Inquiry into the Singapore Science Classroom : Research and Practices

This book offers an insight into the research and practices of science teaching and learning in the Singapore classroom, with particular attention paid to how they map on to science as inquiry. It provides a spectrum of Singapore’s science educational practices through all levels of its education system, detailing both successes and shortcomings.

The book features a collection of research and discourse by science educators in Singapore, organized around four themes that are essential components of approaching science as inquiry: teachers’ ideas and their practices, opportunities and constraints from a systemic level, students’ competencies and readiness to learn through inquiry and the need for greater awareness of the role of informal learning avenues in science education. In addition, the discourse within each theme is enriched by commentary from a leading international academic, which helps to consolidate ideas as well as position the issues within a wider theoretical and international context.

Overall, the papers set out important contexts for readers to understand the current state of science education in Singapore. They also highlight strengths and gaps in practices of science as inquiry as well as provide suggestions about how the system can be improved. These research findings are therefore helpful as they provide honest and evidence-based feedback as well as tangible and doable ideas that policy makers, teachers, students and school administrators can adopt, adapt and enhance.

Aik-Ling TAN is an associate professor at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University. Her research interests include the practice of science as inquiry in primary science classrooms as well as in biology laboratories. Of particular interest to her are the intricate classroom interactions between students and teachers that foster meaning learning in science.

Chew-Leng POON is the Deputy Director for Research and Evaluation at the Singapore Ministry of Education (MOE) Planning Division. She is concurrently appointed as MOE’s Principal Specialist in Research and Curriculum. Currently, she is involved in several international studies – including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). She also co-leads a Network Learning Community of Senior Specialists, Master teachers and Heads of Science Department in exploring inquiry science in action in classrooms.

Shirley S L LIM is concurrently an Associate Dean at the Office of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning and Associate Professor in Natural Sciences & Science Education. A marine ecologist by training, she has interests in science inquiry. Shirley organised the 1st to 10th Singapore Biology Olympiads, trained and led the national teams for competition at the International Biology Olympiads (IBO) for 11 years. She was re-elected for a second term in 2012 as one of the four Steering Committee members of the IBO fraternity. She organised the 23rd IBO hosted by Singapore in July 2012. Shirley is the Asian Governor of The Crustacean Society (USA) and the Vice-President (Executive Board) of the International Union of Biological Science’s Commission for Biological Education (USA).