Master of Education students gain global insights on study tour to Singapore
As part of the subject EDUC91353 Disciplined Inquiry Capstone (Travel), 13 Master of Education students recently immersed themselves in a transformative learning experience in Singapore from 1–11 April 2025.
Led by Associate Professor Marian Mahat and Dr Stanley Koh, the group gained valuable insights into the Singaporean education system through seminars with the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. Key areas of focus included initial and continuing teacher education, the role of AI in education, and the design of flexible, multi-functional, and digitally connected learning spaces in schools.
“The Disciplined Inquiry Travel Capstone is a staff-facilitated, experiential learning subject within the newly redesigned Master of Education, which offers students the opportunity to visit high-performing education systems such as Singapore”, say A/Prof. Marian Mahat. “Through site visits, presentations, classroom observations, and peer collaboration, students engage deeply with global educational practices and develop a proposal for their own disciplined inquiry.”
Students also experienced Singaporean teaching and learning firsthand through site visits and classroom observations across a range of primary and secondary schools, junior colleges, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and universities. These visits explored themes such as culturally responsive teaching, differentiated instruction, and innovative learning environments.
“I love the tri-time that Singapore American School offers to middle school students”, says Noreeni (student), “as it provides them with an invaluable opportunity to explore their creativity and interests”.
“Today's experience made me once again realise the importance of education that connects with real-world contexts”, remarks Vita (student). “Whether it's vocational education or university education, it shouldn't just be about current job needs—it should also equip students with the skills and knowledge to navigate the future”.
This international experience deepened students’ understanding of the innovations, advancements, and challenges shaping educational policy and practice in Singapore, particularly in how the system seeks to provide meaningful learning opportunities for all young people in a rapidly changing and increasingly globalised world.
“The Singapore education system is always ‘relentlessly forward-looking’ with MOE driving wide-ranging policy and pedagogical reforms across all levels of the education system to equip Singaporeans with the skills, knowledge, values and character to thrive in an increasing VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complexity and Ambiguity) world. A recent example is the “Transforming Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030 where AI literacy (how to use AI effectively for learning and work) will be an area of focus”, says Dr Stanley Koh.
The trip also empowered students to consider how successful educational approaches might be adapted and scaled in diverse contexts, while building lasting professional connections with educators and researchers across the region.
"We have been lucky to see different levels of Singaporean policy landscape which demonstrates how global discourses might be translated and localised in education in particular contexts," comments Alge (student).
“I deeply appreciate that [the school] thoughtfully arranged for each of us to have a one-on-one conversation with a member of the school leadership team," says Weiqi (student). “This communication gave me a deeper understanding of [the school’s] educational vision.”