Ng, Pak Tee

This article critically explores the ideology of functional differentiation of languages that underpins the bilingual policy in Singapore. This ideology values English for its economic function and the indigenous languages for their role in cultural transmission. In the first part of this article, we critique the ideology of functional differentiation by discussing two main challenges that arise from the bilingual policy in Singapore. In the second part of this article, we explain how the ideology of functional differentiation is linked to the multicultural policy adopted by the government. We argue that this multicultural approach emphasizes surface culture and is inadequate in enabling the chosen ‘mother tongue languages’ to serve as cultural and identity markers for the students. The Singapore case study contributes towards the international literature on the underlying ideology, contemporary issues and perennial challenges surrounding language policy in multicultural societies.

The core purpose of this project was to characterise the development of student teachers’ professional competence and identity in Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Specifically, the project studied the impact of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes within National Institute of Education (NIE) on student teachers’ development of professional competencies and teacher identity. This, and the earlier related OER 13/09 LEL and OER 4/10 LEL work, was the first systematic attempt in Singapore to provide empirical evidence that could ultimately help to inform policy on, and practice of, teacher education programmes.

Initial teacher education (ITE) in Singapore is shifting towards evidence- based practice. Despite a clear policy orientation, ITE in Singapore has not yet produced the evidence base that it is anticipating. This paper presents an analytical review of previous research into ITE in Singapore and makes comparisons to the larger international context. The review begins with a brief overview of some of the main characteristics of the research over the last decade (1999-2010). Our analysis suggests that the field of ITE research in Singapore is relatively new and still struggling to be a focus of educational research. Current published studies are typically smallscale with a large number of one-off studies. Quantitative and qualitative studies are largely carried out in parallel with little dialogue between them. This paper seeks to propose a research agenda for ITE in Singapore that overcomes the limitations from previous research as evident from the literature review. Additionally, this paper discusses the conditions needed to support the successful implementation of the research agenda. This review is the first essential step towards building an evidence-base for ITE in Singapore.

Building on and extending earlier research on student self-concepts and studies investigating teachers working with students with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, disorders, or disturbance, this longitudinal study examined teacher self-concepts in relation to their willingness to teach challenging students in mainstream classrooms. In the current study, “challenging students” refer to those who may pose a challenge to the teacher, either behaviourally or academically. Statistical measures included analysis of variance, correlation analysis, path analysis, and commonality analysis. Survey data collected from 108 participants at three different time points consistently showed that affective self-concept was a stronger predictor than cognitive self-concept of teachers’ willingness to teach challenging students. This study affirms and extends self-concept research by showing that the affective dimension of teacher self-concept is a better predictor of choice indicators than the cognitive dimension. The study also highlights the importance of developing and sustaining a strong sense of professional enjoyment for teachers in facing challenging teaching environments.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight three important insights into educational quality assurance, using Singapore as a case study. It is useful to policy makers and practitioners to understand the phases and paradoxes in their educational quality assurance journey so that they may recognise and manage better the complex dynamics of quality assurance in education. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilises a phase model to analyse the development of quality assurance and the challenges and paradoxes involved. This phase model is a framework of analysis of the quality assurance dynamics of primary and secondary education in Singapore with the following phases: standardisation; local accountability; and diversity and innovation Findings The paper finds that: quality assurance develops in phases, each with its own characteristics and challenges; quality assurance changes the nature of education; quality assurance is a paradoxical journey. Practical implications The Singapore case study serves as a mirror to other developing countries in recognising and managing the delicate dynamics of quality assurance. Originality/value The paper illustrates the phase model of educational quality assurance in Singapore and the analysis of the delicate balancing act between conformity and diversity, and between standards and innovation.

This is the fourth in a suite of four projects which aim to establish an evidence-base for the continual review and enhancement of initial teacher education (ITE) and early career teacher professional learning and development (TPL&D) within Singapore. Therefore, this project is the continuation and expansion of our three previously funded research projects (OER 13/09 LEL, OER 04/10 LEL, and OER 15/11 LEL). Specifically, this project investigates how ITE programmes and the first two years of teaching experiences impact the development of professional competencies and identities of student teachers and beginning teachers (BTs) in Singapore.

Why people are drawn to teaching has been a focal research area. However, previous studies seem to centre on the traditional conceptualisations of intrinsic, altruistic, and extrinsic motivations as well as some other similar categorisations. This study attempts to discuss the issue from a different conceptual stance, proposing a distinction between the “triggers” and the “drivers”. The influences on the motivation for joining teaching were explored through in-depth interviews with 26 student teachers. Results show that student teachers’ motivations for joining teaching in Singapore may differ in important ways from that of their counterparts in other places. More importantly, the results highlighted differences between “triggers” and “drivers” as well as the inter-relatedness between them. Some practical implications are drawn for teacher education both within Singapore and internationally.