Abstract:

Background:
The National Institute of Education (NIE), the only teacher-training institute in Singapore, moved into a new campus in the year 2000. The classroom design was based on a conventional classroom setup. Each classroom was furnished with individual chairs and an attached foldable writing desk. The layout was front facing with the lecturer’s desk positioned at the front-center of the classroom. The conventional classroom design warranted a didactic approach to learning; a lecturer-centered approach and passive learning among student teachers.

Rationale:
The turn of the new century brought about a request for new pedagogical approaches that will enhance the repertoire of skills in students in our schools that were deemed constructive for the 21st century workforce. These competences help develop new skill sets required for future job demands with an emphasis on knowledge economy rather than on manual skills [1]. Drawing from literature, many 21st century competences framework have been developed. Some of the competences that have been identified are collaboration, interpersonal communication, generative problem solving, creativity, and Information and Communication Technology skills [2]. The Ministry of Education, Singapore has their own model of 21st century competences integrated with values. [3]. To align with this thrust, new pedagogical approaches have to be espoused. For example, a project called “Innovative Teaching and Learning Research”, ITL, [4] has been researching into teachers' use of innovative teaching and learning strategies across 11 countries for the development of 21st century competencies. NIE, being a national teacher education institute, has an agenda to help develop our student teachers to acquire these competences so that they will help shape the relevant competences in students in schools. Thus there was a need to redesign our classrooms into collaborative classrooms and that was our impetus to for the pilot project.

Our approach:
The re-modelling initiative of two classrooms into Collaborative Classrooms (CC) to promote student - centred learning began in late 2009. The objective was to shift from a lecture-styled instructional approach to student-directed learning with the central focus being on collaborative learning. In re-modelling the classroom, the need to support our student teachers’ use of technology during lessons was taken into consideration.
The project explored how re-designing of classroom environment can influence the pedagogical approaches by lecturers who were conducting lessons in these newly re-designed classrooms. The project also examined the type of technologies that can support this new learning environment and supports interaction among the student teachers and lecturers. Results from this project were incorporated into future designs of classrooms in NIE.

References:
1. Partnership of 21st century skills. http://www.p21.org/
2. Engauge 21st century skills. Lemke, C., Coughlin, E., Thadani, V., & Martin, C. (2003). www.metiri.com
3. Ministry of Education, Singapore. MOE to Enhance Learning of 21st Century Competencies and Strengthen Art, Music and Physical Education. http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/press/2010/03/moe-to-enhance-learning-of-21s.php
4. Innovative Teaching and Learning Research. http://www.itlresearch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40:2011-itl-research-findings-and-implications&catid=10:reports&Itemid=5

Keywords:

Design, collaboration, technology, lectures, environment.