For several years now, CDTL has been organising induction programmes for new NUS teaching staff. However, 2 days seemed insufficient for in-depth exploration. It was felt that particularly for academics with little or no teaching experience, more extended guidance—with emphasis on practical, hands-on sessions—might be helpful. Thus the proposal for a Professional Development Programme (PDP) was drawn up and presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans, and Personnel Department for their approval and support. Launched on 10 July, the PDP is targeted at new teaching staff with less than 3 years of full-time teaching in higher education. Subject to space availability, more experienced staff may also elect to use this channel for developing themselves.

The PDP consists of 4 core and 2 elective modules. 3 core modules (on topics like Introduction to Pedagogy: Paradigms and Theories that Shape Practice, Large-group Teaching, and Small-group Teaching) are conducted intensively over a week. The fourth core module, the Teaching Practicum, will span a semester and is closely integrated with the actual teaching done by the respective course participants. It seeks to encourage reflective practice and documentation (i.e. of personal teaching philosophy, aims/objectives of modules taught, practices/innovations in teaching, evaluation of the success/limitations of experimentation, etc.), thereby functioning as a useful learning tool and the possible basis of a teaching portfolio. The 2 elective modules, selected from the options offered each semester, include topics like Assessment, Motivating Student Learning, Cooperative Learning, Use of IT in Teaching and Learning, Course Design, and Curriculum Development. Each elective module will involve 4 fortnightly 2-hour sessions. All 6 modules should be completed within 1½ years.