Academic Writing & Presentation

The module focuses on critical thinking, academic writing as well as presentation and listening skills. The module aims to equip students with the skills for academic writing and presentation. Finding and evaluating academic sources, reading, note-taking, essay planning and writing, and presentation skills will be developed in this module.

Career & Professional Preparation 1

This module gives students a foundational introduction to their three-year diploma course curriculum and how it prepares them for industry. It will help them to embark on their course with the end in mind, through guided reflection of their personal characteristics and producing an overall game plan for their future education and career goals. The module aims to deepen students’ commitment to the sector that the course prepares them for.

General History of China

This module gives students an outline of Chinese history. It covers all the important events and major historical figures throughout all the dynasties in China. Students should be able to form a general idea of Chinese history and its people and gain insightful reflections to the development of Chinese history; probing them to read more extensively and reflect critically on the Chinese culture and history.

Introduction to Chinese Cultural History

This module introduces various aspects of Chinese cultural history, including the development of social culture, Chinese philosophy, ethical values, educational system, the arts as well as other aspects of Chinese culture. Students will also be encouraged to critically evaluate Chinese traditions, customs and lifestyles.

IT Applications

This module develops the e-competencies by equipping students with the essential computing concepts and necessary skills to use computer applications for information research, organisation, collaboration and presentation.

Written Communication in Chinese

The module aims to teach students the fundamental skills to write effectively in both academic and professional settings. On top of acquiring the basics of structure and style, students will learn to formulate and develop clear writing objectives. Students will be able to write coherently and cohesively in formal, expository and creative style, and also in academic research papers.

Contemporary China

The module examines Contemporary China from its political, economic, societal and cultural aspects. In order to deepen their understanding of China, students will learn about the challenges that China faces. Topics such as economic development, urbanisation, migration and others will be covered in the module.

Fundamentals of Translation

This module introduces fundamental strategies and techniques of English/Chinese (EC) and Chinese/English (CE) translation. Students learn the basic principles of translation and apply these principles to the translation of a variety of text genres. Students will also explore how a translator makes decisions in actual practice by considering a host of factors, including the author's intention, the desired function of the translated text as well as the needs of the readers.

Introduction to Chinese Drama & Theatre

This module aims to help students develop critical and creative thinking skills to produce short theatre pieces. Students enjoy hands-on experience in directing, writing and acting a short play. The module will also introduce techniques in the application of theatre and drama in various fields of work.

Introduction to Chinese Literature

This module surveys the development of classical Chinese literature from ancient times to the late Qing era. It introduces students to representative literary works of each period, ranging from the Book of Songs to the Qing novels. The module explores the historical background of literary works, the lives and experiences of major writers, as well as the structural and formal characteristics of different literary genres.

Professional Communication 1

This module prepares students to communicate effectively in business settings. Students will learn both oral and written communication skills that demonstrate concepts of business communication principles, interpersonal skills and intercultural skills. Topics such as proposal and report writing, elevator pitch and professional presentation will be covered.

Speech Communication in Chinese

In this module, students learn the basics of Chinese phonetics as well as speech communication styles in different social settings. It trains students to be effective, articulate, confident, composed and credible Mandarin speakers in a variety of professional situations. The module also explores how communication affects human behavior and social development.

COMMON MODULES FOR EDUCATION AND BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Intermediate Translation

This module exposes students to the theory and practice of Chinese-English (CE) and English-Chinese (EC) translation in greater depth and breadth. Students will have hands-on experience in translating different types of texts, including advertisements, movie/song/book titles, news and basic legal writing.

Professional Communication 2

This module prepares students to write effective cover letters and resumes. Preparation and enhancement of portfolio to meet professional standard as well as development of presentation skills, and improvement of job-seeking techniques will also be covered in the module.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Child Development & Learning

This module examines the nature of child development. Students will learn the holistic nature of development, the biological foundation, pre-natal development, brain research and major developmental theories in relation to physical, social, cognitive and emotional development. Students will be introduced to child study and observation techniques.

Classical Chinese Poetry & Fiction

This module provides a brief introduction of the development of Chinese poetry and fiction starting from pre-Qin to late Ming and Qing dynasty. Poets from different schools and their representative works will be studied. Students will also learn to appreciate and analyse literary works related to ancient social life, history and culture of the elites in these eras.

Language Lesson Planning & Teaching

The module aims to prepare students to construct lesson plans with appropriate learning activities and develop effective teaching strategies in the teaching of the Chinese language and to assess the diversified learning outcomes of students during classroom time. Students will be exposed to different language pedagogies and teaching techniques for the local primary school context.

BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Chinese Business Communication

This module exposes students to the context of commercial exchange and communication skills between people of different countries and cultures. Students will learn the cultural and social differences, the use of international business language and business correspondence and other non-verbal communication, and understand international business etiquette, and the style and strategy of international business negotiations.

Introduction to Business

This module aims to provide the fundamentals of financial and business management. Students will be equipped with the relevant technical and conceptual skills in financial and business management to plan, evaluate, execute, control and monitor financial and business projects.

Marketing & Publicity

This module equips students with the necessary strategic skills, as well as tools and techniques to organise and implement marketing and publicity activities. Students are involved in planning, coordinating, staging, and managing events. They will also learn to write persuasively for various audiences, with a focus on the Chinese-language audience. The module is conducted in Chinese.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING SPECIALISATION

Aesthetics & Creative Expression

This module introduces students to an array of visual and performing arts and exposures for the appreciation of creative art forms. In addition, students will be introduced to progressive theories on Arts education to build firm foundations on the key roles the Arts play within early years settings. Theories related to aesthetics and creativity will also be introduced. Students will learn multiple approaches to engage young children in creative-arts expressions that are aesthetically rich and imaginative. Through both theory and experiential sessions, students will encounter the Arts first- hand and will design Arts experiences that are developmentally appropriate, meaningful and informed by practice.

Child Development 1

This module introduces students to research on brain development and its implications on children’s growth and learning. Early Years developmental milestones will be discussed with significant emphasis on birth to three years of age. Students will develop an understanding of the philosophy of infant and toddler care and development, and the Early Years Development Framework (EYDF). Theories of child development, with emphasis on Attachment theory, characteristic behaviours, and their implications on play and care-giving practices for families and in the infant care context will be covered. Students will also learn appropriate behaviour guidance and interaction strategies for this age group of children that are guided by observations and documentations.

Child Safety, Health & Socio-emotional Well-Being

This module introduces policies and practices for establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for educators and children in early childhood settings as they relate to the socio-emotional well-being of children. Students will understand the importance of nutritional adequacy and balanced meals for children’s optimal growth. They will learn to identify early childhood illnesses and symptoms, engage in hygienic practices, and observe for signs of child abuse and address them professionally. Clinical practice will be included for students to learn how to manage the day-to-day care routines and transitions for children from infancy to the preschool years.

Motor Skills Development

This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to help young children develop perceptual, fine motor and fundamental movement skills consisting of locomotor, non-locomotor and object control skills in a safe environment. Students will learn to observe, plan, implement and facilitate fun, meaningful and age appropriate indoor and outdoor play activities and fundamental movement experiences using an integrated approach to learning.

Practicum

This practicum is for students to experience the practical aspects of working with young children in early childhood settings with a focus on ages three plus and younger. It will support students’ learning in the area of child development, observation of children in various contexts, safety, health, hygiene and nutrition matters and the learning environment for play. Students will be involved in daily routine care and taking on teacher-assistant roles. With observations and documentations, students will plan and implement learning experiences for an individual child. Students will also engage in reflective writing on their roles and interactions with children.

Professional Communication 2

This module prepares students to write effective cover letters and resumes. Preparation and enhancement of portfolio to meet professional standard as well as development of presentation skills, and improvement of job-seeking techniques will also be covered in the module.

The Professional & Reflective Practitioner

This module explores the various roles of an early childhood educator in working with children, families, other professionals and agencies in the community. A range of professional issues will be examined, including stages of professional development, practitioner competencies, continuing education, advocacy and personal growth plans which are aligned with the current early childhood landscape in Singapore. Students will learn communication and reflective skills and how to manage ethical issues in relation to working with children, colleagues and families taking reference from the Code of Ethics, Singapore by AECES. Students will also be equipped to understand self and reflect on personal preferences and style; develop interpersonal skills and enhance personal effectiveness through self-mentoring.

COMMON MODULES FOR EDUCATION AND BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Critical Thinking & Writing in Chinese

The module aims to equip students with the important techniques of critical analysis to develop their ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking and writing. Students will learn through different genres of Chinese articles, books, movies and will be taught to critically analyse them. They will be expected to express their analyses through the written critical pieces.

The Chinese in Southeast Asia

This module studies the mass migration of the Chinese to Southeast Asia in the mid-nineteenth century and the Chinese communities in the region. The focus is on their economic, political, cultural activities, identity transformation as well as their contributions towards the region’s development since the early twentieth century.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Introduction to Children’s Literature

This module introduces students to children’s literature and explains how it has reflected cultural, social and ideological change. Students will examine the ways in which the child has been depicted in literature, learn to appreciate and critique different genres of children’s books and be able to select age-appropriate books for young children. A study of children’s television and drama is included.

Special Needs & Exceptional Child

This module introduces students to various special and exceptional needs in primary school children including physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and sensory characteristics that make them different. Students will learn about their roles in an inclusive learning environment, design of individualised learning plans and communication with families.

BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

Chinese Business Practices

This module equips students with the basic knowledge of business operations in 21st century China. Students will be exposed to an overview of the global economy and the current China market. They will understand the current business environment of China and gain important commercial knowledge. The instrumental business ethics and Chinese business culture will also be covered to better prepare them for the competitive Chinese commercial world.

Culture Heritage Tourism

This module studies the tangible and intangible value of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. It also exposes students to the concept of culture tourism. Through visiting historical and heritage sites, and interacting with industry speakers, students will formulate creative projects based on the knowledge and skills learned in the module.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING SPECIALISATION

Child Development 2

This module introduces the major theories in child development and their implications on practices in child-rearing and early care and education. The joint contributions of biology and environment to the various aspects of child development will be explored. Students will deepen their understanding of the holistic development of children through observation, recording and analysis of children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth and development. This understanding will help students link theory to practice and guide the planning of learning experiences and techniques for behaviour guidance. The six learning domains of the Nurturing Early Learners Framework will also be discussed.

Effective Learning Environment for Young Children

This module equips students with the principles to design conducive learning environments to support play and learning for children from birth to six years of age, noting that the conditions in the environment also affect their behaviour. Students will also learn to set up appropriate learning areas to enhance the physical, cognitive and social and emotional development of children. The selection of print and non-print materials, use of technology and the role of the educator will also be covered.

Introduction to Children’s Literature

The module aims to equip students with the analytical skills and ability to appreciate children’s literature through different genres such as poems, fairy tales, and fables. Students will also learn how to write stories, poems and fairy tales for children.

Language & Literacy

This module introduces students to the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of literacy development from birth to six years of age including trends and issues within a multicultural and multilingual society. Students will learn to design, organise and evaluate a literacy-rich environment that helps facilitate language development, and identify suitable prints and other media for reading activities to develop in young children an appreciation for a variety of children’s literature. Students will also plan experiences for diverse learners, facilitate learning using appropriate techniques, assess children’s progress and work with families to enhance children’s language and literacy development towards school readiness.

Principles & Practices in Early Education

This module provides students with an overview of the historical development of early childhood care and education (ECCE), pedagogical principles and contemporary perspectives. Students will also gain an understanding of the different models of practices internationally including the Rights of the Child (UN-CRC) and how they relate to Singapore. ECCE development in the Singapore landscape; policies (of MSF, MOE and ECDA); curriculum and assessment frameworks (such as Kindergarten Curriculum Framework, Early Years Development Framework and SPARK) that guide provisions of quality care and education and key stage outcomes will also be included. Play that is central to trends and research in ECCE will be explored in the context of how developmentally, culturally and individually appropriate it is as a mode for learning in young children from infancy to the preschool years.

Social Emotional Learning

This module equips students with the theoretical knowledge and pedagogical skills to nurture social-emotional competencies and positive values necessary for character formation in young children. It also addresses the role of teachers in modelling good character traits, in helping children develop self-awareness and self-management skills for their emotional well-being as well as social competence to build strong interpersonal relationships. Students will also take reference from the six learning dispositions (PRAISE) and use children’s picture books to promote positive values, pro-social behaviour and understanding of self and others; and integrate social-emotional learning across the curriculum.

EDUCATION SPECIALISATION

Chinese Etymology & Modern Chinese Script^*

This module equips students with a basic knowledge of Chinese etymology and the modern Chinese script. It deals with the origin and evolution of Chinese writing, the analysis of the structure, form and meaning of Chinese characters, as well as the reform movement of Chinese writing in later stages. Such knowledge will enhance students’ ability when they become Chinese language teachers, especially in the teaching and recognition of Chinese characters.

Modern Chinese Grammar^*

This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge of modern Chinese grammar, as well as an understanding of the nature and classification of the Chinese lexicon. It will equip them with concepts and skills to analyse various parts of speech and sentence structures of different modern Chinese texts in daily and academic life. It also deals with the functions of rhetoric in literature and everyday life. It aims to enable students to determine the linguistic structure of an expression and relate it to its meaning and rhetorical effects.

Teaching of Civics & Moral Education^*

This module introduces students to the use of various approaches to teach civics and moral education at the primary school level. Students will learn core values such as love and humility, filial piety, family harmony, courtesy, responsibility, compassion and loyalty. Important subjects like the cultural practices, values, places of worship, customs and traditions of the different races of Singapore will be included in the module.

Techniques in the Teaching of Chinese Language^*

This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the various methods and practical techniques in the teaching of different language skills. The use of IT in the teaching of Chinese language will be included.

Use of Chinese in Teaching (Hanyu Pinyin)^*

This module develops the oral communication skills of students for teaching purposes. Three main sections will be emphasised: Phonetics, Speech Skills and Effective Classroom Communication. Errors in Mandarin pronunciation relating to vowels and consonants, the four tones and the change of tone with specific words will be taught. Students will also be exposed to practical knowledge and skills in Hanyu Pinyin, accurate pronunciation and standard Mandarin.

6-Month Internship/Industry-Based Project^**

This module places students on semester-long internships that match their abilities and interests. Alternatively, students may work on career-related or research-related projects in their areas of interest.

BUSINESS SPECIALISATION

6-Month Internship/Industry-Based Project^**

This module places students on semester-long internships that match their abilities and interests. Alternatively, students may work on career-related or research-related projects in their areas of interest.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHING SPECIALISATION

3-Month Internship

The Internship Programme with professional practitioners acting as mentors, enables students to acquire the work experience needed for their chosen areas of interest. The organisations involved are selected for their capacity to expose students to different aspects of work in the early childhood industry. The students’ learning outcomes are assessed by their respective internship mentors and NIEC supervisors. Students can also work closely with staff in the early childhood centres on projects that will benefit children, families and the community.

Working with the Exceptional Child

This module introduces students to various exceptional needs in young children including physical, cognitive, behavioural, emotional and sensory characteristics that make them different. Trends and issues in relation to inclusive practices and policies will be covered. Students will learn about their roles in an inclusive learning environment, design of individualised learning plans and communication with families. Students will also explore community resources and professionals that provide support for children with additional needs.