Global Literature Circles

In this GEC presentation, Dr. Chip Kimball (Superintendent, Singapore American School) and Dr. Tim Stuart (Executive Director of Strategic Programs, Singapore American School) discuss how Singapore American School (SAS) has undergone a process of reinvention to better prepare students for the college admission process. After meeting with college admissions representatives, SAS found that while their students scored high, they were not particularly interesting students. Therefore, SAS has made a much stronger effort to give their students opportunities to take risks, utilize technology to optimize learning and increase their international perspective. They have found that cultural competence and teacher collaboration are crucial to the educational experience of students. Through this presentation, I have learned that SAS would be an excellent school to partner with in a global collaboration project such as literature circles because it is essential to the school's vision and mission. This presentation has also given me perspective on SAS's philosophy on education, which is helpful for me to know since I plan to apply to student teach at this school. In regards to how this presentation helped me in the design of this project, I paid close attention to technology and culture. I made sure that students will use technology as a tool to communicate globally with students on the other side of the world. I also included information to help the partnering teachers connect and collaborate with each other.