NIE x HKU International Practicum Exchange Programme 2024-25

NIE x HKU International Practicum Exchange: Hallmarks of Growth and Joy

While summer is a popular time for travel, a group of 5 students from the Faculty of Education had the best of both worlds by combining their travels with an international teaching practicum through the NIE x HKU International Practicum Exchange Programme 2024-25.

Objective and Activities

Jointly offered by HKU and NIE (National Institute of Education Singapore), the programme provides students with an invaluable opportunity to gain insights into different education systems and enhance their pedagogical skills by working alongside seasoned educators in Singapore. It aims to equip aspiring teachers with practical experiences and job-ready skills to succeed in today’s interconnected world.

In authentic, multicultural settings, our students engaged in an array of hands-on activities during a 4-week practicum in schools. For example, they observed lessons taught by their mentors and assisted with marking and preparing teaching materials. They planned and delivered lessons for students from diverse backgrounds and participated in various school activities, including staff meetings, field trips and interest clubs.

Challenges and Growth

It wasn’t all smooth sailing; there were setbacks and challenges along the way from class management and lesson planning to teacher presence and time management. Yet, with a growth mindset and an insatiable appetite for learning, our students stretched themselves and proactively explored solutions. They are passionate, open to feedback and committed to act on it. For instance, they have learned to reflect and adapt in order to better promote learner-centredness and student engagement, integrate technology into learning, cater to learner diversity and foster holistic development along with essential life skills. These qualities, among others, enable them to cultivate their teacher identity and create an engaging, productive learning environment. These are also hallmarks of their growth, joy and discovery.  

Beyond the classroom, our students have also gained a better understanding of Singaporean culture and society through interacting with locals, attending community events, visiting attractions and exhibitions, and sampling scrumptious local delicacies.

Impact through Education

Not only has the international practicum helped the participants hone their teaching skills, it has also broadened their horizons and expanded their world view. Students expressed gratitude for the enriching learning experience – the personal and professional growth will empower them to continue to thrive and positively impact our world through education.

Read on to find out more about the participants’ achievements through the programme.

Stay tuned for more international practicum opportunities offered by the School-University Partnerships (SUP) Office.