Dr Teo Chew Lee shows deep passion, knowledge and commitment to changing the way teaching and learning works in Singapore, shifting from traditional modes to new modalities that place both teachers and students, ideas and discourse, agency and authenticity, at the core of schooling. This is transformative work that is highly recommended to practitioners, school leaders and researchers alike.
Dr Dennis Kwek, Centre Director, Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice, National Institute of Education, Singapore
With rich, compelling examples of teaching and learning in real classrooms, Dr Teo Chew Lee shows why and how collaborative Knowledge Building imparts essential values and skills to students of any age. More than a step-by-step how-to guide, the book is that rare resource that bridges research and practice in authentic, relatable and invaluable ways. Here, teachers will find specific support for shifting the culture of their schools toward idea-centred, inquiry-based classrooms that champion deep thinking and commitment to idea improvement. Best of all, because the book shares encouraging research data and excellent outcomes of its application, it demonstrates what is possible when the priority is deep understanding for everyone children, practitioners, and researchers alike.
Elizabeth Morley, Principal Emerita, University of Toronto, Canada
Dr Eric Jackman, Institute of Child Study Laboratory School, University of Toronto, Canada
Knowledge Building is an international innovation that has spanned three decades. This is the most valuable book for teachers that I have encountered. It provides comprehensive guidelines for advancing students creative ideas illustrated with vivid teacher stories. A must-read for all educators interested in Knowledge Building practice and classroom innovation.
Professor Carol Chan, University of Hong Kong, Honorary Professor, Academic Unit of Human Communication, Development, and Information Sciences, Hong Kong
Knowledge Building is essentially creating a space for learners to explore real-world problems and advancing ideas. This insightful playkit for Knowledge Building will not only be a true aid for learning but a service to all educators who are in their formative years of exploring Knowledge Building.
Mdm Sulochanah Kanapathy, Leading Foundation Teacher 2021 Award Recipient, Sarada Kindergarten, Singapore
Every Innovation starts with an idea, every idea grows via a community. Through practical examples and authentic classroom illustrations, Chew Lee has shown how Knowledge Building, as a powerful pedagogy, can deepen the learning process and transform the way students acquire and work with knowledge in a real-world setting. I would recommend this book to all educators who believe in the power and potential of idea-centric teaching practices.
Melvin Chan Joo Seng, Senior Teacher, History, Teck Whye Secondary School, Singapore
A Teachers Playkit to Knowledge Building charts new territories of classrooms being idea-centric. It presents systematically the principles of Knowledge Building supported by authentic voices of children and teachers. It does not shy away from challenges but thinking unconventionally makes the journey most fulfilling for all.
Mdm Pushpa, Honorary Mentor Principal of Ramakrishna Mission Sarada Kindergarten School, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Fellow, Singapore
