After months of careful planning and hard work, CDTL carried out its largest and most successful conference to date, the Second Symposium on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (TLHE 2002). The first component of TLHE 2002 consisted of two pre-symposium workshops conducted respectively by Prof Barbara Gross Davis and Dr Marshall Lih on 3 September. Held at CDTL’s Seminar Room, these sessions gave particiants new perspectives on teaching and learning.

The symposium proper was held from 4–6 September at the Engineering Auditorium. Over 200 educationists took part, including some 40 overseas delegates from 13 countries and more than 50 who were non-NUS staff. The keynote lectures by Dr Marshall Lih (National Science Foundation, USA), Prof Chong Chi Tat (Provost, NUS) and Prof Barbara Gross Davis (University of California, Berkeley), invited lectures by Ms Denise Chalmers (The University of Queensland), Prof Tim Hill (University of Bristol), A/Prof Ora Kwo (The University of Hong Kong), Prof Gabriele Lakomski (The University of Melbourne) A/Prof Belal E. Baaquie (NUS), Prof Susan C. Piliero (Cornell University), Prof Malcolm Tight (University of Warwick), Prof Peter Jarvis (University of Surrey), Prof Ivan Png (Vice Provost, NUS) and oral presentations by some 70 teachers provided stimulating insights on pedagogical strategies, approaches and learning outcomes, as well as generated much discussion, debate and food for thought.

An exhibition showing the latest teaching aids/equipment and books on teaching and learning was held in conjunction with the symposium. The participating exhibitors were Blackboard Inc, WizLearn Pte Ltd, Pantropic Online Pte Ltd and PAVE System Pte Ltd. Various books on teaching from various universities worldwide were also displayed.

Complementing the main programme, the symposium participants were treated to a dinner banquet, lunch buffets and local delights at the coffee breaks. During these relaxing sessions, the participants had ample opportunities to renew friendships and make new acquaintances.
The positive feedback received from participants of TLHE 2002 has encouraged CDTL to consider organising another symposium, tentatively scheduled for 2004, to further promote debate on teaching and learning issues in higher education and camaraderie amidst the international academic community.

Pre-Symposium