Teaching in Asian indigenous schools: a professional learning manual

The intent of this project is to create a professional learning manual for Singaporean educators who are considering or preparing to teach within Singapore and in Indigenous or rural schools in developing Southeast Asian countries. The manual may be a resource for non-profit organizations that are planning to or have established schools in this region. Research has shown that Eurocentric educational models or mainstream education approaches are not effective with Aboriginal or Indigenous learners and current literature is replete with calls for teachers to embrace a culturally responsive pedagogy. This professional development manual will help to address these issues by providing Singaporean teachers as well as non-profit organizations with essential knowledge about the Indigenous communities and tools to conduct effective lessons and engage Indigenous students in learning. The manual will encourage ongoing professional inquiry to help teachers and organizations internalize and sustain their learning and adapt promising practices to their local contexts. --P. ii.