Page 11 - NAFA Annual Report 2016/2017

Diploma Course Formation of Teaching
Curriculum Revision 2016 & Learning Committee

In 2016, the Curriculum Planning Unit (Office of Academic Established in July 2016, the new Teaching & Learning
Affairs), together with the three academic schools, embarked Committee comprises three working clusters looking into
on a curriculum review exercise. The revised diploma curricula professional capability, education experience and pedagogical
and teaching approaches aim to re-align the courses to focus research. The professional capability group identifies gaps in
on three main educational objectives: establishing a practice-led professional learning development and forges partnerships with
and industry-focused syllabus; embracing contemporary practice local and overseas networks in the teaching and learning of
leveraging on traditions and cultural heritage; and nurturing the arts. The education experience team develops processes
creative attitudes and critical thinking. and resources that support academic development and learning
progression. It also spearheads workshops, forums and other
The revised courses will introduce new components to enhance initiatives to enhance the student learning experience.
the students’ educational experiences. Some of these initiatives The pedagogical research cluster develops processes and
include industry-based learning modules, overseas programmes resources that contribute to scholarship and collaborative
and Entrepreneurship@NAFA. Other changes were made in research of the arts practices in the classroom. This team
response to recommendations from the Ministry of Education’s also makes recommendations to improve staff research and
Arts Quality Assurance Framework External Review Panel, such professional capabilities, and champions innovative art and
as introducing modules to nurture higher order thinking skills and design practices in relation to learning and teaching.
combining theory and practical components into bigger credit
modules. The revised diploma syllabus was implemented for
the new academic year in August 2017.

eFiesta

The inaugural eFiesta, organised by NAFA’s academic schools and its Teaching & Learning and
EdTech units, presented blended e-learning in the arts. E-showcases were held, by all eight
programmes, to show how lecturers use technology to innovate their teaching and
to encourage deep and meaningful learning. The eFiesta programme also included sharing
sessions and seminars such as Office Mix for Online Virtual Classroom and Staff Forum on
Professional Online Learning.

SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN

Rainbow Chairity

Students from Rainbow Centre Singapore and NAFA’s 3D Design, Fine Art and
Design & Media programmes worked together to create nine unique artworks on
child-sized Louis chairs. This meaningful project, which also involved other artists,
culminated in an exhibition, Rainbow Chairity, held at ION Orchard from 1 to 15
December 2016. The exhibition sought to raise awareness for young people with
special needs, as well as to raise funds through auctions and sales of the chairs.
Funds raised will go towards the expansion of Rainbow Centre’s Margaret Drive
campus to accommodate more students.

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