Our Research
As an institute that champions excellence in Continuing Education and Training, IAL undertakes research projects that examine the various aspects of adult learning and development. The data we gather and the results we analyse enable us to further the advancement of the CET sector in Singapore, and inform policy making and decisions.
Reflective Curriculum Model
Dr Helen Bound, Dr Michael Choy
This project builds on a model of curriculum developed by Peter Rushbrook (see Bound, Rushbrook & Sivalingam, 2013) that in this report we call the Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) Design Approach (IDeA) Model. The present researchers (Bound and Choy, in consultation with Rushbrook) envisage the model as a tool for designers and facilitators of learning to reflect on their assumptions about curriculum, learning and learners. However, participants also identified many other potential applications, including for structured continuing professional development and as a communication tool at all stages of curriculum development. Given the changing landscape and focus of the continuing education and training sector, these suggestions offer considerable potential to facilitate change; indeed some described the model and heuristic as potentially “transformational”.
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Contingent Worker in Singapore - How Vocational Learning and Identities are Constructed Through Non-permanent Work in the Singaporean Labour Market
Dr Helen Bound, Sahara Sadik and Annie Karmel
This research seeks to know how workers learn as much of the formal provisions for learning and career enhancement are designed for those in stable, ongoing employment with an employer as opposed to many employers. To this end this study asks the following research questions: 1. In what ways does the experience of precarious work contribute to or constrain the learning of these workers? 2. How do precarious workers identify with their work and how does this influence learning opportunities? 3. How can the learning of precarious workers be supported and enhanced?
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Adult Educator Typology
Simon Freebody, Dr Helen Bound, Magdalene Lin
Locally, the practice of adult education is growing and changing, thus leading to heightened diversity. As such, information regarding AEs in Singapore is sparse and quickly obsolete. Committed investigation is necessary to provide more useful information on AEs.The aim of this research project was to develop a typology of adult educators (AEs) and corresponding careers in Singapore.
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