Why the need for effective teaching?

In recent years, technological disruptions, pandemic-related uncertainties, demographic shifts, geopolitical transformations, and globalisation have triggered collaborative partnerships among universities but also intensified competition. These challenges and affordances have tangible implications for NUS, particularly to our approaches in teaching and learning. They compel us not just to impart knowledge and associated skills, but also to teach how to innovate with the knowledge. Effective teaching is, therefore, pivotal in enabling educators to:

• enable students to become engaged learners who use higher level cognitive processes
• help students to connect ideas and concepts across different disciplines
• foster the agility in students to adapt to new situations and rise to the challenge
  develop students’ metacognition towards becoming self-directed learners
• adopt evidence-based teaching practices to foster a culture of continuous learning
• cultivate adaptability and skills in students to thrive in a rapidly changing world
• equip students with future-ready skills that machines cannot easily replace. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills

NUS is committed to enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. It recognises and rewards teachers who excel in their profession. For instance, teaching excellence awards at the faculty level, the highly prestigious Outstanding Educator Award (OEA) and the Annual Teaching Excellence Awards (ATEA) at the university level can motivate educators to enhance their teaching practices, aligning with the new challenges and opportunities.