Symposium on Innovative Teaching and Learning of Mother Tongue Languages (MTL) 2018

Date & Time

08 March 2018, 08:30 - 08 March 2018, 17:30

Venue

National Institute of Education

Department

Events Details

One thing is clear: Language knows no boundaries. In the first tri-lingual event, a Symposium on Innovative Teaching and Learning of Mother Tongue Languages 2018 (SITLM 2018) at NIE, the significance of pedagogical sharing proved a resounding success. Themed as “Innovative Practice, Practice Innovation: Revisioning Mother Tongue Languages Education in Singapore”, it was held on 8 March 2018.

Speakers echoed two thought-provoking points that day: The possibilities and benefits of learning from other cultures are boundless and the use of culture in the teaching of mother tongue languages (MTL) richly beneficial.

The activities also witnessed an array of ideas and aspirations generously shared. The event provided a platform for over 500 teachers of three languages, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil to convene and exchange ideas at the forum and concurrent sessions. Forum panellists, chaired by Assoc Prof Hadijah Bte Rahmat comprising of Mr Anbarasu s/o Rajendran, Dr Chan Chiu Ming, Assoc Prof Mohd Mukhlis Abu Bakar, Assoc Prof Sivakumaran Ramalingam, Assoc Prof Tan Chee Lay and Mr Yatiman Yusof, discussed about the advancement of MTL education in Singapore.

Guest-of-Honour, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Education, also shared how cultural experiences inter-twined with language are crucial. He recounted how a childhood song inspired him to look for words of wisdom in the Malay language. In his speech, he also encouraged teachers to create opportunities for the future generation to not just speak the languages but also have an authentic experience using them.

First keynote speaker, Prof Stephen David Krashen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California, added that the cause of language competence is by comprehending the language. Teachers should encourage students to read more by telling a good story to them; its content will captivate their imagination. Such language acquisitions are far more memorable since the acquisition of language becomes a by-product learnt with a context in mind.

Second keynote speaker, Dr Soh Kay Cheng, an experienced educator and Research Consultant at Singapore Centre for Chinese Language, challenged all to try a primary objective of MTL education. To impart cultural knowledge and skills then teach language knowledge and skills. He said, “As we cultivate cultural awareness in students, language learning will also take place naturally.” He also encouraged educators to place equal importance on their own culture and cultures of others to develop more mutual understanding, appreciation and respect.

In his closing address, Chairman of the ALC Organising Committee, Assoc Prof Tan Chee Lay, thanked all collaborators and participants for the vibrant conversations toward greater innovation for MTL teaching. Observed by Prof Krashen, the rich exchanges and knowledge gathered would certainly provide positive results toward fresh ideas for MTL lessons to come.

Prof Stephen David Krashen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern California, receiving token of appreciation from Guest-of-Honour, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Education

Dr Soh Kay Cheng, an experienced educator and Research Consultant at Singapore Centre for Chinese Language, receiving token of appreciation from Guest-of-Honour, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Education

Front row (from left to right): Dr Soh Kay Cheng, Prof Stephen David Krashen, Assoc Prof Hadijah Bte Rahmat, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Prof Christine C. M. Goh, Dr Foo Suan Fong

Second row (from left to right): Dr Choong Kok Weng, Mdm Santhi d/o Sellappan, Assoc Prof Tan Chee Lay, Mr Pang Choon How

Prof Christine C. M. Goh, Dean, Graduate Studies & Professional Learning, presenting a gift to Guest-of-Honour, Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Education

The calligraphy art piece was the design work by Assoc Prof Tan Chee Lay, Assoc Prof Seetha Lakshmi and Dr Kartini Bte Anwar.

Forum panellists, chaired by Assoc Prof Hadijah Bte Rahmat comprising of Mr Anbarasu s/o Rajendran, Dr Chan Chiu Ming, Assoc Prof Mohd Mukhlis Abu Bakar, Assoc Prof Sivakumaran Ramalingam, Assoc Prof Tan Chee Lay and Mr Yatiman Yusof, discussed about the advancement of MTL education in Singapore