Innovative Teaching and Learning Approaches at Spectra Secondary School

During the Spectra School Experience, primary six students from neighbouring schools visited the new school to try out the "flipped classroom" approach that encourages self-directed learning.

Next year, Spectra Secondary School will open its doors to some 200 students. It will be the second specialised school, following Crest Secondary School, for students eligible for the Normal (Technical) course. Both schools will explore innovative teaching approaches to help their students learn.

"I think these specialised schools will pilot new and interesting ways for students to learn," said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, who visited the school on 12 November 2013, during the Spectra School Experience for primary six students, "and where it may be applicable, we will scale it across the system."

For example, the school plans to use the "flipped classroom" approach to teach Mathematics. For two to three weeks, students will first learn the concepts by tuning in to videos posted online. This allows students to learn at their own time and pace, and review the content when required.

During class time and in class sizes of 20, students would be engaged in Team Based Learning (TBL), where they work together in small groups to complete questions, putting their knowledge into practice. Group work also encourages students to be self-directed in their learning. Teachers would also get to spend more time interacting with the students, and address any learning gaps promptly.

Taken from Schoolbag.sg

Do you have any comments regarding the "flipped classroom" teaching approach?