Personalized Learning
“What are you interested in?” Students pursue personalized learning in Singapore American School’s Catalyst program
“What are you interested in?” Sitting around a large wooden table, I was having a conference with my AT Research & Catalyst teacher about my research topic - or lack thereof - when he asked me that question. Unable to find the right words, thick tears fell down my face as I realized that I did not know myself well enough to give him an answer. Throughout my educational career, I had fixated on what was to come next. Whether it be the next summative assessment, group project, or written essay, I was constantly focused on following the guidelines, checking the lists, and using the set formulas; never did I take the time to truly stop and reflect. However, the fulfilment of my Catalyst credit was a break from this cycle. By being given the opportunity to personalize my learning and explore any topic I wanted, I was able to find myself. Cracking open the portal of scholarly sources that few visitors dare to enter, braving the maze of research topics, and searching for gaps in the framework to build an inquiry around, I found that AT Research & Catalyst was a quest of self-exploration. It was a chance for me to reflect on the interests I had and why I was pursuing them. Inspired by the plight of my mother, a working woman with twins, I studied the postpartum health of working mothers in Singapore. I hoped to discover whether there is a correlation between mothers’ postpartum depressive symptoms and their participation confinement, a Chinese ritual that restricts mothers to the confines of their homes in an effort to promote postpartum wellbeing. This research revealed my passion for social sciences and showed me that there is plenty within our everyday lives yet to be discovered. Through its self-paced framework, the Singapore American School’s Catalyst program gives all students the opportunity to learn more about themselves. Emphasizing the Catalyst program’s goal of student agency and personalized learning, past projects have ranged
By Anya Devgan, Grade 12 Singapore American School
from pangolin protection efforts to stage play productions; students have embarked on entrepreneurial journeys such as the creation of an active swimwear company while others have developed instrumental performance skills. No matter a student’s self-identified driving question, Catalyst provides them with the chance to delve into an interest of theirs. It gives them the opportunity to escape their whirlwind of tests and exams and learn something new about themselves – an opportunity seldom received within a traditional classroom setting. While giving students the chance to explore their intellect, passions, and interests, Catalyst also equips them with 21st-century skills useful in the future. Personally, it has taught me the core strengths of perseverance and adaptability. Whether it be issues regarding the feasibility of my project, obstacles in overcoming too few survey responses for a credible analysis, or concerns about obtaining a mentor, I have experienced a wide range of difficulties during my Catalyst journey. But with each setback, I’ve gained lifelong lessons. I, along with other Catalyst students, now know how to properly communicate with mentors outside our school network. We can articulate our thoughts and reflect on our learning within an endof-year presentation. We have the ability to collaborate with others and undergo an iterative cycle of creation, revision, and feedback that strengthens our work. Last year in AT Research & Catalyst, I embarked on one of the most challenging experiences of my life. But, underneath the multitude of setbacks, ignored emails from possible mentors, and hours of revision, Catalyst is an opportunity for self-growth and a journey of personalization that I hope all students get to undertake. If you’re in interested learning more about Catalyst at Singapore American School, visit www.sascatalyst.net.
ELM
17th Annual EARCOS Teachers’ Conference 2019
EARCOS LEADERSHIP Theme: “Future Movers and Makers” MENTORING
March 21-23, 2019 | International School Bangkok, Thailand
P.E. ARTS TECHNOLOGY
STRANDS ! ATTENTION EARCOS LEADERS AND ASPIRING LEADERS ! Physical Education/Wellness/Health Join EARCOS leaders collaborating to support each other, Visual as Arts Film mentors and mentees.
Performing Arts: - Choral Music, Primary Gen. Music, Drama, and Strings You are invited to connect with fellow EARCOS membersDance, and Band, others Design Technology, Robotics planning to enroll visit in the “winter” online orientation for the EARCOS www.earcos.org/etc2019 Technology, General Education Topics Leadership Mentoring (ELM) program. Please consider contributing to our
ongoing collaborative learning experience.
Winter 2018 Issue 41
