Contents of Core Modules and Prescribed Electives

CONTENTS OF CORE MODULES & PRESCRIBED ELECTIVES

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CURRICULUM STUDIES

The Teaching of Art (Secondary)

Year Module Code
Title
Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DCA130 Visual Representation and Expression I: Issues in two-dimensional praxis Core 3 -

DCA131 Visual Representation and Expression II: Issues in three-dimensional praxis Core
3
-

DCA133 Visual Representations and Expressions III - Issues in new media praxis Core 3 -

2 DCA233 Art Theory in Action II Core
2
-

DCA130 Visual Representation and Expression I: Issues in two-dimensional praxis

Introduction to the concept and practice of representation and expression. Student teachers will consider the use of two-dimensional expressive and representational media and its role in the formation of symbolic systems. Using a combination of studio-practice and theory, student teachers will develop their own competence in two-dimensional representation and expressive processes. Additionally, links will be made to the role played by representational and expressive thought in children’s intellectual and emotional development. Links with classroom practice will be made. Student teachers will also explore innovative methods of documenting the range of investigative and research-oriented activities undertaken in this module.

DCA131 Visual Representation and Expression II: Issues in three-dimensional praxis

The concept and practice of representation and expression will continue to be investigated. Student teachers will consider the use of three-dimensional expressive and representational media and its role in the formation of symbolic systems. Using a combination of studio-practice and theory, student teachers will develop their own competence in three-dimensional representation and expressive processes. They will be encouraged to undertake projects in which they will develop an understanding of the relationships which link Sculpture and Ceramics. Links will be made to the role played by representational and expressive thought in children’s intellectual and emotional development. Links with classroom practice will be made.

DCA133 Visual Representations and Expressions III - Issues in new media praxis

The concept and practice of representation and expression will continue to be investigated. Student teachers will consider the use of the role of digital and interactive technologies in expressive and representational media and their role in the formation of symbolic systems. Using a combination of studio-practice and theory, student teachers will use new media technologies to develop their own competence in representation and expressive processes. Links with classroom practice will be made.

DCA233 Art Theory in Action II

This module asks student teachers to consider and plan a form of presentation, show, display, or exhibition of artworks Discussion will focus on exhibits in Singapore as they relate to the international art scene.

The Teaching of English Language at Lower Secondary Level

Year Module Code
Title
Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DCE130 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level I Core 3 -

DCE131 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level II Core 2 -

2 DCE230 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level III Core 3 -

DCE231 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level IV Core 2 -

DCE130 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level I

Teaching of listening and speaking within integrated units at lower secondary level. Introduction to the English Language curriculum, unit and lesson planning. Selection and preparation of a variety of appropriate materials and evaluation modes.

DCE131 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level II

Insights into current teaching approaches for grammar at lower secondary level. Ways of devising learning tasks and activities, and producing effective lesson plans that maximize pupils learning and participation.

DCE230 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level III

Teaching reading, vocabulary and writing within integrated units at lower secondary level. Preparation of units of work and lesson plans. Selection of appropriate learning tasks, materials and evaluation approaches.

DCE231 English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level IV

Consolidation of student teacher knowledge and skills in response to a varied pupil language learning needs and a range of classroom interaction contexts.

The Teaching of Mathematics at Lower Secondary Level

Subject requirements:

Pass in Mathematics (Syllabus C) or Further Mathematics at 'A' Level in the GCE 'A' Level Examination or its equivalent; and

Polytechnic Diploma holders who do not meet the requirements as specified above may, at the discretion of the Head of Mathematics and Mathematics Education Academic Group, be allowed to read the subject based on relevant subjects passed at the polytechnic diploma courses.

Year	Module Code	Title	Module Category	No. of AUs	Pre-requisites
1	DCM130	Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics I	Core	2	-
1	DCM131	Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics II	Core	2	-
2	DCM230	Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics III	Core	2	-
2	DCM231	Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics IV	Core	2	-

DCM130 Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics I

Overview of the aims, framework, teaching approaches of the Lower Secondary Mathematics curriculum. Learning theories in mathematics and concept formation. Preparation of scheme of work and lesson plans. Pedagogical principles of mathematics teaching using various teaching strategies. The teaching of Arithmetic.*

DCM131 Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics II

Nature of mathematical thinking. Polya's model and various strategies for problem solving. Hands-on experience of explaining specific Mathematics concepts and procedures. The teaching of Algebra and graphs* - link will be made to the 'model' approach used in Primary schools.

DCM230 Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics III

Assessment in mathematics, test construction and marking. Task analysis and error analysis. Techniques for diagnosing pupils with mathematical difficulties and remedial strategies. The teaching of mensuration and geometry.*

DCM231 Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics IV

Rationale and types of mathematics projects. Methods and procedures for designing and implementation of mathematics projects. Enrichment and mathematical investigation activities. The teaching of trigonometry and statistics.*
*The teaching of the various mathematics topics will include discussion of the concepts, pupil difficulties, the use of suitable approaches, strategies and media such as the use of teaching aids and information technology.

The Teaching of Music (Secondary)

Year Module Code
Title
Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DCI132 Secondary School Music Core 3 -

DCI135 Conducting Core 2 -

DCI136 Conducting for Choir I Core 2 -

DCI137 Conducting for Band I Core 2 -

2 DCI232 Educational Perspectives in Music Core 3 -

DCI234 Conducting Choir II Core 2 -

DCI235 Conducting for Band II Core 2 -

DCI132 Secondary School Music

The teaching of music in the secondary school with particular reference to the syllabus as it is in operation in Singapore schools.

DCI135 Conducting

The fundamentals of choral and/or band conducting through classroom performance.

DCI136 Conducting for Choir I

The development of practical musical skills through participation in choral work.

DCI137 Conducting for Band I

The development of practical musical skills through participation in band.

DCI232 Educational Perspectives in Music

The fundamental issues which underpin contemporary music education and classroom practice.

DCI234 Conducting Choir II

The development of vocal skills (level 2) through participation in choral work.

DCI235 Conducting for Band I

Further development of musicianship skills through participation in band.

SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE

Art

Year Module Code
Title
Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DSA130 Understanding Visual Literacy Core 3 -

DSA131 Concepts and Practices in Art Education Core 3 -

DSA132 The Development of Adolescent Art & its Implications for Teaching Core 3 -

2 DSA230 Visual Arts Education in Museums and Galleries Core 3 -

DSA231 Contemporary South East Asian Art Core 3 -

DSA130		Understanding Visual Literacy

		Visual Literacy refers to the capacity to read and interpret visual images. In contemporary culture, the visual image is being increasingly used as a vehicle through which information is relayed. From bill-boards to DVDs, from computer games to MTV clips, from television to the internet, information is being communicated visually. It is essential that we develop the capacity to understand that visual images do more than merely decorate. Visual images need to be read with the rigor and attention that was once reserved for the printed word. This module will offer an introduction to the study and interpretation of visual culture through a range of theoretical perspectives that seek to explain how visual images generate meaning.

DSA131		Concepts and Practices in Art Education

		The course will look into how the teaching of art has evolved over history. Issues that arise from the various education philosophies and theories and their curriculum implications will be discussed. The course will also examine how government policies and initiatives in the arts influence the teaching of art in primary schools. Student teachers will - discuss the current trends in art education - relate concepts and theories in art education in their practice - understand the relationship between issues in art education and the development of art curriculum

DSA132		The Development of Adolescent Art & its Implications for Teaching

		Considers the development of adolescents' use of visual media. Student teachers will be helped to understand that when young children and adolescents use and organize visual media, they form important understandings about representation, symbols and signs which will prove crucial to their cognitive development. The educational implications will be considered. Student teachers will - understand key developmental and cognitive theories that underpin artistic development in adolescents - evaluate critically these theories and their relevance in today’s art education in schools - be informed and aware of their own beliefs when planning art instructions in classroom

DSA230		Visual Arts Education in Museums and Galleries

		This module will explore the educational role of museums and galleries and its relationship to art education. The primary aim is to help trainee-teachers conceptualise and develop innovative gallery-based resources for different levels of schooling. Fieldtrips will be conducted to the various local museums and galleries. Topics: - Historical background and development of the Art Museum - Art Museum Education in Singapore - The Art Gallery as a Site of Research - Utilising Museum resources for developing personalised curriculum materials for e.g. interdisciplinary materials - Educational approaches to developing gallery-based activities - Museum-school collaboration

DSA231		Contemporary South East Asian Art

		This module is the first of two modules that looks at the development of art in Singapore and in Southeast Asia. The interest here is in prospecting the contemporary in historical terms. This module focuses on ways by which the contemporary and the region are diversely seen, read, desired, claimed and discussed. The approach entails studies of art practices, productions and critical texts. The module will be conducted through lectures, tutorial discussions and assignment projects. Specific Module Objectives: - To formulate and develop a critical inquiry of personal interest - To acquire requisite methods for realising a research project - To develop critical awareness of contemporary and art historical issues and their application for teaching

English Language

Year	Module Code	Title	Module Category	No. of AUs	Pre-requisites
1	DSE130	Introduction to the English Language I	Core	2	-
2	DSE230	Introduction to the English Language II	Core	2	-

DSE130		Introduction to the English Language I

		Focus on understanding the language requirements of the Singapore lower secondary English language syllabus through a review of the phonological and grammatical systems of English and their realization in the main text types in English. Review of the main reference resources available to teachers.

DSE230		Introduction to the English Language II

		This module builds on student teachers’ knowledge of English grammar covered in ETE121. It aims to develop student teachers’ skills in analyzing grammatical features in pupils’ writing at the lower secondary level. This will be based on the grammatical systems of English and the genre or `text types’ framework featured in the 2001 Singapore English syllabus. Student teachers will learn to identify, classify and explain types of pupil errors, and analyse texts in relation to grammatical features based on text types.

Mathematics

Year Module Code Title Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DSM130 Topics related to Lower Secondary Mathematics I Core 2 -

2 DSM230 Topics related to Lower Secondary Mathematics II Core 2 -

DSM130		Topics related to Lower Secondary Mathematics I

		Historical numeration systems, numeration systems in different bases, number systems and operations. Basic concepts in number theory and divisibility. Proportional reasoning and algebraic concepts.

DSM230		Topics related to Lower Secondary Mathematics II

		Concepts in statistics: data representation, measures of central tendency and variation. Selected topics in mensuration, geometry and trigonometry.

Music

Year	Module Code	Title	Module Category	No. of AUs	Pre-requisites
1	DSI130	World Music in Education	Core	3	-
1	DSI131	Composing for Classroom	Core	3	-
2	DSI231	Music in Media	Core	3	-
2	DSI232	Musics of Popular Culture in Education	Core	3	-

DSI130		World Music in Education

		The study of local music in the Singaporean context with a view to developing curriculum and context for their place in the music classroom. Emphasis is placed on Chinese, Malay and Indian music (both North and South Indian music). The role that music from other parts of the world may play in developing pupils understanding of the rich diversity of world music and the central role of music in many societies. The emphasis throughout is on active participation through creating, performing and listening.

DSI131		Composing for Classroom

		Students are encouraged to continue the exploration and development of a personal idiom in composing, but also to understand ways in which the process of composing and improvising in the school classroom may be used as an important means of developing musical understanding, and as a way in which pupils may find a way to express themselves musically.

DSI231		Music in Media

		An introduction to understanding Artistic processes and production in performances that employ multiple media; film musicals, contemporary MTV productions with implications for teaching and learning in classrooms.
DSI232		Musics of Popular Culture in Education

		The study of music of popular culture, including jazz, with a view to developing curriculum and context for their place in the music classroom. Emphasis is placed on the role that music of popular culture plays in developing pupils understanding of the rich diversity as well as its central role of music in many societies. The emphasis throughout is on active participation through creating, performing and listening.

PRACTICUM

Year Module Code Title Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DPR130 Teaching Assistantship (TA) Core
3
-

2 DPR230 Teaching Practice (TP) Core 12 TA

The Practicum is a very important component of the diploma programme. Its principal function is to provide student teachers with the opportunity to develop teaching competencies in a variety of instructional contexts and at different levels, under the guidance and supervision of cooperating teachers and university lecturers. They will learn from experienced cooperating teachers about the schooling process and prepare themselves for their roles and responsibilities in teaching.

During the Practicum, student teachers will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the subjects they read at the university, and have opportunities to integrate theory and practice in schools.

The Practicum is spread throughout the entire course of study and is developmental in nature. It comprises two school attachment periods, i.e., Teaching Assistantship (TA), Teaching Practice (TP).

DPR130 Teaching Assistantship

At the end of the first year, the student teachers will undergo a 5-week TA. Its purpose is to provide student teachers practical experience in helping their Cooperating Teachers (CTs) plan lessons, prepare resources, manage pupils. They will also be given opportunities to observe their CTs teach and to do some guided teaching.

DPR230 Teaching Practice

TP is the last component of the Practicum. It is 10 weeks long – this duration will provide time for student teachers to have a more holistic school attachment experience which would include exploring other aspects of a teacher’s life besides classroom teaching, for e.g., observing how CCAs are managed.

LANGUAGE ENHANCEMENT AND ACADEMIC DISCOURSE SKILLS

Year Module Code Title Module Category No. of AUs Pre-requisites

1 DLK130 Communication Skills for Teachers Core 2 -

2 DLK230 English for Academic and Professional Purposes Core 2 -

DLK130		Communication Skills for Teachers

		This is a practical course designed to provide the student teachers with oral and written skills necessary for effective communication as student teachers in the classroom and in their professional interaction with colleagues, parents and the general public. It includes practice tasks to improve speaking skills as well as exercises and group work practice in thinking processes and communication strategies in the context of text types. Student teachers will be given practical instruction on vocal health care and vocal quality. The practice of good voice production will be embedded in the activities of every session.

DLK230		English for Academic and Professional Purposes

		English for Academic and Professional Purposes is designed to develop student teachers’ language and communicative competence towards two desired outcomes. The first is to equip student teachers with the thinking and language skills needed to produce acceptable texts in course-related writing tasks during training. The second is to guide them towards audience-aware and culture-sensitive strategies of communication with colleagues, parents, and other persons that teachers interact with in the course of their work. The course materials targeting these two outcomes will include a grammar component to enable student teachers to appreciate the relation between grammar form and message communicated.

DCA130		Visual Representation and Expression I: Issues in two-dimensional praxis

		Introduction to the concept and practice of representation and expression. Student teachers will consider the use of two-dimensional expressive and representational media and its role in the formation of symbolic systems. Using a combination of studio-practice and theory, student teachers will develop their own competence in two-dimensional representation and expressive processes. Additionally, links will be made to the role played by representational and expressive thought in children’s intellectual and emotional development. Links with classroom practice will be made. Student teachers will also explore innovative methods of documenting the range of investigative and research-oriented activities undertaken in this module.

DCA131		Visual Representation and Expression II: Issues in three-dimensional praxis

		The concept and practice of representation and expression will continue to be investigated. Student teachers will consider the use of three-dimensional expressive and representational media and its role in the formation of symbolic systems. Using a combination of studio-practice and theory, student teachers will develop their own competence in three-dimensional representation and expressive processes. They will be encouraged to undertake projects in which they will develop an understanding of the relationships which link Sculpture and Ceramics. Links will be made to the role played by representational and expressive thought in children’s intellectual and emotional development. Links with classroom practice will be made.

DCA133		Visual Representations and Expressions III - Issues in new media praxis

		The concept and practice of representation and expression will continue to be investigated. Student teachers will consider the use of the role of digital and interactive technologies in expressive and representational media and their role in the formation of symbolic systems. Using a combination of studio-practice and theory, student teachers will use new media technologies to develop their own competence in representation and expressive processes. Links with classroom practice will be made.

DCA233		Art Theory in Action II

		This module asks student teachers to consider and plan a form of presentation, show, display, or exhibition of artworks Discussion will focus on exhibits in Singapore as they relate to the international art scene.

DCE130		English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level I

		Teaching of listening and speaking within integrated units at lower secondary level. Introduction to the English Language curriculum, unit and lesson planning. Selection and preparation of a variety of appropriate materials and evaluation modes.

DCE131		English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level II

		Insights into current teaching approaches for grammar at lower secondary level. Ways of devising learning tasks and activities, and producing effective lesson plans that maximize pupils learning and participation.

DCE230		English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level III

		Teaching reading, vocabulary and writing within integrated units at lower secondary level. Preparation of units of work and lesson plans. Selection of appropriate learning tasks, materials and evaluation approaches.

DCE231		English Language Teaching at Lower Secondary Level IV

		Consolidation of student teacher knowledge and skills in response to a varied pupil language learning needs and a range of classroom interaction contexts.

DCM130		Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics I

		Overview of the aims, framework, teaching approaches of the Lower Secondary Mathematics curriculum. Learning theories in mathematics and concept formation. Preparation of scheme of work and lesson plans. Pedagogical principles of mathematics teaching using various teaching strategies. The teaching of Arithmetic.*

DCM131		Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics II

		Nature of mathematical thinking. Polya's model and various strategies for problem solving. Hands-on experience of explaining specific Mathematics concepts and procedures. The teaching of Algebra and graphs* - link will be made to the 'model' approach used in Primary schools.

DCM230		Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics III

		Assessment in mathematics, test construction and marking. Task analysis and error analysis. Techniques for diagnosing pupils with mathematical difficulties and remedial strategies. The teaching of mensuration and geometry.*

DCM231		Teaching and Learning of Lower Secondary Mathematics IV

		Rationale and types of mathematics projects. Methods and procedures for designing and implementation of mathematics projects. Enrichment and mathematical investigation activities. The teaching of trigonometry and statistics.* *The teaching of the various mathematics topics will include discussion of the concepts, pupil difficulties, the use of suitable approaches, strategies and media such as the use of teaching aids and information technology.

DCI132		Secondary School Music

		The teaching of music in the secondary school with particular reference to the syllabus as it is in operation in Singapore schools.

DCI135		Conducting

		The fundamentals of choral and/or band conducting through classroom performance.

DCI136		Conducting for Choir I

		The development of practical musical skills through participation in choral work.

DCI137		Conducting for Band I

		The development of practical musical skills through participation in band.

DCI232		Educational Perspectives in Music

		The fundamental issues which underpin contemporary music education and classroom practice.

DCI234		Conducting Choir II

		The development of vocal skills (level 2) through participation in choral work.

DCI235		Conducting for Band I

		Further development of musicianship skills through participation in band.