Join STU? The one-off entrance fee is S$25. For teachers who join within six months of their first posting from NIE, the one-off entrance fee is S$10. The monthly Union subscription is S$9.

The one-off entrance fee and monthly subscription will be deducted from your salary upon your check-off authorisation. Please visit our website at www.stu.org.sg and download the application forms and send the completed forms to 583 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218197.

For enquiries, please contact STU at 6299 3936.

information Industrial Relations Jagindar Singh ext. 29 Fong Yoong Kheong ext. 24 Membership Isabella Li ext. 14 Membership Services ext. 12 Professional Development and Student Outreach (STaR) Thomas Low ext. 27 Workshop Enquiries ext. 13 Finance Jonathan Tan Accounts Enquiries

ext. 20 ext. 19

STU DIRECTORY Address 583 Serangoon Road Singapore 218197 General Enquiries +65 6299 3936 (main line) General E-mail simty@stu.org.sg General Fax +65 6294 7982 Website www.stu.org.sg

STU ADVISORS

Mr Paul Edward Osgodby

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mrs Jenny Tan

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan Mr Heng Chee How

Ms Li Ching Tak Isabella

STU TRUSTEES

Mr Huang I Lung

Mr Neo Tick Watt @ Neo Teck Watt Ms Koh Ting Ting Mr Leow Peng Kui Mr John Ho Cheow Kuang Mr Wong Heng Tong

Assistant General Secretary General Treasurer

Mr Collin Keith Sebastian Assistant General Treasurer

CENTRAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Vice President

Mr Chew Tec Heng Edwin Mr Lim Beng Hua Alan Ms Lim Poh Eng Catherine Mr Monteiro Anthony Edward Mr Mohamed Salleh bin Md Nooh Ms Tay Hwee Khim Serena Mr Tan Boon Hoe Nigel Ms Yeo Chien Ling Jacquelin Mr Li Zhihao Ms Halimah Marjubee

Mr Lye Teck Hee Edwin

Ms Tan Lian Eng

STU CENTRAL COUNCIL 2013-2017

IT Andrew Sim

Mr Chacko Cherry

For advertising enquiries, email Ms Isabella Li at lict@stu.org.sg

Assistant General Secretary

Deputy Secretary-General, NTUC and Senior Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office

Corporate Services / Administration Carine Yip ext. 26 ext. 50

Assistant General Secretary

Mr Mike Thiruman President

Vice President

Ms Ariel Loh Vice President

Mr Peh Teoh Peng Elliot General Secretary

Mentor

Mr Chong Lo Han Eli

Mentor

Deputy General Secretary

Mr Chua Niam Pheng Lawrence

Mr Chew Fah San Billy

STU GENERAL AUDITORS

PUBLISHED BY: Singapore Teachers’ Union 583 Serangoon Road Singapore 218197

Deputy General Secretary

Tel : +65 6299 3936 Fax : +65 6294 7982 Web : www.stu.org.sg

Message from the IT Department

CREATIVE PRODUCTION BY: Artnexus Design Pte Ltd 61 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #03-33 Singapore 417943

Unions, like all other organisations, have become increasingly dependent on Information

Tel : +65 6848 4355 Web : www.artnexusdesign.com

members and potential members that we intend to provide timely advice on members’ terms and

Mr Soh Chee Keong Jay Mr Ang Chun Poh Andy

Technologies. STU now has a comprehensive website and uses email for most of our communications. By adopting new technologies, STU hopes to send a strong message to our conditions of service and assistance with work-related problems.

ADVERTISEMENT Membership Department Ms Isabella Li

We have not been able to reach some of our members through email. If you have not been receiving

Tel : +65 6299 3936 Email : lict@stu.org.sg

emailing the following information to stu@stu.org.sg:

our electronic newsletter and would like to be on our mailing list, please send your particulars by • Name

• Email Address

• NRIC Number

• Contact numbers (Home and Mobile)

• School attached to

• New Home Address (if applicable)

Alternatively, you can go to our website (http://www.stu.org.sg) and do an update online.

Andrew Sim

IT Manager

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70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

STU is the first Union in Singapore to launch mobile app In keeping up with times to provide members with various channels to stay updated with STU and to commemorate STU’s 70th Anniversary, the Young STU team has put together the mySTU mobile phone application!

Features: • • • • • •

Announcements and Messages to Members Membership Events & Promotions Workplace Advice & Industrial Relations Issues of Concerns to Educators STU’s Professional Development Workshops & Courses Mentor Magazine Submit Industrial Relations queries or feedback to STU

You can now have fast access to updates and communicate with STU via your mobile while on the go.

The apps are available on two of the most popular mobile platforms today - Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating system.

Download

STU70 Quiz Time!

Read our STU 70th Anniversary Mentor supplement, log on to mySTU app on your mobile devices and answer the following simple questions and be one of the 70 lucky winners to win

Gong Cha Vouchers!

App via

today!

Q1

in order to Singapore Teachers' Union was formed in champion and serve the interest of our teachers and the cause of education in Singapore. a) 1946 b) 1965 c) 1986

Q2

What is STU’s motto? a) United We Stand b) In Unity, there’s Strength c) We are United Terms and Conditions: 1. Deadline for participation: 30 April 2016 2. STU70 Quiz is open to STU members only.

3. Lucky winners will be notified via email.

4. Limited to one entry per member.

5. STU reserves the right to make the final decision in giving out the vouchers.

Term 1

70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

STU 70th Anniversary Celebration Events Term 1 1. Launching of STU 70th Anniversary logo and mySTU app

Term 2 1. 2-day Symposium on Philosophy for Children: Creating Communities of Inquiry in Schools – Guest of Honour: Mr Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister for Education (Schools) and Senior Minister of State for Transport

Term 3 1. STU 70th Anniversary Dinner and Dance in September 2. STU Teachers’ Day Golf Challenge 2016

Throughout the year The Mentor Supplement: A Boundless Vision A four (4) part series to let you know more about the Singapore Teachers’ Union This message was first posted on mySTU app on 13 January 2016.

Dear STU members, STU’S RESPONSE TO MOE’S ONGOING REVIEW ON FREE PARKING IN MOE SCHOOLS The Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) appreciates the current practice of allowing Educators to park in their schools without charges so that they are able to concentrate fully on their professional teaching responsibilities for all our students.

STU is aware that MOE HQ is in the process of reviewing the car park policies in MOE schools. We would like to reiterate our position that it is impractical to impose parking charges on our Educators in MOE schools because the: 1. MOE school car parks have little or no commercial value due to their locations. Schools are also not accessible to the general public; 2. Collection of parking fees from all vehicles entering the school will result in the addition of parking gantry infrastructures,

redeployment of key manpower and the review of schools’ standard operating procedures, which in the long run does not make sense in terms of cost and efficiency for our schools’ stakeholders; 3. The implementation of charged parking will inevitably distract our Educators, admin personnel and security officers in carrying out their role of ensuring the safety and security of our students in schools.

STU is currently working closely with MOE on this matter.

Given the ongoing review, we would like to urge our members to continue to submit their feedback through existing MOE channels.

Thank you.

Bersatu Tegoh!

United We Stand!

Yours-in-teaching, Chacko Cherry Chairman, STU Industrial Relations Committee

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INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

Can I post my personal opinion on current affairs issues online?

a: i d e M l a i c o S What Educators Need to Know In our "Teacher and the Law” School Talks, the Union often receives questions on the use of social media by Educators. The use of social media and online communication is covered in the Code of Professional Conduct for Educators that was codified and shared with the fraternity in 2013.

Here are some frequently asked questions on the subject, which we offer our advice to Educators, especially those who are active in social media:

Should I accept my students’ friend request on my personal Facebook?

Before you click on the accept button, be aware of the following: • If you need an additional platform to engage your students for instructional, educational or co-curricular programme purposes, you may want to opt for a separate official/ educational account. However, the liability is still on the Educator in ”ensuring appropriate privacy settings…, but with full knowledge that privacy settings do not guarantee privacy of postings made.”

• Use professional language and tone when communicating with students online

Before you post your personal opinion online, be aware of the following: • As an Educator, your opinion might, at times, be taken to represent the school’s or MOE’s opinions by students and parents who may not discern the difference.

• Recognise that the open nature of social media platforms can blur the boundaries between professional and private lives.

• Note that your online postings will never be totally private or anonymous, and such information can be manipulated against your favour.

• Educators should channel their work-related feedback through existing MOE channels i.e. MyForum, or via STU, where we will be able to advice you too.

Can I post photos of my students on my personal Facebook account?

• While your students can take wefies with the class, note that Educators have a duty to "safeguard confidential or proprietary information or images concerning the Government, MOE, his/her school, colleagues and students exercise responsibility and care in protecting his/her privacy in a manner that does not lead to his/her professionalism being questioned”

Should I avoid social media completely then?

MOE recognises that social media platforms "present new opportunities for engaging and supporting students, parents and the fraternity, and have become an integral part of social interaction… the use of these platforms in the professional context can bring about stronger rapport and benefits to student learning”. That said, Educators need to become more aware of the potential threats and dangers to students, their families, colleagues and even themselves.

• Educators have the responsibility to keep students out of their personal online networks and in other non-workrelated social media activity, and in ensuring that students do not gain access to undesirable information.

Wait… I have more questions!

• Educators should understand the rules and regulations of the social media platform. For instance, the minimum age to start an account with Facebook and Instagram is 13. If you are a Primary School Educator, it is not advisable for you to condone these violation of rules by engaging your students on such social media platforms.

• Call us at 6299 3936; or

• Educators can set appropriate privacy settings on your personal Facebook to avoid students gaining access to their non-work-related postings.

• Educator needs to take note that his/her online behaviour should "meet the required standards of honesty, respect and considerateness; take personal responsibility for what he/ she writes or posts online”.

STU members are welcome to approach the STU’s Industrial Relations team for clarification and advice on a confidential basis.

• Email to Mr Jagindar Singh (jsingh@stu.org.sg) or Mr Fong Yoong Kheong (fong_yoong_kheong@stu.org.sg); or • Submit an IR query via mySTU app (you can download the app via App Store or Google Play.

In your email/message, please state your name, NRIC number and contact number.

Non-members can also contact us but have to apply for membership first before receiving advice. Please visit www.stu.org.sg to download the application form or visit STU at 583 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218197.

Term 1

BOOK REVIEW

Review of David G. Wells’

Motivating Mathematics: Engaging Teachers and Engaged Students (Published by Imperial College Press, UK, 2015) Reviewed by Dr Wong Khoon Yoong David Wells is a prolific writer of mathematics puzzles and teaching, in particular, at the secondary level, as evident from the bibliography of his work given at the back of this book containing more than 50 pieces of work, published from late 1970s to early 2010s. I had used two of his Penguin Curious books in my teacher education courses with good effects, so it gives me great pleasure to review this book in which he shows how to use mathematics puzzles to motivate students so that they become more engaged learners of Mathematics.

This book is identical to another title published in 2008 with only minor corrections. However, much work about motivation in Mathematics education has been published since then.

Readers who wish to keep up-to-date with more recent work in this important area may be interested in the two yearbooks published by the Mathematics education associations in Singapore (Toh, Toh & Kaur, 2014) and in the USA (Brahier & Speer, 2011).

In the first chapter, the author sets the theme of motivation within the England context, citing and commenting on the writing of Young (1907), Cockcroft Report (1982), Smith Report (2004), Nuffield Foundation Report (2004), and others. The remaining 12 chapters cover diverse topics, including demotivated and motivated students, emotions, beauty of mathematics, proofs, mathematics as games, mathematics and science, and ways of seeing and perceiving Mathematics. Four major themes focusing on intrinsic motivation seem to run through the text: fun, beauty, proof, and multiple solutions. Chapter 12 looks at motivation practices in Mathematics classrooms in several

countries (France, Hungary, USA, Russia, Japan), based on work published up to 1990s. His conclusion from reviewing these practices is to understand one’s own culture and adapt teaching and learning to this culture.

The writing is clear and free from unnecessary eduspeak.

Although his comments are largely about Mathematics education in England, they are insightful and relevant for other education systems as well. The Cockcroft Report, which has a significant influence on the design of the Singapore Mathematics curriculum framework in late 1980s, is widely cited throughout the text, but he sometimes offers contrarian views.

For example, he disagrees that the principal reason for teaching mathematics to all children as noted by Cockcroft is that mathematics language is used to communicate ideas (p. 152), and he feels that Cockcroft should not confuse problems with applications since pure mathematicians also solve problems (p.

193). Discussing conflicting views challenges the readers to look at teaching and learning issues with “virgin eyes” (p. 268).

I recommend this book for any secondary school Mathematics teacher looking for its practical teaching ideas and puzzles to motivate their students to learn Mathematics with enjoyment and deep understanding. The materials in the book can be used to build a professional course about motivation in Mathematics education.

Further Readings Brahier, D. J., & Speer, W. R. (Eds.). (2011). Motivation and Disposition: Pathways to Learning Mathematics: NCTM 73rd Yearbook. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Toh, P.C., Toh, T.L., & Kaur, B. (2014).Learning Experiences to Promote Mathematics Learning: Yearbook 2014, Association of Mathematics Educators. Singapore: World Scientific.

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STU PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

Workshop on Adolescence and Autism Spectrum Disorder Adolescence describes the teenage years between 13 and 19 and can be considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood. Autism and adolescence can be a time of stress and confusion as it is for typically developing teens. Like all children, they need help in dealing with their growing sexuality. The teenage years are also a time when children become more socially sensitive.

At the age that most teenagers are concerned with acne, popularity, grades, and teenage romance, adolescents with autism may become increasingly aware that they are different from their peers. For example, they may notice that they lack friends. For some adolescents with autism, the sadness that comes with such realization motivates them to learn new behaviours and acquire better social skills. For others, the increased awareness may make these adolescents more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.

This 3 hour workshop seeks to assist teachers in understanding the needs of students with ASD during their adolescence years so that they can better support these students.

Trainers’ Profile Ms Noradlin Yusof

Dr Jocelyn Chua

Lin’s passion in supporting the community started early in her career and she has devoted the last 15 years, contributing and growing in the helping profession. After several years working as a Senior Researcher, handling regional market research projects i n the private setting, she began her career in the helping field, as Child Welfare Officer at the then Ministry of Community Development. She then joined the Ministry of Education (MOE) as a trained primary school teacher. Following the completion of her Masters of Arts specialising in Educational Psychology, she served as a Senior Specialist at the Psychological Services Branch of MOE providing support to primary and secondary schools as well as at the policy level. She provided training and consultation to parents and teachers. She also supported students providing psycho-educational assessments and intervention. She delved further to extend her support to younger children and families when she joined KK Hospital. During this time, she embarked on her doctorate studies in Clinical Psychology to further her interest and passion in this area.

Jocelyn has been in the helping profession for more than 18 years. She began her career as a Rehabilitation Officer at the Singapore Prison Service before joining the Ministry of Education (MOE) as a trained secondary school teacher.

She subsequently undertook her Master degree in Educational Psychology (University College London, UK) as a recipient of the MOE postgraduate scholarship. Following that, she served as a Senior Specialist at the Psychological Services Branch of MOE and delivered a range of services to primary and secondary schools. This included providing psycho-educational assessments and consultations to parents, teachers and school leaders to help support children with learning difficulties and special educational needs. Desiring to extend her support to individuals beyond the school age population, Jocelyn subsequently left MOE to complete her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Geropsychology at the University of Queensland (Australia) under the Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Postgraduate Award.

Lin finds fulfilment in working with children, youths and individuals in the area of engagement. This includes school engagement and child-school-family engagement. Lin is currently working on her doctoral research focusing in the area of school engagement.

Jocelyn’s passion is in caregiver support. This includes professional and familial caregivers of persons with chronic or life-threatening medical or psychological conditions (e.g. dementia, cancer, depression) and physical and developmental disabilities (e.g. intellectual disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder). In line with her passion, Jocelyn’s doctoral research focus was in the development of a support program for family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Term 1

STU PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

Ms Rachel Wong Rachel has more than 17 years of experience in the field of psychology and education, 4 of which was spent working as a Senior Psychologist in Prime Minister’s Office where she was involved in the selection of Administrative Officers and scholars for the Public Service Commission and government statutory boards. She also has a deep passion for working with children and subsequently trained as a primary school teacher in 2001. In 2004, she was awarded the MOE Overseas Postgraduate Scholarship. Upon completion of her training in London, she worked as an Educational Psychologist. Her last held position in MOE was Senior Specialist, Educational Psychology (Level 2).

During her time there, Rachel had extensive experience working with children with a wide range of learning and behavioural needs, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia and Language Impairment.

She has a special interest in early language and literacy development of children and supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Rachel also spearheaded efforts to strengthen school support processes for students with Special Educational Needs and was actively involved in building the capacity of school personnel to provide quality support for students with SEN. In her 10 years with MOE, Rachel has designed and delivered training for School Leaders, Heads of Department, teachers and Allied Educators.

Workshop dates to choose from: (Each session will be facilitated by two trainers) Monday, 18 April 16 (2.00pm – 5.00pm) by Dr Jocelyn Chua and Ms Rachel Wong Thursday, 2 June 16 (2.00pm – 5.00pm) by Dr Jocelyn Chua and Ms Noradlin Yusof Friday, 19 Aug 16 (2.00pm – 5.00pm) by Ms Rachel Wong and Ms Noradlin Yusof

Workshop fee: STU-Member rate: $100

Standard rate: $170

Log on to http://sptrunion.com/ to download the application form. For more queries, you may write in to programmes@stu.org.sg or call the STU Professional Development Department at 62993936.

STU Professional Development Workshops (March – June 2016) MONTH

DAY/DATE/TIME

WORKSHOP TITLE

PRESENTER

TARGET AUDIENCE

MAR

Philosophy for Children (P4C) Level 1 Training: Mon, 14 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

• Module PS101: The Theory, Nature and Practice of a Community of Inquiry

Tues, 15 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

• Module PS102: Questioning, Conceptual Exploration and Reasoning

Wed, 16 (9.00am – 12.30pm)

• Module PS103: The Use and Development of Stimulus Materials for P4C

Wed, 16 (1.00pm – 4.00pm)

• Module PS104: Micro-teaching and Tutorials

Thur, 17 (9.00am – 12.30pm)

• Module PS105: Introduction to Basic Concepts in Eastern Philosophical Traditions

Associate Prof Philip Cam

AT

Dr Benjamin Wong, Dr Azhar Ibrahim and Prof Saranindra Nath Tagore

Fri 4, 11, 18, Sat 26 (2.00pm – 5.00pm) & Fri 1, Apr (8.00am - 12.00pm)

Mindfulness for Teachers: Cultivating well being in teachers (4 Sessions + 1/2 day retreat)

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

T/ST

Sat 5, 12, 19 & 26 (9.00am – 12.00noon)

BAHASA INDONESIA For Travel or Business Communication: Level 1

Ms Christianty Nur

AT

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10 STU PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS

JUN

MAY

APR

MAR

MONTH

Keys:

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DAY/DATE/TIME

WORKSHOP TITLE

PRESENTER

TARGET AUDIENCE

Thur, 17 - Fri, 18 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

Effective Learning Experiences for Secondary Mathematics Topics

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

BT/T

Fri, 18 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Assessing Students for the 21st Century Competencies (Primary)

Mr See Teck Meng

Pri BT

Fri, 18 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Documentation and Protocols

Ms Rosaline Chan

BT

Tue, 29 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

A Compact Introduction to Action Research

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Wed, 30 (9.00am – 12.00noon)

Positive Education: An Introduction

Mr Simon Leow

Thur, 31 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Assessing Students for the 21st Century Competencies (Secondary)

Mr See Teck Meng

Sec BT

Thur 7, (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Assessing Students for the 21st Century Competencies (Primary)

Mr See Teck Meng

Pri T/ST

Thur, 7 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Developing Sentence Fluency

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

BT

Thur, 7 (2.30pm – 5.30pm)

First Run: Workshop on Delegation Skills (Part 1)

Ms Poh Chwee Sian

KP

Fri, 8 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

Oral Skills Teaching Development

Mr Charles Barton

BT

Mon, 11 (9.00am – 12.00noon)

Self-Regulation and Ego Depletion: Why Teachers or Educators May Not Be The Best Parents

Mr Simon Leow

AT

Tue, 12 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Promoting Higher Order Mathematics Thinking

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

Sec AT

Mon, 18 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Workshop on Adolescence and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dr Jocelyn Chua Ms Rachel Wong Ms Noradlin Yusof

Sec AT

Fri, 29 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

The use of NLP and Humour as rapport building enhancement tools

Mr Dennis Sale

Thur, 5 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Creating a Powerful Classroom Climate

Mr Charles Barton

T/ST

Thur, 5 (2.30pm – 5.30pm)

First Run: Workshop on Delegation Skills (Part 2)

Ms Poh Chwee Sian

KP

Fri, 6 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

Evidence-Based Creative Teaching

Mr Dennis Sale

AT

Tue, 10 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Deepening Mathematical Understanding Through Multiple Representation

Dr Wong Khoon Yoong

AT

Thur, 12 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Working with Cloze Passages

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

BT

Thur, 19 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Assessing Students for the 21st Century Competencies (Secondary)

Mr See Teck Meng

Sec T/ST

Wed, 25 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Effective Communication with Parents

Mr Charles Barton

BT

Thur, 2 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Workshop on Adolescence and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dr Jocelyn Chua Ms Rachel Wong Ms Noradlin Yusof

Sec AT

Fri, 3 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

Strategies for Allied Educators to Implement in Classrooms

Mr Charles Barton

T/ST

Mon, 6 (9.00am – 4.00pm) Tues, 7 (9.00am – 1.30pm)

P4C Symposium (1.5 days)

Various Trainers

AT

Tues, 7 - Fri, 10 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

P4C Level 2 (Pre-requisite: P4C Level 1 or equivalent, participants to attend)

Various Australian Trainers

AT

Wed, 8 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

Teachers as Writers: Remembering the past- seeing the present

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

AT (Pri)

Fri, 10 (9.00am – 4.30pm)

Teachers as Writers: Remembering the past- seeing the present

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

AT (Sec)

Thur, 30 (2.30pm – 5.30pm)

Second Run: Workshop on Delegation Skills (Part 1)

Ms Poh Chwee Sian

Thur, 30 (2.00pm – 5.00pm)

Developing Effective Reading Strategies for Comprehension

Dr Cheah Yin Mee

BT: Beginning Teachers

T: Teachers with teaching experience of 5-10 years

ST: Senior Teachers with teaching experience of 10 years & above

KP: Key Personnels

SL: School Leaders

Log on to www.stu.org.sg for more details of the workshops above.

For more enquiries, please write to programmes@stu.org.sg or call 6299 3936.

ST/KP AT

AT

KP T/ST

AT: All Teachers

Term 1

SCHOOL TALK

Teachers and the Law – A Popular School Talk Conducted by STU

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Teachers and the Law is a popular talk requested by schools to be conducted during their Contact Time. In this increasingly complex environment, it is a useful and relevant talk for all teachers.

It covers issues such as Doctrine of 'in loco parentis', negligence (duty of care, breach of duty and damage), Supervising Children and Use of Social Media.

In short, teachers will gain greater awareness of the legal implications of their actions while carrying out their due diligence as professional educators.

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Some of the feedback from teachers who attended this talk: “Interesting & helps us to be clearer in our roles & responsibilities as a teacher.”

“Very relevant, taps on matters we tend to overlook at times and keeps us mindful of who and what we do as a vocation.”

“Good in getting our attention through authentic situations.”

“I am glad that I attended this sharing session.

The information is very important to us.”

The talk is conducted free-of-charge by Singapore Teachers' Union for individual and cluster schools to create awareness on key law-related issues that all educators should be familiar with.

Interested schools or parties, please contact Ms Isabella Li at 6299 3936 or email her at lict@stu.org.sg.

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12 P4C SYMPOSIUM

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Singapore Teachers’ Union is proud to invite you to our

Philosophy For Children (P4C) Symposium 6th and 7th June 2016 Venue: YWCA, Fort Canning Lodge Fee: Members: $200, Non-Members: $250 GUEST-OF-HONOUR Mr Ng Chee Meng Acting Minister for Education (Schools)

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Prof Saranindra Nath Tagore (National University of Singapore)

A community of inquiry in session in a Singapore primary school

A Symposium on “Philosophy for Children”: Creating Communities of Inquiries in Schools This symposium will build on the collective experience of training P4C teachers in Singapore over the last 7 years. The Symposium will also look beyond Singapore for the experience of countries such as Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines in implementing the P4C Programme.

You may download the registration form at our website: www.stu.org.sg For enquiry, please call Kim at 65-62993936 or email us at programmes@stu.org.sg

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS Dr Philip Cam University of New South Wales, Australia Dr Janette Poulton Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia Mr Emmanuel Skoutas Dandenong High School, Australia Prof (Dr) Rosnani Hashim Institute of Education, Malaysia Prof (Dr) Zosimo E Lee University of the Philippines Dr Teoh Chin Leong Methodist Girls' School (Secondary)

FEATURING SCHOOLS USING P4C Huamin Primary School Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) Nanyang Girls’ High School Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) Woodlands Primary School

Term 1

P4C SYMPOSIUM

A brief review of what the Schools will be sharing at the P4C Symposium 1

Huamin Primary School (Mrs Jessi Siva)

Since 2013, Huamin Primary School has been using Philosophy for Children (P4C) as a pedagogic approach to develop critical thinking skills in our student.

The effectiveness of P4C has also been shown through the Lesson Study approach conducted at the various levels and for various aspects of EL. These are intangible benefits where teachers have observed their students to be confident speakers and who are not afraid to express their opinions. Through our students’ perspectives, we have also seen that P4C achieves the self-directed outcome of ”one who questions and reflects and takes responsibility for his own learning” (MOE, 2010).

2

Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School (Mdm Suhana A Hamid & Ms Ng Hui San)

With a greater emphasis on Differentiated Instruction, the school explored a few approaches and programmes to maximise the potential of different groups of pupils.

A customised programme specifically for the teaching of English to the High-Progress pupils which ran for three years since 2010 was substituted with P4C to leverage on pupils’ oratorical skills.

Piloted in two classes in both English and Chinese in 2013, the programme advocates a paradigm shift and raises pupils’ awareness of the types and nature of questions they could and should ask instead of being focused on getting answers. This presentation details our journey in implementing P4C in our school, its benefits and impact on our pupils as well as the constraints faced.

3

Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) (Mr Christopher Ow) Philosophy, Thinking & Knowledge at Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary)

The Integrated Programme at Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) started in 2012. Since the inception of the MGS IP, Philosophy, Thinking, and Knowledge (PTK) has been an integral part of the formal taught curriculum.

The PTK curriculum makes extensive use of P4C strategies, especially at the Lower Secondary levels. We have found P4C to be a very powerful pedagogy to inculcate the cognitive and affective skills and dispositions prized by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. P4C trains our girls to be Inquirers, and also Open-Minded, Reflective Thinkers. Besides our IP students, PTK is also offered to High Ability Learners in the O Level track at Lower Secondary.

4

Nanyang Girls’ High School (Ms Sulastri Noordin and Ms Chia Hui Ping)

As educators, we often urge our young charges to think ”critically”, reason ”logically” and to take a keen, empathetic interest in all kinds of issues. These are tall orders, but Nanyang Girls’ High School (NYGH) believes that philosophy, as a discipline, holds one of the keys.

NYGH had experimented with various models of teaching Philosophy since 2001 and as of 2013, the school decided that a nuanced approach towards nurturing philosophical and critical thinking skills and dispositions was necessary to cater to the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of our students.

5

Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary) (Ms Ong Shu Juin)

Since the beginning of the integrated programme in Raffles Girls’ School (Sec) more than ten years ago, Philosophy is a subject read by all students in the school from Years 1 to 4. This presentation will focus on the following areas: • The Philosophy curriculum in RGS and its goals • Instructional approaches and strategies • Assessment of Philosophy in RGS • Moving forward: Changes to the Philosophy curriculum in RGS

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Woodlands Primary School (Ms Reshpal Kaur)

Philosophy for Children (P4C@WOODS) is an English enriched programme carried out for pupils from P1 to P6 in Woodlands Primary School. In 2007 Woodlands Primary School produced a Teach Less Learn More (TLLM) Prototype Starter Kit entitled Philosophy Enriched English Programme at Woodlands Primary School (P4C@ WOODS). The instructional programme aimed to employ P4C in the school through the use of 9 thinking tools by Dr. Philip Cam, with reference to Bloom’s Taxonomy and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) framework. Beyond the structured P4C lessons, there is extensive use of the P4C thinking tools in different subjects to encourage pupils to be creative, caring and critical in their thinking at all times.

The school finds values in the P4C@WOODS programme as skills learnt through the programme are aligned to the school’s core values of respect, compassion and collaboration. Pupils have been able to apply these skills to other contexts beyond the structured P4C lessons, to create a caring and collaborative community in the school.

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A joint degree offered by National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University and Teachers College, Columbia University

by Programme Co-Directors A/P Christine Lee and Asst/P Christopher Deneen

The Master of Arts in Leadership and Educational Change (MALEC) is a one-year, full-time masters programme for educational professionals seeking to enhance their capacity as leaders and change agents. MALEC is a joint programme between Columbia University’s (CU) Teachers College (TC) and Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) National Institute of Education (NIE). We offer a focused but flexible curriculum that balances theory with practice and provides many opportunities for engagement with authentic problems.

MALEC provides students direct access to some of the finest minds in education. Many of our instructors are full-time tenured faculty at TC and NIE. For some courses, TC faculty members fly to Singapore to teach MALEC students in-person.

The programme offers small class sizes and high professor-student ratios. We also provide innovative opportunities like The TC Summer Experience, where students can study over the summer at TC in New York City. The Summer Experience is optional at the students’ own expenses, but it provides participants with networking prospects and enhanced international perspectives on leadership, curricula and change.

MALEC is designed for forward-thinking professionals seeking a rigorous and meaningful programme of study. Many of our students are school leaders and teachers who want to further their careers in school settings. We also work with professional developers and educators in higher, adult and professional education. We have alumni who have moved into leadership roles in NGOs as well.

We welcome students from diverse institutional and national backgrounds. Exploring core ideas of leadership, curriculum and change within local, regional and global contexts allows us to serve students working in diverse contexts.

Our Integrative Study Project course provides the culminating programme experience. Students form into teams and approach a problem that they find relevant to their professional experience and intentions. Students will then draw on their MALEC coursework to outline both problem and inquiry. Then, by immersing themselves in the relevant field, they will gather empirical evidence and analyze the data. Finally, they will prepare a report that carefully describes the problem and offers practical solutions that resonate with effective leadership and change management. This course serves as a bridge between the programme and the students’ next professional steps. Completing the project requires students to look back at what they have learned and look forward to how they will apply that knowledge as successful, career-long change agents.

MALEC is about developing competencies that will improve you as a professional, a leader and a change agent. We accomplish this through a dual focus on organisational and curriculum leadership.

With MALEC, you will earn a degree that carries international recognition. MALEC graduates are both Columbia University/ Teachers College graduates as well as NTU/NIE graduates. The reputations of both universities are outstanding. Equally important, MALEC graduates become members of the CU, TC, NIE and NTU alumni associations. MALEC doesn’t just offer a degree; it offers career- and life-long benefits.

The programme is rigorous, exciting and challenges participants to connect with global phenomena and understand implications for local educational contexts.” - Reshu Dhungana, Director of Programme and Communications at Ullens Education Foundation, Nepal There is generally only one intake for this programme, in January.

The next application period will be from 4 April - 20 June 2016 for the January 2017 intake.

For more details, please visit www.nie.edu.sg/malec

16 UNION GAMES

the mentor

Union Game – 3-on-3 Ladies Basketball 2015 Report written by Geralin Tan It’s certainly not a typical Saturday on 21 Nov for us since it is usually a day where we can sleep in and perhaps catch more rest. This year, our STU ladies team is a little different with one of our teammate overseas and so we invited a new player onboard. The four of us arrived at the basketball association of Singapore early and all ready to play our best.

This year, the teams we are facing were no easy feat. I must say we did not actually started well as we lost our first two games but we went on to win two and drew one. Eventually we fought our way to be the 4th team to qualify for the semis. Though we had to face the top qualifying team in the semis, we were not intimidated; rather we were determined to make it to the finals.

Our efforts paid off when we beat them and made it to finals!

We continued to do our very best and fought hard in the finals, unfortunately they played a better game than us. Although we finished 2nd in the competition but we had fun playing as a team and appreciate the opportunity to get to know friends from the

other union teams as we compete against one another. We will definitely be back and certainly will work towards the goal of clinching the champion title next year!

Union Game – Mixed Netball 2015 Report written by Sylvia Lim Arriving to ITE-East College, we only had one goal in mind – that is to enjoy ourselves, catch up with fellow colleagues and play our best. Having not played Netball competitively for quite a while, I had my apprehensions about being able to score. But with a group of PE teachers in your team, the nerves went away as the team was very supportive and encouraging.

With a team of 5 teachers, we went all-out playing our very best, giving our opponents the fair respect that they deserved. And with this spirit of enjoying ourselves and putting our all, we got through to the finals. Sadly, one of our teammate had to rush off for another competition and we were left with 4 players.

However, we braved through semi-finals and finals without any substitution and emerged as champion.

The finals were played against a brand new team; however, they had 2 ex-national players which make it a tough fight between us and them. For the first 5 minutes of the game, we were down 3 goals due to our own mistakes. But we persisted and fight back up. We were able to put in our shots and the boys with their long arms managed to intercept some of their passes. This put us in a lead of 10 – 5 when the final whistle blew.

Left to right: Chen Chien Liang (SAJC), Jean Chia (Jurong West Primary School), Cheong Long Xin (Haig Girls School), Sylvia Lim (Admiralty Secondary School), Jason Goh (Yangzheng Primary School)

It was a fantastic end to our Sunday – having fun competing with the other union teams and also clinching the championship title again. We will definitely be back for the next Union game!

Term 1

NTUC COMMITTEES / STU BOOK PRIZE

STU’s Representatives in NTUC Committees and Cluster Committees

Congratulations to STU President Mr Mike Thiruman – appointed as Vice Chairman of the NTUC Industrial Relations Committee (Public Sector)

STU General Secretary Mr Edwin Lye – appointed as Chairman of the NTUC Membership Committee and Vice Chairman of the NTUC International Relations Committee

STU Internal Auditor and Chairman of Young STU Committee Mr Andy Ang – appointed as Vice Chairman of the Young NTUC Committee (Public Sector)

STU Central Council Member Mr Mohamed Salleh Md Nooh – appointed as Vice Chairman of the NTUC Education Cluster Committee

Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) Book Prize Academic Year 2015

STU Book Prize is awarded to the best PGDE (Primary) student teacher in Practicum and the best PGDE (Secondary/Junior College) student teacher in Practicum. The book prize winners receive their awards at the NIE Teachers’ Investiture Ceremony held in January and July every year.

Winner of the STU Book Prize for Academic Year 2015:

Chng Chin Chuang

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PE) (Primary) Mr. Jonathan Chng is currently teaching Physical Education and Mathematics at Westwood Primary School after graduating from the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PE) programme. He is the form teacher of a Primary 1 class and also teaches physical education to other primary 2 and primary 4 classes. He is one of the teachers in-charge of Westwood Primary School’s Wushu CCA and also actively participated in managing many other programs in the school such as the P3 Swim-Safer, Recess Fitness and many more.

As Jonathan mentioned in his valedictorian speech during the Teachers’ Investiture Ceremony 2016, "You shouldn’t be satisfied with just impacting one child. We should be trying our best to impact every child that is under our care!”

STU Book Prize Winner Mr Chng Chin Chuang (centre) with Mr Ng Yeow Lin, Principal of Westwood Primary School (left) and STU President Mike Thiruman (right)

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Term 1

UNISIM-STU SPONSORSHIP

UniSIM-STU Sponsorship (July 2016 Intake) Sponsorship application period: 1 February to 31 March 2016 The UniSIM-STU Sponsorship scheme aims to provide suitable candidates with the opportunity to enroll in undergraduate programmes with UniSIM and develop skills for life.

Who is Eligible?

Application for the UniSIM-STU Sponsorship is open to all Singapore Teachers’ Union members who have at least 6 months’ of continuous paid up union membership and applicants must remain as STU members throughout the duration of the course of study at SIM University. Applicants must be Singapore citizens or permanent residents with good academic and co-curricular activities records, strong language skills, and demonstrable leadership qualities. Applicants must not already be a degree holder.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for the applied course of study. They must separately seek admission to the programme and must be accepted for admission before being considered for the sponsorship. Applicants are allowed to apply for only one sponsorship or scholarship at any one time.

Tenure of Sponsorship

How to Apply?

To apply for the sponsorship, you need to submit your application online by the stipulated closing date.

The Online application website: http://www.unisim.edu.sg/ admissions/Undergraduate/PT/Pages/Sponsorships.aspx For new students, you must submit your admission e-application first before submitting your application for sponsorship.

Previously unsuccessful candidates need not re-apply.

Only successful candidates shall be notified via email by mid November for the January Semester, and by mid May for the July Semester.

The decision of SIM University and STU on the selection of sponsorship candidates is final and no appeal will be entertained.

To find out more about the sponsorship and the terms and conditions, please visit our website at www.stu.org.sg (Membership Program) or contact Ms Isabella Li at 6299 3936 ext.14.

The sponsorship is awarded for the period required to complete the full programme of study. The sponsorship is only awarded for undergraduate programmes.

Value of Sponsorship The value of the sponsorship is as follows: •

Singapore Citizens who are eligible for government subsidy - award will cover up to 80% of the total course fee (inclusive of government subsidy).

•

Singapore Permanent Residents who are eligible for government subsidy - award will cover up to 60% of the total course fee (inclusive of government subsidy).

•

Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above who are eligible for government subsidy - award will cover up to 92% of the total course fee (inclusive of government subsidy and Skillsfuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy).

•

Students who are not eligible for government subsidy award will cover up to 50% of the total course fee.

There is no bond attached to the sponsorship.

UniSIM-STU Sponsorship Awardee (January 2016 Intake) Congratulations to Mr R Gorindarajan being awarded the UniSIM-STU sponsorship (January 2016 intake).

We wish Mr Gorindarajan the very best in his studies in UniSIM.

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20 STU 3

RD

ODC / BIENNIAL ELECTION / STU MEMENTO 2016

the mentor

STU 3rd Ordinary Delegates’ Conference Resorts World Sentosa 21 November 2015 We had successfully concluded our 3rd Ordinary Delegates’ Conference on 21 November 2015 at Resorts World Sentosa, with more than 70 delegates attending the event. Other than presenting the General Secretary's Report and Statement of Accounts, the STU team also addressed queries brought up by our delegates during the conference. At the same time, our delegates also took this opportunity to share their views on some of the current issues in schools.

Attention to all STU Delegates: Biennial Election of

Delegates and School Representatives We will be having our Biennial Election of Delegates in 2016 and delegates will be receiving the official letter from us in early February. The letter will explain in details the election procedure. Delegates can also contact Ms Isabella or Ms Fiona at 6299 2936 for any enquiries regarding the election.

STU Memento 2016 The STU Memento 2016 will be delivered to schools in April/May. Please update your particulars by emailing your Name, NRIC Number and School Attached To to fmak@stu.org.sg by 30 April 2016.

This will also help us greatly in our preparations for the delivery.

Thank you.