INTERVIEWS | LUMEN
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( iv ) The educator must spend time reflecting on what it means to be a professional ( v ) A successful educator would do well to
translate the following ideal into action :
“ It ’ s not how much we give but how much love we put into
giving ”
Mother Teresa
How would you describe your teaching philosophy ? What has helped shape your beliefs ? My teaching philosophy and practice are akin to the roulette patterns I create using a Spirograph . When the stencil ring of lived experience rotates around the circle of time , the traces of observation and learning create an intricate pattern , nudging me and my students to question the symbiotic relationship between teaching and learning . This engagement helps us with identity construction , which guides my teaching of English Language and Literature . While much can be said about identity construction and its influence on the teaching and learning of English in Singapore , the following questions guide , motivate and intrigue me and my students as we construct our identities in the English classroom : ( i ) Why invest time in learning the nuances and sensitivities of language when modern communication appears to be functional ?
( ii ) How can I innovate while conforming to conventions ?
( iii ) How can the study of English contribute to the betterment of my society ?
( i ) Learning is an essential and lifelong process ; one must be ready to learn and relearn .
( ii ) Successful education is achieved when the self is ready to work for the betterment of others
( iii ) Successful education is akin to the roulette patterns one creates using a Spirograph ; education is not the outcome of a linear learning process , it is a construct built with the interweaving of experience , perception , rigour , imagination and curiosity .
The current school model was based on a model that emerged during the period of the Industrial Revolution in Europe . The world is a very different place now , and the communication revolution appears to be creating some disruption in institutions . How can schools change from the current model into one that is less chaotic ? The modern Singapore school departs ( radically ) from the 18th or 19th century Western school model . A study of Singapore ’ s education history and a trip to the MOE Heritage Centre will help one understand how education in Singapore has evolved . The modern Singapore school supports chaos in the intellectual sense . Chaos is needed for creativity and critical thinking to thrive ; SJI ’ s Curricula supports intellectual chaos through problem-based learning and self-determined assessment . Hence , I would be surprised if schools , both in Singapore and elsewhere , are embracing models that have become anachronistic .
How important is a school ’ s connection to its local community and can you elaborate on why you think so ? Much has been spoken about the merits of service learning . Hence , there is no need for me to reiterate how important the relationship between school and community is . Yet , the sustained relationship between Singapore schools and community has led to the creation of an exciting field of inquiry : public pedagogy . A ( relatively ) new area of educational scholarship that considers the application and development of educational theory beyond formal schooling , the school-community relationship provides opportunities to develop the following : ( i ) Citizenship within and beyond schools ( ii ) Pedagogical theory on popular culture and everyday life ( iii ) Informal institutions and public spaces as educative arenas ( iv ) Dominant cultural discourses ( v ) Public intellectualism and social activism
What is the greatest hope and greatest fear for the future of education ? My greatest hope for the future of education – people wanting to learn in order to live life .
My greatest fear for the future of education – people wanting to learn in order to survive life .
What kind of school climate makes innovation possible ? Developing one ’ s capacity for wonder defines my values and beliefs as an evolving educator in Singapore . Everyone has the capacity for wonder . That is why many an educator would point out to the oft-quoted line by Descartes , ‘ I think , therefore I am ’. In an age where the internet has taken over our lives , be it literal or metaphorical , I believe in making sure a school is a place for mystery , wonder and thrills . If not , the young in my society will find these elsewhere . Hence , in wanting to promote an environment where wonder is nurtured and cherished , the following beliefs should be embraced by a School cherishing innovation :
Facing page ( top right ): Mr . Karthick ponders the changes in the contemporary education scene
This page ( top ): Our Principal , Father Adrian , and Mr . Karthick celebrating another award for Mr . Karthick
This page ( bottom ): Our Principal , Father Adrian , congratulating Mr . Karthick on his latest award