SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches (8th Intake)

SDEA's signature drama pedagogy certification course returns in 2022!  

This 49-hour certification course will provide you with fundamental pedagogical knowledge and skills to create meaningful and imaginative learning experiences for your students and participants with drama, and widen the possibilities and opportunities for work in Singapore. 

This course is recognised by the National Arts Council and will certify participants in fulfilling the pedagogy criterion for NAC-AEP Arts Education Experience Programmes. 

NAC-AEP approved participants will be eligible for a 50% subsidy.

About ETLA'08

Course Objectives:

• Develop greater awareness of the role and impact of a drama educator in the Singapore context
• Understand the creative potential of drama-based pedagogies that aim to foster students’ curiosity, empathy and criticality
• Understand key components of lesson planning and acquire skills in planning developmentally appropriate drama lessons for target groups
• Manage resources and the physical environment as part of classroom management
• Understanding of physical, psychological and emotional safety and well-being in the classroom
• Develop skills and strategies to guide students in unpacking arts and cultural experiences while encouraging critical thinking and dialogue

Minimum Requirement:

• Professional Qualification (minimum of a diploma in a relevant art form, and/or industry experience)
• Some Teaching Experience

Suitable For:

• Fresh Graduates from Tertiary Drama Programmes
• Drama/Theatre-based Artists
• Drama Educators Without Pedagogy Training (e.g., Drama CCA Instructors, Drama Enrichment Instructors)

Module Synopses:

Drama Education in the Singapore Context (DESC)

Facilitator: Asha Nathan

This module provides an overview of the development, perspectives and precision of drama education in the Singapore context.

This module also aims to help learners discover their own professional standing as a drama educator and equip them with skills to engage in reflective practice. Upon completion of this module, learners will develop a greater awareness of their roles and responsibilities and how they can contribute as a professional drama educator in the Singapore context.

Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning (DPED)

Facilitator: Dr Noorlinah Mohamed

This module explores the different pedagogies in drama education. Using lesson plans as case studies, learners will unpack and experience the different pedagogies and identify fundamentals that are unique to drama education. One of the key fundamentals grounding the process is facilitated learning that engages students in critically reviewing their world through embodied and active learning.

​Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to consider the creative potential of a range of drama-based pedagogies that aim to foster student’s curiosity, empathy and criticality.

The Reflective Practitioner (TRP)

Facilitator: Dr Noorlinah Mohamed

This module introduces learners to the importance of being a reflective practitioner. Reflective practice is an approach that enables learners to understand how they can use the knowledge and skills gained during the course and/or other learning contexts in practical work situations and how they combine action and learning in a more effective way. Through greater awareness and reflection, learners will be able to identify and articulate the knowledge that is embedded in the experience of their work so that they can constantly improve their teaching and learning practices. ​

​Upon completion of the module, learners will develop better awareness and understanding of the importance of engaging in reflective practice and critically analyse own practices to gain a better understanding of quality teaching for safe and positive learning environments.

Evaluation in the Drama Classroom (EDC)

Facilitator: Sean Tobin

This module introduces the learners to the importance of evaluation in helping educators make informed decisions about students’ learning and instruction.

Upon completion of the module, learners will acquire basic skills and knowledge in strategies for authentic evaluation of student’s learning and key considerations in the evaluation of activities implemented in a drama classroom.

Assessment of a Drama Session (ADS)

Facilitator: Sean Tobin

The module introduces the learners to the different forms of assessment and rubrics. It is especially essential as it will equip Drama Educators with the ability to determine the assessment mode based on the programme they will be teaching. This will ensure that the assessment is carried out in a safe and accurate manner.

Upon completion of the module, learners will gain a better understanding of the different forms of assessments that are currently established. Learners will also be better equipped to assess students using rubrics as a scoring tool.

Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement & Thoughtful Planning (EETP)

Facilitator: Jeffrey Tan

This module introduces learners to the rigours of lesson planning and the importance of:

• Developing developmentally and culturally appropriate drama activities for students
• Considering effective and affective engagement strategies during lesson

Upon completion of the module, learners will gain a better understanding of the key components of lesson planning and acquire some skills in planning developmentally appropriate drama lesson for students from 4 to 16 years of age.

Learning Environments and Classroom Management: Design & Strategies in the Singapore Context (LECM)

Facilitator: -

This module introduces the learners to the importance of a stimulating, engaging and well organised learning environment and how it affects student behaviour and learning. It examines how a variety of choices of materials and approaches stimulates students’ thinking and facilitates their learning.

Upon completion of the module, learners will acquire basic skills and knowledge on how to create, organise and select appropriate resources and materials to facilitate learning in the drama classroom. Learners will also gain some strategies to manage the physical environment as part of classroom management.

Lesson Plan Assignment

Facilitator: Jeffrey Tan

Participants will plan and submit a developmentally appropriate drama lesson plan for selected age group.​

Participants will have to demonstrate the following:  

• Content designed for relevant age and topic​
• Implementation of clear and logical sequence​
• Gradual development of skills plan​
• Appropriate and effective use of materials and resources​

Facilitating Post-Show Dialogues and Unpacking Arts & Cultural Experiences (FPD)

Facilitator: Kenneth Kwok

The module will equip learners with strategies in facilitating post-show dialogues with students. The module will also guide learners in the unpacking of arts and cultural experiences for students while encouraging critical thinking and dialogue.

From Principles to Practice - Microteaching Presentations (FPTP)

Facilitator: Jeffrey Tan

Participants will present a 15-min presentation (micro-teaching) based on a section of the submitted lesson plan.

Participants will have to demonstrate the following:

• Content designed for relevant age and topic 
• Implementation of clear and logical sequence 
• Gradual development of skills plan 
• Appropriate and effective use of materials and resources 
• Application of effective engagement strategies 
• Application of classroom management strategies
  

Reflection: Oral Presentation (ROP)

Facilitator: Dr Noorlinah Mohamed

Participants will present their reflections at the end of the whole course.​

​Participants’ reflection must show you have read least ONE theory or practice related to drama/theatre​.

Course Schedule:

Module Code	Module Title	Facilitator	Date	Time	Venue
	Orientation	ALL	5 Feb 2022 (Sat)	9am - 10am	Online via Zoom
DESC	Drama Education in the Singapore Context	Asha Nathan	7 Feb 2022 (Mon)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
DPED	Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning	Dr Noorlinah Mohamed	8 Feb 2022 (Tues)	7pm - 10pm	Online via Zoom
DPED	Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning	Dr Noorlinah Mohamed	9 Feb 2022 (Wed)	7pm - 10pm	Online via Zoom
DPED	Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning	Dr Noorlinah Mohamed	12 Feb 2022 (Sat)	10am - 1pm	Goodman Arts Centre
TRP	The Reflective Practitioner	Dr Noorlinah Mohamed	12 Feb 2022 (Sat)	2pm - 5pm	Goodman Arts Centre
EDC	Evaluation in the Drama Classroom	Sean Tobin	19 Feb 2022 (Sat)	10am - 1pm	Goodman Arts Centre
ADS	Assessment of a Drama Session	Sean Tobin	19 Feb 2022 (Sat)	2pm - 5pm	Goodman Arts Centre
EETP	Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement & Thoughtful Planning	Jeffrey Tan	21 Feb 2022 (Mon)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
LECM	Learning Environments and Classroom Management: Design & Strategies in the Singapore Context	-	23 Feb 2022 (Wed)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
EETP	Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement & Thoughtful Planning	Jeffrey Tan	28 Feb 2022 (Mon)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
LECM	Learning Environments and Classroom Management: Design & Strategies in the Singapore Context	-	2 Mar 2022 (Wed)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
	Lesson Plan Assignment	Jeffrey Tan	2 Mar 2022 (Wed)	6pm	Online
FPD	Facilitating Post Show Dialogues and Unpacking Arts & Cultural Experiences	Kenneth Kwok	7 Mar 2022 (Mon)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
	Consultations	Jeffrey Tan	9 Mar 2022 (Wed)	7pm - 10pm	Online via Zoom
FPTP	From Principles to Practice - Microteaching Presentations	Jeffrey Tan	15 Mar 2022 (Tues)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
FPTP	From Principles to Practice - Microteaching Presentations	Jeffrey Tan	16 Mar 2022 (Wed)	7pm - 10pm	Goodman Arts Centre
ROP	Reflection - Oral Presentation	Dr Noorlinah Mohamed	18 Mar 2022  (Fri)	7pm - 10pm	Online via Zoom

Funding and Subsidies:

SkillsFuture Credit 

Singaporeans aged 25 and above who are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit can apply for a claim for this course here. 

Applicants who request for school e-billing will not be eligible for SkillsFuture Credit. 

Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP)

This course has been approved for UTAP support. 

Union members eligible for UTAP reimbursement can click here to apply.

NAC-AEP Subsidy

NAC-AEP approved instructors/providers will be eligible for a 50% subsidy.

Applicants are to indicate their eligibility on the registration form.

Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI)

In loving memory of the late Christina Sergeant, TSPDI is an SDEA initiative that provides subsidies to SDEA events, masterclasses and professional development programmes. 

Click here to find out more and here to apply for the initiative.

The registration process will take approximately 20 minutes, please have your CV/resume on hand.

*Please note that some modules in this course are scheduled to be conducted in-person, however are subject to changes in Safe Management Measures (SMM). 

If you require any support, please contact projects@sdea.org.sg.