Teaching is a reflective and cyclic process. I design
learning experiences in which the learner's process and outcome will in
turn provoke and transform the teacher into a learner.
”
Mr CHEAH Kok Ming
Registered Architect (Board of Architects Singapore); B Arch (Hons), BA (Arch. Studies) (NUS)
Department of Architecture
- Architectural design
- Architectural construction
- Integrated design and sustainability
- Led the successful re-making of the Department of
Architecture's Design, Technology and Sustainability programme,
transforming its curriculum to draw top students and quadruple the
enrolment in four years
- Incorporated the area of sustainability in the review of three technical modules for the architectural undergraduate programme
- Integrated hands-on exercises for problem-based learning
in architectural construction to develop metacognitive abilities vital
to learning independently and effectively
- Inculcated the mindset in students to better understand
the interrelatedness of their actions and the environment, enabling them
to provide holistic and integrated design solutions
- Mentored students to win five accolades from international design competitions
- Connects design thinking with technical thinking as a
skill set for students to develop design ideas that are intellectually
challenging and technically imaginative
- Creates an engaging problem-based learning journey that
yields the construction of knowledge and concepts through an iterative
process of reflecting on problem-solving experiences
- Translates pertinent issues of sustainability into the
focus of design exploration, facilitating students to invent appropriate
architectural prototypes
- Devises learning themes in study trips for students to
frame issues and direct enquiries for seeking insights and new
perspectives
- Maximises the different learning strengths of students to bring out the best in them
- Published 10 articles in academic and professional journals such as Journal of South East Asian Architecture, Singapore Architect and FuturArc
- Architectural works were reviewed in 13 publications,
with one - the Institute of South East Asian Building - being widely
examined and discussed in architectural journals and books
- Contributed articles on teaching in university publications
- Examiner for Professional Practice Examinations, Board of Architects Singapore
- Chairperson, Board of Examiners for Diploma in Design, Building and Construction Authority Academy
- Member, Green Practice Committee, Singapore Institute of Architects
- Member, Building Technology Educators' Society, USA
- Member, Society of Building Science Educators, USA
- Annual Teaching Excellence Award, NUS (2007/2008)
- Faculty Teaching Excellence Award, School of Design and Environment (2009/2010, 2007/2008)
- Best Teaching Media Award, Singapore Polytechnic (2005)
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Singapore Polytechnic (2004)
- Architectural Heritage Award for Asian Civilisations Museum, Urban Redevelopment Authority (2003)
- Best Buildable Design Award for Kranji Secondary School, Construction Industry Development Board (1996)
"Climate change demands a paradigm shift in design education. I am committed to constructing and enhancing pedagogical frameworks that leverage on inter-disciplinary enquiry and holistic thinking, underpinned by environmental literacy. This will empower students with the appropriate values and capabilities in making a difference to our collective future."