Developing Framework for Continuous Professional Development in Brain-based Teaching Approaches for NIE Educators

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Victor Lye, Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) whether the Ministry will advise the National Institute of Education (NIE) to include brain-based learning principles such as cognitive load management, emotional engagement, and spaced retrieval in its curriculum; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry has plans to work with NIE to develop a structured framework for continuous professional development in brain-based teaching approaches for educators.

Response

1. The National Institute of Education (NIE) incorporates brain-based learning principles and teaching approaches in the teacher preparation curriculum for pre-service teachers, and in professional development courses for in-service teachers.
2. The Science of Learning in Education Centre (SoLEC) at NIE conducts research in neuroscience and cognitive science to understand how learning occurs and translates these insights into effective pedagogical practices that promote student learning and development.
3. MOE and NIE will continue to work together so that teachers learn and apply developmentally appropriate pedagogies informed by neuroscience and educational psychology.