| From Candidates | |||||||||
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |||||
| Year 2010 | |||||||||
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April 2010, SmartLab has launched its annual Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers course aiming to continue professional development for both inexperienced and experienced teachers.
Below are some testimonials from candidates.
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Hemashini Kalaiselvan, April 2010
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| Year 2009 | |||||||||
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In 2009, SmartLab has launched its annual Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers course aiming to continue professional development for both inexperienced and experienced teachers. Candidates of this years’ batch has commented that certain ideas and principles taught are practical and focused. The course has covered all aspects in order to help them become a better teacher. Lessons are extremely useful and relevant in teaching. We have invited Mr Ng Foo Keong to conduct a workshop titled – Metacognition for Mathematical Problem Solving for the candidates on the Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers. Mr Ng graduated from University of Cambridge and was former lecturer and teacher at National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (NIE NTU), Raffles Institution (RI), Junior College and Polytechnic. 100% of the attendees feedback that the workshop is useful and helpful in the use of a different approach to teaching and coaching students.
Below are some testimonials from candidates. “From the lessons, I get more much knowledge about teaching and learning process, how to prepare and planning the assignment, how to develop new teaching approach, how to facilitate active learning and so on.” Azimatur Rusdiah , 2009 “I get a lot of benefits from this course and it makes me have more motivation to learn English more, more and more…” Lila Prasanti, 2009 “I can learn many pedagogical topics through this course, which I hope I can apply to improve my teaching.” Lita Anggraeni, 2009 “I’ve seen and felt that by learning this lesson, it can make me think more to be creative teacher then I can understand obtaining feedback will give us lots of benefit” Yuni Masruroh, 2009 “He (the lecturer) is charismatic, friendly to us and patient to the participants of the training.” Nanik Kurnia Sugiarti , 2009 “He (the lecturer) has got so much experience so I can share anything about education” M. Disin Asmoyo, School Principal, 2009 “I have enjoyed the various topics and they have helped refresh my teaching skills and background knowledge. I Liked the feedback given after presenting my programme and session plans, it’s very useful. The trainer, Joycelyn, has a lot of practical experience and it reflects in her lessons. I feel like I have learned a lot from her, definitely a master teacher. I have enjoyed the course. I have understood Singapore education a whole lot more. The topics were relevant and helpful.” Beth Ramsberg, November 2009 “The course provides good teaching procedures and knowledge to teachers. The trainers are helpful in ensuring our assignment is done on the right track. I also appreciate that trainers gives us more time to complete our assignments. Overall, I’ve learned a lot from this training.” Ooi Hooi Ean, November 2009
“As for me, the programme and session plan topic is most useful. From this module, I have understood how to prepare programme and session plans well. Trainers are all very friendly. They give us more ideas on teaching and share their personal teaching experience to us. They also gave me confidence and were able to grasp more ideas about teaching.” P.M Nimmi, July 2009
“The topics scope are wide and balanced, therefore I felt amply satisfied with the theme. The questions posed for provocative learning is good. I appreciate the revision and guidance given all throughout the course. The trainers are approachable and considerate, they are able to adjust their teaching and agenda according to the need of the students.” Phe Senming Brian, July 2009 “The trainers are very approachable, understanding. They are able to explain and give us more ideas. Najmun Nisha, July 2009
Below are some testimonials from 2009 candidates; 
Public speaking, as part of the curriculum is most useful as it helps us build more confidence in teaching. The trainers are very helpful and willing to share opinions. With CIDTT, I felt like every aspect is well covered even if the whole course duration is short. I’m confident in teaching and have earned ideas which I can use towards my students in the future. Hew Man Wai, 2009 Topics on session and lesson planning are most useful as it enables me to plan and execute them effectively. Explanations from trainers are sufficient for me to complete the assignment. They are well experienced and patient. They listen from each participant’s point of view. In addition, they very friendly. Lim Keai, 2009 
Adequate guidance was provided during the preparation of the course as trainers gave us feedback on our proposed assignment. In doing so, we knew what to improve on to further enhance our papers. The course has been entirely refreshing. I never saw a teacher in this light and yes, I must say that teaching is an art. Through the programme, I hope to be a better teacher as well as play various other roles. This profession is a calling rather than just a job and after this, I’m certainly more inspired to benefit others and be an effective teacher. The trainers have been good to us. They are understanding and friendly. I have made good friendships as well and nonetheless an enlightening experience. Shanthini d/o Sinivasan, 2009 
Sufficient advices and samples were given to us. All notes provided are easy to comprehend. The trainers are well-versed in the subject. The course was enjoyable and it was a great experience with the fellow classmates and trainers. Desmond Koh, 2009 Samples, presentations, and discussions provided are very useful as reference. This is an excellent course for a new teacher like me who has just embarked on the teaching career. It covers all the essential aspects of what teaching is about and the knowledge gain will help me to improve my teaching skills as I progress. The trainers are also knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. Low Guat Hwa, 2009 
A very good guidance was provided all throughout the programme. Feedback from trainers and sample modules were also of great use. After completing the course, I was able to understand the qualities a teacher should have to become effective. The trainers are very knowledgeable and friendly. V. Rajalakshmi, 2009 
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| Year 2008 | |||||||||
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The lessons covered are challenging and practical. Exam marking scheme discussion is most useful. With the help of two patient trainers, I learn how to award marks accurately. With the notes, computer aid and patient trainers, thank you. Jenny Lee, Current Tutor and owner of an Education Centre, 2008 The course helps me learn other method in solving questions. Marking scheme class helps me to have better knowledge as what to look out for and I can impart to my students. It’s most helpful for me since I’m new to the education industry, it gives me a better understanding in rewarding or deducting marks. I also felt that the hands on and open discussion between trainer and candidate is a plus point. Florence Tan, Current Tutor, 2008 The program has helped me learn P6 syllabus and PSLE marking. The explanations were clear and the topics were all very useful.... So far, good! Gayathri Venkatesh, 2008 The teaching notes are clear, detailed and easy to understand. All topics discussed were very good refresher for me. Low Guat Hwa, 2008 The course is really helpful for me as it develops my level of understanding about the subject. Topics on Speed and Rate are very interesting. I have also learned the comparison of marking between Maths and Science. Tommy Kurnia Putra, Teacher from Indonesia, 2008 “The course has taught me more information about basic teaching, especially what the students need, prepare the lesson and provide more activity for them. The trainer has also given us sufficient advice and assistance in preparing for the assignment.” Yenti Widiastuti, Teacher from Indonesia “Topics are relevant for the subjects that we teach. Since then, I never get guidance on marking scheme, so I’m thankful I was able to get help from SmartLab teachers.” Saidah Akmarina Lubis, Teacher from Indonesia “Generally, this course is very important for teachers to support their teaching methodology, especially in identifying students’ needs. The information given was clear and the trainer has explained the contents well.” Marjohan, Teacher from Indonesia “The course was very informative even for a part-time teacher for 12 years. I learned many important aspects of learning and teaching. Our trainer was extremely kind, patient and positive.” Archana Dubey, Current Lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, 2008 “I thank SmartLab for coming up with such a resourceful DTT course. If not for the modules and lessons handled so beautifully and patiently by my trainer, it would have still remained a dream.” Gayathri Venkatesh, Current teacher at Global International Indian School , 2008 “The lessons covered are challenging and practical. Exam marking scheme discussion is most useful. With the help of two patient trainers, I learn how to award marks accurately. With the notes, computer aid and patient trainers, thank you.” Jenny Lee, Current Tutor and owner of an Education Centre, 2008 “The modules cover all aspects of preparation for a lesson. The extra reading materials provided also gives insight to teaching experiences of other teachers. The learning material handles each section of the assignment, so that it is discussed during the class. The moderators goes through it and gives pointers for improvement.” Pallavi. N. Salvi, 2008 “Discussions were carried out during lesson and I have learnt some interesting concepts from every participant. There is also presentation of our session plans to exchange points of views, allowing us to improve on our teaching method / styles.” Lee Ching Min, 2008 “Beside the materials given, there are also additional useful articles and information given during the lesson. There are more then sufficient materials, articles and sample assignments to support the assignments. The trainer is very helpful. Please keep up the good work!” Law Wi Liang, 2008 “Lessons covered in the modules helped me to plan my sessions systematically by considering learners needs, it also gives me an idea about how to use learning methods and materials properly. Trainer provided all possible guidance during the preparation of assignments. He always ready to help us whenever we have a problem.” Nisha V., 2008 “I feel that the lessons covered in module 1 are very helpful in improving our teaching. It is so because the module highlights more on how we should plan & execute our lesson in class. We get an idea how we should deliver our lesson to the learners using various resources. The lessons also help us to realize how an environment can also affect the learning activity. The field visit to observe the conduct of a class is also very helpful to enhance our teaching skills. Our course trainer Mr. Yew Cheong was always there to assist us with the preparation. Anytime we needed his guidance he was ready to help us. We even had the opportunity to present our assignment in front of an external assessor Ms Hazel, she was also very kind to guide us. We even had sample assignments so that we get an idea to prepare our assignment.” Smita Nair, 2008 “The committed trainers really pursued in giving their best support for knowledge for us to achieve best results. All are being covered and told. I take this opportunity to thank all the trainers involved for their sincere and outstanding support and guidance.” Fouziyah Bte Osman, 2008 |
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| Year 2007 | |||||||||
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“In the course, I have learnt the different approaches to teaching and how to cater to the different needs of the students, how to help students if they learn topics in different sequence in school and how to help slower learners so that they can follow the class. ” Chiew Ho, 2007 “To summarise, this module (referring to module 2 on practice) has given me opportunities for learning for both the students and for myself. It has helped me to become a more effective teacher.” Pei Shan, 2007 “It has helped me gain more knowledge particularly learning stules and strategies to become more effective teacher.” Marlene C Torres, 2007 “I am able to understand the needs of the students better. In a tuition class, normally it consists of students of different learning pace and different topics covered in schools. Hence some of the methods taught in this course are useful for me to apply in the future.” Jacqueline, 2007 |
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| Year 2006 | |||||||||
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“I have gained knowledge from the course in terms of lesson structuring, class management and to cater to the different needs of learners.” Soh Thin Long, 2006 “I learnt the importance of learner differentiation and the needs to cater to different learning styles of the students while finding ways to motivate them.” Vincent Lee, 2006 |
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