TP adopts a Practice-based and Skills Education (PSE) Framework that deepens the focus on providing authentic learning to prepare learners for and in the working world. With curriculum, pedagogical and assessment practices aligned with industry needs, in collaboration with industry partners and simulated and real-world environments, students can apply their learning to the real-world. Equipped with the skills, knowledge and values of the profession, the students are ready to embrace the challenges of the working world.
LEARNING ACADEMY
Overview
The Learning Academy is committed to the development of staff capabilities. We aim to support TP's teaching staff in providing learning experiences that prepare learners for and within the industry. We assist the diploma teams to adopt TP's Practice-based and Skills Education (PSE) Framework, which drives curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices for all courses within the polytechnic.
The Learning Academy also develops and conducts professional development programmes for TP’s staff in areas such as learning-teaching, the use of technology for learning, including e-learning, and learning analytics. We provide opportunities for continuing professional development by guiding teaching staff in their teaching journey and learning from each other in professional learning communities. In addition, the Learning Academy researches the efficacy of initiatives on students’ learning in areas such as self-directed learning, problem-based learning, technology-enhanced learning, and learning analytics.
The Learning Academy engages in external e-learning and microlearning consultancy and development projects for and with corporations and clients from the private sector and government agencies. We work closely with the other polytechnics to develop courseware for learning in the Joint Polytechnic Learning Management System.
Temasek Polytechnic’s Pedagogy
Temasek Polytechnic’s Practice-based and Skills Education (PSE) Framework
TP adopts a Practice-based and Skills Education (PSE) Framework that deepens the focus on providing authentic learning to prepare learners for and in the working world. With curriculum, pedagogical and assessment practices aligned with industry needs, in collaboration with industry partners and simulated and real-world environments, students can apply their learning to the real-world. Equipped with the skills, knowledge and values of the profession, the students are ready to embrace the challenges of the working world.
Pedagogies @ TP
Temasek Polytechnic Graduates
- Every TP graduate is equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are required at the workplace, so that they are ready for the challenges of the industry.
- TP also aims for their graduates to be lifelong learners, future-oriented creator and values-centred leaders.
TP offers a wide range of learning experiences and activities, using a variety of pedagogies, to achieve these aims. Two of TP’s important frameworks are the Practice-based & Skills Education (PSE) Framework, and the Self-directed Learning (SDL) Framework.
TP students should be lifelong learners, who remain competent in the face of challenges and rapid changes. TP has implemented a framework for self-directed learning (SDL) to develop students with self-directed learning capacity; this will be incorporated into TP students’ 3 years of study.
Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative, with or without the help of others, to diagnose their learning needs, formulate learning goals, identify resources for learning, select and implement learning strategies and evaluate learning outcomes.
TP's Self-Directed Learning Framework comprises the four phases: Plan, Perform, Monitor and Reflect (PPMR).
- The Plan stage involves students in analysing the learning task and formulating a plan to complete the task.
- The Perform stage involves the process of maintaining the concentration and interest through the use of strategies as students work on the learning task.
- The Monitor stage enables students to judge their tasks and formulate reasons for their results.
- The Reflect stage supports students in building a clear understanding of the adequacy and quality of their work.
The PPMR process is not linear, and can be deployed as a cyclical process or iterated in as many permutations that suit the design of the subject.
As one of TP’s key pedagogies, e-learning permeates all aspects of learning and teaching. It may take the form of wholly e-learning sessions, blended learning or flipped classrooms.
TP’s e3 framework leverages on the use of digital technologies that not only provides learning on demand, anytime and anywhere, but also many opportunities for collaborative learning beyond the classroom. TP’s aim in expanding online learning opportunities for students is to develop in them a spirit of lifelong learning.
In the area of e-learning, the Learning Academy aims to enhance the skills of academic staff to integrate information and communication technology into learning and teaching contexts.
Learning Academy provides professional development for staff using the Learning Management System in TP, develops e-learning materials in collaboration with staff, and encourages best practices in e-learning and interactive digital media.
Pedagogy Milestone Certificate Programmes
TP's Pedagogy Milestone Certificate Programmes offer lecturers further professional development pathways beyond the foundational CTLPE and ACE programmes.
Educational Research
The Learning Academy aims to nurture a culture of research at TP by supporting staff in educational research and discussing contemporary higher education issues. We enhanced the staff’s academic research capabilities by promoting sound educational research methodology and practices.
We also help to provide information on educational research developments and promote effective use of research evidence to inform curriculum and learning-teaching practices. Staff are encouraged to undertake educational research through formal staff development programmes or projects.
In terms of funded educational research, three TP projects have successfully applied for the Ministry of Education’s Tertiary Education Fund (TRF). The fund aims to empower educators to improve teaching and learning practices based on research and data. The funded research projects are:
- Student self-assessment: An empirically grounded framework and its impact on self-regulation (School of Applied Science)
- Gamification of e-learning to enhance student engagement in e-learning modules (School of Informatics & IT).
- Integrated laboratory and tutorial: Spatial and temporal convergence of tutorial concepts in laboratory activities and the effect on Chemistry competencies and lesson experiences (School of Applied Science)
Conference presentations and publications
Staff from the Learning Academy regularly collaborate with colleagues from the Schools and Centres in TP to share their research through conference presentations and publications. The focal point of such synergistic collaboration is to research practice-based curricular interests core to polytechnic education. The research projects focus on different pedagogy areas, including developing self-directed learning, e-learning, facilitation, learning analytics, holistic education, and assessment.
Learning Academy’s Staff and Associates
The Learning Academy staff are experienced teachers and adult educators with professional qualifications and years of work experience in accountancy, business, communication skills, computer engineering, design, education, information technology, law, music, the life sciences, and the social sciences. This combination of expertise and knowledge makes them uniquely suited to help polytechnic lecturers translate their industry knowledge into quality learning-teaching.
The Learning Academy staff are committed to enhancing student learning through staff development programmes and initiatives. They guide lecturers in their work, supporting, assisting and providing pedagogical insights and advice as needed. Initiatives to strengthen TP’s pedagogical practices, such as taskforces, award schemes, curriculum review projects, mentoring and research projects, are also facilitated by the Learning Academy’s team of full-time staff.
Learning Academy Management
Dr Woo Boon Seong
Director/Learning Academy
Qualifications: EdD, MInfEnv, BSc (Hons)
Areas of Research Interests: Learning-teaching strategies and technology-enhanced learning
6780 6472
Dr Pratima Majal
Assistant Director/Programmes & Partnerships
Qualifications: EdD, MEd, MAIDT, B.Com, LLB
Areas of Research Interests: Adult Learning, Technology-enhanced Learning, Flipped Classroom approach, ePortfolios and Instructional Design
6780 5224
Dr Jonathan Chee
Senior Manager/Administration & Analytics
Qualifications: EdD, MSc(IT), MEd, PGDE(Sec), BSc, ACTA
Areas of Research Interests: Teacher Knowledge (TPACK) and Design Capacity in Technology Integration, Self-directed Learning, Learning Analytics
6780 6130
Mr Boey Chee Kin
Manager/Digitalisation & Innovation
Qualifications: MSc and BEng(Hons)
Areas of Research Interests: Problem-based learning, Technology-enhanced learning, AI and Analytics in Education
6780 5457
Learning Academy Associates
Learning Academy Associates are lecturers from the various Schools and Academic Centres in TP who work in partnership with the Learning Academy. Based on the needs of the respective Schools/Centres, they contextualise Learning Academy’s professional development programmes and initiatives and help to facilitate the sharing of effective educational practices. Other areas of involvement may include facilitating selected programmes or conducting educational research.
President’s Award for Teachers
Administered by the Ministry of Education and the Academy of Singapore Teachers, the President’s Award for Teachers (PAT) gives national recognition to the critical role teachers play in moulding the future of our nation. These teachers prepare students for life, as well as model commitment to continuous learning and enterprise. They inspire both their students and peers through their words and deeds.
Please click here for a list of past PAT recipients and finalists.
Educational Innovation Award
The Educational Innovation Award (EIA) acknowledges outstanding contributions toward enhancing student learning. It is awarded for acts, products, or approaches that define the creation and delivery of significantly different and innovative experiences which enhance student learning. It is hoped that the award will encourage replication and further development of innovation.
Please click here for a list of past EIA recipients.
Teaching Excellence Award
The Teaching Excellence Award (TEA) recognises and motivates teaching staff who have demonstrated significant impact on student learning through their teaching practices. These award recipients who are exemplary in enhancing their students’ learning experience and development, also serve as role models for their colleagues.
Please click here for a list of past TEA recipients.
Contact Details
- learningacademy@tp.edu.sg
- 8.30 am to 6.00 pm (Mon to Thurs). 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (Fri) Closed on Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
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Learning Academy
Temasek Polytechnic
South Wing, Block 26B, Level 3,
21 Tampines Avenue 1
Singapore 529757
