"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

CURRENT TEACHING PORTFOLIO

• Architectural design
• Architectural construction
• Integrated design and sustainability

TEACHING ACHIEVEMENTS

• 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

TEACHING STRENGTHS

• 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

PUBLICATION CREDITS

• 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

PROFESSIONAL STANDING

• 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

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

• 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)

TEACHING ASPIRATION
"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."