Time for Learning: A Day in the Life of a Singaporean Teacher

Summary

The video highlights Singapore's commitment to high-quality education through professional development, mentoring, and collaboration among teachers. Teachers, like Rose Mia, spend significant time on professional planning and learning, ensuring engaging lessons and continuous self-improvement. A focus on inquiry-based learning, like debates and discussions, enriches student experiences. Additionally, the school emphasizes co-curricular activities and teamwork. Mentoring, professional learning communities, and skillful teacher training ensure continuous growth for both new and experienced teachers, fostering a supportive and dynamic educational environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Singapore invests significantly in teacher preparation, mentoring, and professional development to ensure high-quality teaching.
• 😀 Teachers in Singapore spend a substantial portion of their working time engaged in professional learning and collaboration.
• 😀 Rose Mia, a senior teacher at Crangi Secondary School, teaches Geography while also managing mentoring and professional development responsibilities.
• 😀 Students in Singapore start their school day with quiet reading and reflection, promoting a calm and focused mindset.
• 😀 Teachers in Singapore have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and creating engaging academic content with colleagues.
• 😀 Rose Mia integrates inquiry-based learning, such as debates on real-world issues like tourism, to develop students' critical thinking skills.
• 😀 Teachers in Singapore often collaborate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and engage in action research projects to improve teaching practices.
• 😀 Mentorship is a core part of professional development, with beginning teachers receiving intensive support from experienced mentors.
• 😀 Teachers participate in co-curricular activities (CCAs) after school, which help students develop teamwork, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility.
• 😀 Rose Mia believes in the importance of holistic education, where students learn not only academic content but also global citizenship and real-world awareness.

Q & A

How does Singapore ensure high-quality teaching in its schools?

Singapore invests heavily in teacher preparation, mentoring, professional development, and offers a well-developed career ladder that supports senior and master teachers in each school. Teachers also spend a significant portion of their time engaged in professional learning and collaboration.

What is the significance of the quiet reading time at the start of the school day?

The quiet reading time, which lasts for 15 minutes, is important for helping students start their day with reflection and focus. It provides them with a calm moment before they engage in the national anthem and other activities.

How are teaching schedules structured at Crangi Secondary School?

Teachers at Crangi Secondary School have a typical work week of 36 to 37 hours, which includes 12 hours of academic teaching, 5 hours of co-curricular or assembly time, and 19 hours dedicated to professional planning and learning.

What is the role of the professional learning communities (PLCs) in Singaporean schools?

PLCs in Singaporean schools encourage collaboration among teachers, helping them engage in shared learning, conduct action research, and improve teaching strategies. This collaboration is associated with greater teacher confidence, job satisfaction, and retention.

How does Rose Mia incorporate collaborative work in her geography lessons?

Rose Mia uses a simple collaborative method called 'pwor,' where students work with a partner to discuss topics. She sometimes organizes more complex group work but prefers simpler activities to minimize movement and save time.

What is the focus of the debate Rose Mia organizes in her geography class?

The debate revolves around the inquiry question: 'Is tourism the way to go?' Students are divided into groups supporting or opposing tourism, and they apply their knowledge of geographical impacts to argue their case.

How does professional mentoring work for beginning teachers in Singapore?

Beginning teachers in Singapore receive intensive mentoring, typically teaching two-thirds the number of classes compared to experienced teachers. This allows them to work closely with their mentors and continue learning and developing their teaching skills.

What kind of professional development activities do Singaporean teachers engage in?

Teachers engage in various professional development activities such as action research, collaboration in PLCs, and skill-sharing sessions. They also participate in programs like 'skillful teacher training,' where they reflect on and discuss teaching strategies.

How do co-curricular activities (CCAs) contribute to student development in Singapore?

CCAs in Singapore help students develop teamwork, leadership, and personal skills beyond academics. Teachers lead at least one CCA, and these activities involve students in projects like environmental conservation and community service.

What motivates teachers in Singapore, particularly in the context of their work with teenagers?

Teachers in Singapore are motivated by the opportunity to help students grow and gain new experiences. Many teachers, including Rose Mia, find joy in seeing students develop into responsible individuals and contributing to their learning and development.