Distinguished Star Service Award Recipient: Mr Lawrence Wee (MOE)
June 25, 2014 at 3:45pm
 |
| One educator’s fiery commitment to changing the way Physics can be taught. |
source:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/psd-singapore/distinguished-star-service-award-recipient-mr-lawrence-wee-moe/647975998616876
“Physics education used to be just about formulae, but with technological improvements, there’s no need for it to be taught in the traditional way,” says Mr Wee. “I hope students can experience abstract Physics concepts through simulations, and not just learn about them in terms of symbols and formulae.”
As a Senior Specialist at the Educational Technology Branch of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Mr Wee’s research focuses on open source Physics computer models, video analysis and modelling to support Physics education. To bridge science and the real world, the former teacher from Yishun Junior College is careful to base his simulations on true events.
After seven years in teaching, Mr Wee was seconded to MOE headquarters. The change has allowed him to combine his passion for science learning with his teaching experiences. He has received many commendations for customising computer models and simulations to the needs of local students.
Among the schools that have benefited from Mr Wee’s commitment is Hillgrove Secondary School. He provided a list of customised simulations related to flight and aerospace for the school’s use. Besides meeting with teachers to better understand their needs, Mr Wee also conducted a three-day workshop for students on coding a rocket model simulation, an experience that inspired in many of them a love for rocket science.
“What I want to do is to inspire students to develop a deeper understanding of science,” he says. “I also hope my work will encourage other educators to share their resources and make Physics learning more meaningful.”
“Physics education used to be just about formulae, but with technological improvements, there’s no need for it to be taught in the traditional way,” says Mr Wee. “I hope students can experience abstract Physics concepts through simulations, and not just learn about them in terms of symbols and formulae.”
As a Senior Specialist at the Educational Technology Branch of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Mr Wee’s research focuses on open source Physics computer models, video analysis and modelling to support Physics education. To bridge science and the real world, the former teacher from Yishun Junior College is careful to base his simulations on true events.
After seven years in teaching, Mr Wee was seconded to MOE headquarters. The change has allowed him to combine his passion for science learning with his teaching experiences. He has received many commendations for customising computer models and simulations to the needs of local students.
What I want to do is to inspire students to develop a deeper understanding of science. I also hope my work will encourage other educators to share their resources and make Physics learning more meaningful.Mr Wee has contributed or adapted over 65 Physics simulations for use in our local curriculum. His contributions to open source Physics platforms have also helped to raise the standing of Singapore’s pedagogy, with both local and overseas tertiary educators drawing upon his work.
Among the schools that have benefited from Mr Wee’s commitment is Hillgrove Secondary School. He provided a list of customised simulations related to flight and aerospace for the school’s use. Besides meeting with teachers to better understand their needs, Mr Wee also conducted a three-day workshop for students on coding a rocket model simulation, an experience that inspired in many of them a love for rocket science.
“What I want to do is to inspire students to develop a deeper understanding of science,” he says. “I also hope my work will encourage other educators to share their resources and make Physics learning more meaningful.”