SMU organised the inaugural Education Leaders’ Symposium last Friday, 27 Oct 2017, bringing principals, senior teachers, and counsellors from schools across Singapore to SMU for a day of plenary sessions, discussions and sharing about the latest higher education trends.
Themed “The Future Of Learning: Championing An Interdisciplinary And Collaborative Pedagogy”, the one-day symposium attracted approximately 120 educators from 22 educational institutions (mostly from junior colleges, polytechnics, IB and international schools) with an interest in the topic.
The School of Law was buzzing with energy and excitement as the educators took turns to stop by the photo booth for a photo op with their colleagues. (From left to right: Educators from School of the Arts, Victoria Junior College and NUS High School of Mathematics and Science)
To kick off the symposium, the participants were treated to a medley of popular songs, performed by SMU students Jereld Sze and Daniel Chin, an acoustic duo from SMU Music Interactive Club/SoundFoundry. It was an entertaining showcase, as song after song regaled the audience.
SMU students Jereld Sze and Daniel Chin serenaded the guests with four songs – Don’t Dream It’s Over, Price Tag, Castle On The Hill and 稻香.
SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong delivered a rousing keynote address (titled “Learning theories, pedagogical approaches and learning outcomes: Insights from the SMU experience”) at the opening session. She spoke at length about SMU’s pedagogical framework and the importance of aligning theories, pedagogy and outcomes.
Professor Kong delivering the keynote address. The audience kept up a steady stream of thought-provoking questions during the Q&A segment.
Besides Provost’s keynote address, the symposium also featured eight plenary sessions delivered by SMU faculty, revolving around critical issues like championing a collaborative and interdisciplinary pedagogy, creating effective learning using case studies and methods, using technology to enhance interactive learning, as well as delivering experiential learning with industry and faculty collaboration.
Plenary Session 1: Delivering the SMU Pedagogy, co-presented by SMU Associate Professor of Economics (Practice) Tan Swee Liang and Mr Bernie Koh, Senior Manager, Centre for Teaching Excellence
From left to right: Assistant Professor of Strategic Management Geng Xuesong, Assistant Professor of Information Systems (Education) Swapna Gottipati and Senior Lecturer of Statistics Ms Rosie Ching delivering their respective plenary sessions.
From left to right: Associate Professor of Political Science John Donaldson, Assistant Professor of Law Alvin See and Lecturer of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources Mr Paul Lim engaging the participants.
From left to right: Mr Kevin Koh, Head, SMU-X, presented on the SMU-X pedagogy while SMU students shared their insights and experiences working on SMU-X projects.
Lunch was a delightful affair where participants were treated to a hearty spread of local and international cuisines. SMU’s senior management, Deans, faculty and staff also took the opportunity to connect with the educators and discuss topics of common interest.
SMU faculty and staff interacting with the guests during the networking lunch.
The symposium concluded on a high note with our very own SMU Ambassadors taking the participants on a guided campus tour, which included pit-stops such as the Kwa Geok Choo Law Library, SMU Labs and Campus Green.
Participants ending the day with an engaging campus tour led by SMU Ambassadors.
More photo highlights are available via our Facebook album for your viewing pleasure, to relive the meaningful occasion.
