Novel Initiatives to Advance University Education

National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – two of Singapore’s oldest universities announced various initiatives for improving learning and education at the university level. Both universities endeavor to bring about stress free education whilst staying updated with the on-going technological advancements.

Highlight of the Announcements

Among many other initiatives announced by NUS, a grade-free first semester for freshmen, along with compulsory industry attachment for engineering and computing students was the highlight.

Meanwhile, NTU announced establishment of Center for Research and Development to lead research based learning practices specifically designed for the tertiary education sector.

Benefits for Students in NUS

As the cohort matriculation begins in August, the grade free semester by NUS will be initiated for undergraduates who are on a modular system. This will benefit about 6,000 students undertaking education in the field of Arts and Social Sciences, Computing, design and Environment, Business, Engineering, Science, Music and Nursing.

Though not on a modular system, the Faculty of Law will also be implementing an analogous grade free system for a batch of 230 freshmen. There will no longer be compulsory modules assigned grades in the first semester.

Reason for Introducing a Grade Free System

According to the Deputy President of academic affairs and provost at National University of Singapore, Tan Eng Chye, the grade free system has been introduced in order to reduce educational stress experienced by the students.

He also said that as the first semester is the adjustment and transition period for the students, introducing a grade free system will enable them to transit smoothly into independent learning mode with greater ease.

This initiative will soon be extended to other schools and educational facilities within NUS. Many private tutors in Singapore have also welcomed this style of stress free learning.

Implementing Research in Tertiary Learning Practices at NTU

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has already invested about $30 million to set up a centre for advanced tertiary learning as an attempt to inculcate body of research into the tertiary learning practices that are specific to Singapore’s higher education system which it has been lacking currently.

Known as Center for Research and Development in Learning, NTU’s initiative will attempt to look for better ways to impart 21^st Century skills and expertise in the techno savvy world of today. This will also open way for many tutoring jobs across Singapore.

Details of Center for Research and Development in Learning

The cradle will start with around 10 projects. The key among st them will include, research on students understanding of e-learning.

According to provost of NTU, Freddy Boey, the cradle is going to raise their understanding of various learning pedagogues and make them understand how the university’s curriculum can be delivered in a much better way such that they remain up-dated with all recent technological advancements.