Learning and Teaching at RP 

Learner-centred, inquiry-based approach to learning

Since its inception in 2002, Republic Polytechnic (RP) has leveraged Problem-based Learning (PBL) as a deliberate instructional approach for all its diploma programmes. PBL was adopted to help students construct an extensive and flexible knowledge base; develop effective problem-solving skills; cultivate self-directed, and lifelong learning skills; as well as become effective collaborators, in keeping with the demands of a knowledge-based economy. To complement the use of PBL, and to cater to the varied demands of different disciplines, RP expanded its use of instructional strategies to include other learner-centred, inquiry-based strategies such as Cognitive Apprenticeship (CA), Interactive Seminar (IS), and Project-based Learning (PjBL).

Professional Development

To provide for a complete experience of learning at RP, a comprehensive range of academic professional development courses from foundation to specialised areas such as facilitation, curriculum design and academic research is in place to support the teaching faculty.

Leveraging Problem-based learning

RP offers services for PBL training, research and consultancy. With a wealth of first-hand experience garnered from years of institutional PBL implementation, RP can help individuals, institutions, and corporations build competencies in the development and implementation of PBL practices. 

RP’s experienced trainers have expertise in  

• PBL curriculum design across disciplines
• Facilitation of PBL lessons and learner-centered lessons in different domains 

The Institute’s involvement with local and overseas stakeholders includes   

• Providing PBL training for local and overseas organisations to improve efficiency and effectiveness of their learning
• Working with collaborators locally in Singapore, and from countries across South-East Asia, and Australia

Services Offered

Training: RP offers two main types of training  

• Public workshops for individuals who would like to develop their general understanding of PBL principles and related competencies to achieve desired outcomes, such as facilitation skills
• Customised workshop for organisations who are keen to explore the use of PBL for a specific project or purpose and require targeted assistance with implementation to achieve their desired educational outcomes

Consultancy: RP’s consultancy services are wide-ranging and are designed to meet individual and organisational learning and implementation needs in your particular domain or discipline 

• Reviewing and providing assistance in the design and implementation of PBL curriculum
• Reviewing and providing assistance in the delivery of PBL practices, for example in facilitation, problem crafting, and curriculum design

Research: To deepen the Institute’s training and to contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning in PBL, research is undertaken in the following areas

• Student learning and outcomes
• Facilitation
• Curriculum design
• Staff Development
• Assessment

Find out more about RP's PBL programmes.