Joint Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony 2024

Date: 7 Jun 2024

Time: 2pm-4pm

Venue: Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)

On a rainy afternoon on 7 June 2024, at Nanyang Polytechnic, approximately two hundred polytechnic lecturers celebrated their successful completion of the Certificate in Teaching & Learning for Polytechnic Educators (CTLPE) and the School Leadership Program (SLMP). For the first time, graduates from both CTLPE and SLMP gathered for a joint graduation ceremony, attended by Polytechnics management, mentors, colleagues, and well-wishers, marking a significant milestone in the academic journey of these dedicated educators.

The Joint Polytechnic Graduation Ceremony 2024 was conducted face-to-face, symbolizing the second in-person gathering for such an event since the inception of CTLPE and SLMP. The objectives of this ceremony were to provide a memorable culmination of the graduates' training programmes, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and interconnectedness among the graduates from various polytechnics.

In his opening address, Mr. Russell Chan, Principal and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) of Nanyang Polytechnic, warmly congratulated the graduates on their dedication and perseverance. He emphasized the importance of the skills and friendships formed during the programs and encouraged graduates to leverage these networks to navigate future challenges. Mr. Chan highlighted the need to implement acquired knowledge to enhance student experiences and adapt to evolving educational technologies. He also urged graduates to prioritize their well-being and continue their lifelong learning journey, making significant contributions to education.

Graduates from both SLMP and CTLPE shared their learning experiences through two inspiring videos. Three graduates from SLMP and five from CTLPE reflected on their journeys, emphasizing the personal and professional growth they achieved through the programs. These reflections underscored the transformative impact of the training on their teaching practices and leadership skills.

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion on "Education 4.0: The Crucial Role of Educators and Leaders," featuring Dr. Manu Kapur, Professor for Learning Sciences and Higher Education, ETH Zurich, Switzerland,  Dr. Ben Leong, Associate Professor at NUS and Chief Data Officer (Technical) at AI Singapore and Dr. Pee Suat Hoon, Acting Director of Academic Quality & Services at Singapore Polytechnic, moderated by Dr. Shyamli, Principal Lecturer from Republic Polytechnic. The panelists explored the evolving landscape of education and the necessary skills and mindsets for educators and leaders. They emphasized the importance of shaping educational cultures, fostering motivation, and integrating technology thoughtfully.

Key insights from the panel discussion included:

1.      Shaping Educational Cultures: Dr. Manu Kapur stressed the need for educators to focus on shaping cultures within their classrooms, schools, and communities to foster learning agility and adaptability.

2.      Embracing Productive Failure: All panelists highlighted the role of failure in learning and innovation. Creating safe spaces for students to fail and learn from their mistakes is crucial for cultivating resilience and problem-solving skills.

3.      Integrating Technology Wisely: The panel underscored that while technology, including AI, offers significant opportunities, it should support learning objectives rather than replace fundamental teaching and learning processes.

During the panel discussion, graduates expressed appreciation for the panelists' insights and asked thought-provoking questions about using AI in the classroom and how to address the challenge of students preferring to pursue university education over entering the industry directly after graduation.

Dr. Kapur discussed "learn agility," the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new situations and technologies, and "productive failure," where failure is used as a tool for deeper learning and innovation. Dr. Ben Leong emphasized managing and inspiring student motivation, warning against over-reliance on technology, and advising students to develop skills beyond AI capabilities. Dr. Pee shared examples of motivating students through their interests and discussed the potential for AI to enhance learning when used alongside human intelligence.

In his closing address, Dr. Rajnish Gupta, Head of the Joint-Polytechnic Academy for Educators (JP-AcE), expressed deep gratitude to all attendees, panelists, and supporters for making the graduation ceremony a success. He congratulated the SLMP and CTLPE graduates for their hard work and resilience, urging them to continue their lifelong learning journey. Dr. Gupta emphasized the importance of collaboration within the Polytechnic community to support and inspire future educators.

The ceremony concluded with networking refreshments and festive photographs to commemorate the special occasion. The graduates left with a sense of accomplishment and a commitment to continue their journey as educators, equipped with new skills, knowledge, and a supportive network. Congratulations to all the graduates of 2024!

Check out the Cohort Pictures Here! ↗ (opens in new tab)

Click here to see more photos from the Event! ↗ (opens in new tab)