Springer Teacher Education in the 21st Century: Singapore’s Evolution and Innovation

This book examines the evolution and innovation of teacher education in Singapore in the 21st century. It covers teacher education reforms in the conceptualising and implementing of the Teacher Education for the 21st Century (TE21) Model and discusses curriculum improvements that are aligned to new competencies; values development that re-envision teacher professionalism and calling; pedagogical changes that emphasise self-directed inquiry and technology-enabled learning; strengthened theory–practice linkages and enhanced teaching practices through school partnerships and mentoring; and impactful education research in areas such as assessment and developing teaching competencies, practices and mentoring. Teacher education in Singapore focuses on developing professional leaders in the field of education who are proactive problem-solvers and empowered researchers. It entails a long-term vision of education and an innovative approach to develop teachers with design skills and an inquiring mindset to understand learners in the fast-changing digital and mobile world. This book is aimed at scholars, researchers, policymakers, teacher educators and teachers as well as anyone interested in learning the philosophy behind Singapore’s unique TE21 Model for the 21st century and beyond. From the Back Cover This book examines the evolution and innovation of teacher education in Singapore in the 21st century. It covers teacher education reforms in the conceptualising and implementing of the Teacher Education for the 21st Century (TE21) Model and discusses curriculum improvements that are aligned to new competencies; values development that re-envision teacher professionalism and calling; pedagogical changes that emphasise self-directed inquiry and technology-enabled learning; strengthened theory–practice linkages and enhanced teaching practices through school partnerships and mentoring; and impactful education research in areas such as assessment and developing teaching competencies, practices and mentoring. Teacher education in Singapore focuses on developing professional leaders in the field of education who are proactive problem-solvers and empowered researchers. It entails a long-term vision of education and an innovative approach to develop teachers with design skills and an inquiring mindset to understand learners in the fast-changing digital and mobile world. This book is aimed at scholars, researchers, policymakers, teacher educators and teachers as well as anyone interested in learning the philosophy behind Singapore’s unique TE21 Model for the 21st century and beyond. About the Author Professor TAN Oon-Seng is Director of NIE. Prior to this, he was Dean of Teacher Education there and spearheaded the Teacher Education for the 21st Century (TE21) Model, which is a major milestone for teacher education both nationally and internationally; President of the Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association (2008–2010) and Vice-President (Asia and Pacific Rim) of the International Association for Cognitive Education and Psychology (2008–2011). He is Editor-in-Chief of the Educational Research for Policy & Practice journal and Lead Editor of the Asia Pacific Journal of Education. In 2014, he was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) by Singapore’s President for his dedication and achievement in the field of education.  Associate Professor LIU Woon-Chia is Dean of Teacher Education at NIE. She is Associate Professor with the Psychological Studies Academic Group and founding member of NIE’s Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory. She was Associate Dean of Practicum and School Partnerships (2009–2014) and Sub-Dean of Diploma Programme (2008–2009). She co-chaired the Theory-Practice taskforce in NIE’s Programme Review and Enhancement initiative that culminated in the TE21 Model (2008–2009) and the Theory-Practice Core Team, TE21 Implementation Steering Group; was President