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A parents' outreach seminar was held in Republic
Polytechnic’s (RP) new Woodlands campus on 25 March 2006 for the second
time successfully. This time, parents of 3rd year students of RP's School
of Information and Communications Technology (SIT), and the School of Technology
for the Arts (STA), attended the seminar together with career teachers from the neighbouring
secondary schools.
Approximately 120 parents turned up, interested in RP’s unique
learning approach and gathered to resolve their questions and doubts on this
newly adapted system. The attendees were ushered by student helpers from
various entrances of the 20-hectre campus. Goodie bags were distributed
containing RP’s latest series of publications - Professional Profiling
newsletters.
Mr. Eden Liew, Deputy Principal of
Republic Polytechnic, gave a brief introduction on the structure and
facilities of the new state-of-the-art Woodlands campus. Dr Alwis, Director of
Academic Affairs enlightened the audience by giving a comprehensive elaboration
on Problem-Based Learning (PBL). He brought across the point that the PBL system is a
more efficient method of developing students’ knowledge than the traditional
style of lectures. Furthermore, he gave strong examples of how the lessons
delivered in RP are applicable in real life and the corporate world. He also
gave an illustration of classes were conducted in RP, as well as the grading and assessment
methods, and other student development activities granted by the implementation
of this new system.
During the Q & A session, parents voiced their doubts,
queries and comments. There was active participation on the part of the parents
which incited a lively discussion on the challenges faced by their children.
This interaction helped them find satisfactory answers for most of their
queries. After the session, parents were treated to light snacks, coffee and tea.
The next crucial part of the programme was the revelation
of the personal experiences by Republic Polytechnic students. They
shared the difficulties faced when they first started classes in RP. This gave
the parents a better understanding of the transition process that their children had
undergone. Also, RP students proved to the audience that this education system
not only focused on their subject knowledge but also on their presentation skills and
team working abilities. Parents were given a chance to query the veteran students to
verify the aptitude and practicality of the PBL system. Our students
displayed a vivid maturity while answering these queries, which was highly appreciated by the parents.
When the seminar came to a close, all
attendees were treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch. Many of the parents took this
opportunity to voice their individual concerns to the many helpful staff/facilitators
who
were around to mingle with them. This marks the beginning of a lasting
relationship between RP facilitators and parents. This is significant as
we need to work closely with parents to help our
students maximize their potential in their academic pursuits. With the
success of this seminar, RP will look to organise more of such events for
parents in the near future.
* For RP Staff - Click here to view the rest of the photos from this event
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