Visiting Prague’s Old Town during my Semester Exchange Programme.
Inspired by her personal learning experience in secondary school and a genuine passion for teaching, Ministry of Education (MOE) Teaching Award Scholar and aspiring teacher Chionh Yee Ching decided to pursue a career in education. The scholarship opened doors to endless learning opportunities and programmes locally and abroad. The dynamic learning experiences beyond the confines of a classroom gave her new perspectives and conviction to contribute to Singapore’s education sector.
Beyond her learning journey, Yee Ching reflected on some of her fondest memories and the lifelong friendships she has made through her fun-filled and exciting campus life.
Inspired to Teach
During my secondary school days, I was deeply inspired by my humanities lessons and teachers and subsequently developed an interest in becoming a teacher. After my A-Level, I participated in the Teaching Internship Programme, which gave me a glimpse into a career in teaching. This internship affirmed my decision to become a teacher. When I came across the NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme, I was instantly attracted by the diversity of the programme, vibrant student life, and opportunities for local internships and overseas exchanges.
My education at NIE has opened many perspectives and deepened my love for geography. The rigour of a double major programme has been a rewarding challenge. In addition to undertaking university-level content courses related to our teaching subjects, we also take curriculum and general education modules to equip us with the skills to teach. Given the small class sizes, we have to actively contribute to the lessons. We are also able to clarify our doubts promptly and dive into topics we are curious about. Smaller classes also enable our professors to dedicate more time and energy to nurturing us into future educators of Singapore!
Learning Beyond the Classroom
During my time at NIE, I was given the opportunity to travel and learn in many places around the world. Beyond a sponsored 5-month semester exchange at the University College Dublin in Ireland, I had the choice of going to places like Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Taiwan, Australia, and more for my International Practicum, a unique part of the programme. I chose Sweden and spent 5 weeks learning about its education system and culture. I thoroughly enjoyed my time basking in Sweden’s warm summer while attending school and learning from their students and teachers.
Additionally, some of the local and overseas symposiums and conferences that I had the chance to attend were the 2024 Singapore Perspectives on “Youth” organised by the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore and the University Scholars Leaders’ Symposium organised by the Humanitarian Affairs Asia in Bangkok, Thailand. I was also involved in an overseas service learning project, Project LoveSikkim, where I visited Sikkim, India, as part of a youth expedition project, organised by NIE students. For my final year project, I visited Kinmen in Taiwan to conduct my fieldwork, which involved conducting surveys and interviews with tourists and locals.
As part of NIE’s Building University Interns for Leadership Development (BUILD), I interned in MOE’s Curriculum Planning & Development Division for 5 weeks. Throughout the internship, I was privy to what goes on behind the scenes in the curriculum planning field. It gave me insights into the wider educational sector in Singapore. I also attended the EduTech Conference 2024, which featured various new technologies that enhance teaching and learning. The conference was inspiring as it showed how quickly the education sector is advancing. These opportunities helped to contextualise my role as a future educator by showing me the other fields that support teachers in Singapore schools.
In all, this scholarship has given me insights into the educational sector beyond teaching. Through the opportunities offered, I learned different perspectives on a range of fields from educational technology to curriculum planning. These perspectives gave me a wider view of the educational sector and how I can contribute to and learn from it.
Treasured Memories and Friendships
I have so many memories and it is hard to pick one! The memories I have made from the friendships with my schoolmates are something I will treasure deeply. Staying with my batchmates in the same hall allowed us to meet often to study or hang out. Participating in hall events like orientation or Halloween celebrations has enriched my university experience and created memories I will remember even after graduation!
One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the NIE Orientation Programme as a Chief Group Leader. It was special because it was the first post-pandemic in-person orientation. I fondly remember the preparations, such as the seniors’ camp, where I established and forged deep friendships with schoolmates I would not have met otherwise. All the bonding opportunities made the programme one of my most treasured experiences in NIE.
In my first 2 years, I was also part of the NIE Student Teachers’ Club, where we organised activities for the student body. I had the opportunity to lead projects like the Teachers’ Day Celebrations, which consisted of campus decoration, flower sales, welfare pack distributions, and a talent show by student teachers. I also spearheaded the creation of the NIE House System, which brings NIE students across all streams and cohorts together. Additionally, I joined the NIE JamBand, where I learned how to play the drums and even performed for its annual concert! I also participated in many activities organised by the student clubs in NIE, like mirror painting and ice-cream making workshops.
I have learned so much and forged closer bonds with my fellow schoolmates through these experiences! I have also gained event-planning experience, which will be valuable in my future teaching career. Most importantly, they have shown me how I would respond to adversity and taught me how to think and navigate situations.
Advice for Aspiring Teachers
Be curious, adaptable, and authentic! As cliché as it sounds, the only constant is change. Curiosity and pro-activeness while learning will ensure that you are at the forefront of change. As students and future teachers, willingness to learn and adapt to new pedagogical approaches and technologies is crucial. Of course, having a passion for teaching and ensuring the welfare of students is key. Ultimately, being authentic is important in fostering trust and creating a supportive learning environment for your students.
Try to get some teaching experience through the MOE teaching internship programme before applying for any teaching scholarship. Nothing beats experience. It can tell you so much more than any advice given to you. Have a vision of what kind of teacher you aspire to be. This vision or teaching philosophy, which will change over time, is what you can use to find your footing throughout the scholarship application process and in your future career as an educator. Lastly, it is okay to be honest with your failures and shortcomings. It is these experiences that will provide us with so many teachable moments. All the best!
CHIONH YEE CHING
MOE Teaching Award
Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Education, Minor in Social Studies, Nanyang Technological University – National Institute of Education
Now: Year 4 Undergraduate