
SDEA Drama Pedagogy: Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches (7th Intake)
1 February, Monday @ 7:00 pm - 16 March, Tuesday @ 10:00 pm

The only part-time drama pedagogy certification course in Singapore returns in 2021!
This 49-hour certification course provides you with fundamental pedagogical knowledge and skills to create meaningful and imaginative learning experiences for your students and participants with drama, and widen the possibilities and opportunities for work in Singapore.
This course is recognised by the National Arts Council and will certify you to conduct NAC-AEP Arts Experience programmes.
Course Objectives:
- Develop greater awareness of the role and impact of a drama educator in the Singapore context
- Understand the creative potential of drama-based pedagogies that aim to foster students’ curiosity, empathy and criticality
- Understand key components of lesson planning and acquire skills in planning developmentally appropriate drama lesson for target groups
- Manage resources and the physical environment as part of classroom management
Minimum Requirement:
- The course is suitable for educators with at least 2 years of classroom experience*
*Participants who do not meet this requirement will be considered on a case by case basis
What Does The Course Entail
Click Here for Full Course Synopsis & Schedule
Module Synopses
Scroll down to see the synopsis and description of each module.
Module Title: Introduction to Drama Education in the Singapore Context
Module Code: DESC
Lecturer: Dr. Noorlinah Mohamed
This module provides an overview of the development of, and the perspectives of drama education in the Singapore context. Learners will reflect upon the underlying historical, political, cultural and educational motivations and agendas for the developments in the field.
This module also aims to help learners discover their own professional standing as a drama educator and equip them with skills to engage in reflective practice.
Upon completion of this module, learners will develop a greater awareness of their roles and responsibilities and how they can contribute as a professional drama educator in the Singapore context.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
DESC |
Introduction to Drama Education in the Singapore Context (6 hours) |
Dr. Noorlinah Mohamed |
1st February 2021 (Monday) |
7.00pm – 10.00pm |
TBC |
Module Title: The Reflective Practitioner
Module Code: TRP
Lecturer: Dr. Noorlinah Mohamed
This module introduces learners to the importance of being a reflective practitioner. Reflective practice is an approach that enables learners to understand how they can use the knowledge and skills gained during the course and/or other learning contexts in practical work situations and how they combine action and learning in a more effective way. Through greater awareness and reflection, learners will be able to identify and articulate the knowledge that is embedded in the experience of their work so that they can constantly improve their teaching and learning practices.
Upon completion of the module, learners will develop better awareness and understanding of the importance of engaging in reflective practice and critically analyse own practices to gain a better understanding of quality teaching for safe and positive learning environments.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
TRP |
The Reflective Practitioner (Presentations for Reflection) (3 hours) |
Dr. Noorlinah Mohamed |
2nd February 2021 (Tuesday) |
7.00pm – 10.00pm |
TBC |
Module Title: Drama as Critical Pedagogy: Embodied Learning as Holistic Development
Module Code: DCP
Lecturer: Dr. Noorlinah Mohamed
This module explores the role of drama as a critical pedagogy that engages students in reviewing their world through embodied and holistic learning. Learners will examine collaborative and creative approaches to enhance learning as relational and contextually-grounded.
Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to consider the creative potential of a range of drama-based pedagogies that aim to foster student’s curiosity, empathy and criticality.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
DCP |
Drama As Critical Pedagogy (9 hours) |
Dr. Noorlinah Mohamed |
6th February 2021 (Saturday) |
10.00am – 5.00pm |
TBC |
8th February 2021 (Monday) |
7.00pm – 10.00pm
|
TBC |
Module Title: Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement and Thoughtful Planning
Module Code: EETP
Lecturer: Elaine Ng
This module introduces learners to the rigours of lesson planning and the importance of:
- Developing developmentally and culturally appropriate drama activities for students.
- Considering effective and affective engagement strategies during lesson
Upon completion of the module, learners will gain a better understanding of the key components of lesson planning and acquire some skills in planning developmentally appropriate drama lesson for students from 4 to 16 years of age.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
EETP |
Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement & Thoughtful Planning (6 hours) |
Elaine Ng |
20th February 2021 (Saturday) |
10.00am – 1.00pm |
TBC |
27th February 2021 (Saturday) |
10.00am – 1.00pm | TBC |
Module Title: Learning Environments & Classroom Management: Designs and Strategies in the Singapore Context
Module Code: LECM
Lecturer: Elvira Holmberg
This module introduces the learners to the importance of a stimulating, engaging and well organised learning environment and how it affects student behaviour and learning. It examines how a variety of choices of materials and approaches stimulates students’ thinking and facilitates their learning.
Upon completion of the module, learners will acquire basic skills and knowledge on how to create, organise and select appropriate resources and materials to facilitate learning in the drama classroom.
Learners will also gain some strategies to manage the physical environment as part of classroom management.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
LECM |
Learning Environments & Classroom Management: Designs & Strategies in the Singapore Context (6 hours) |
Elvira Holmberg |
20th February 2020 (Saturday) |
2.00pm – 5.00pm |
TBC |
27th February 2020 (Saturday) |
2.00pm – 5.00pm | TBC |
Module Title: Professional Code of Practice for Drama and Theatre Practitioners
Module Code: PCOP
Lecturers: Michele Lim and Roland Samosir
As arts education practitioners, it is vital to also arm oneself with a set of business tools when negotiating for work. This module provides some insights and introduces frameworks which arts educators/teaching artists/ applied arts practitioners can use in their professional practice.
- SDEA Code of Professional Practice. This code provides practitioners a framework to ensure professional and ethical practice.
- SDEA Buying Guide. This guide provides practitioners a systematic checklist of questions and considerations that identify the needs for both the client and the arts educator which in turn helps achieve desired teaching outcomes.
- An introduction to contract law which will provide practitioners an understanding of what terms need to go into an agreement, as well as some negotiation strategies.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
PCOP |
Professional Code of Practice for Drama and Theatre Educators (6 hours) |
Michele Lim |
9th February 2021 (Tuesday) |
7.00pm – 10.00pm |
TBC |
Roland Samosir |
22nd February 2021 (Monday) |
Module Title: Evaluation in the Drama Classroom
Module Code: EDC
Lecturer: Sean Tobin
This module introduces the learners to the importance of evaluation in helping educators make informed decisions about students’ learning and instruction.
Upon completion of the module, learners will acquire basic skills and knowledge in strategies for authentic evaluation of student’s learning and key considerations in the evaluation of activities implemented in a drama classroom.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
EDC |
Evaluation in the Drama Classroom (3 hours) |
Sean Tobin |
6th March 2021 (Saturday) |
10.00am – 1.00pm |
TBC |
Module Title: Assessment of a Drama Session
Module Code: ADS
Lecturer: Sean Tobin
This module introduces the learners to the different forms of assessment, as well as rubrics available currently. This is especially essential as depending on the programme they will be teaching, the assessment mode will differ, and they need to be able to carry out the assessment in a safe and accurate manner.
Upon completion of the module, learners will gain a better understanding of the different forms of assessments out there, and are better equipped to do assessments based on rubrics.
Module Code |
Module Title |
Lecturer |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
ADS |
Assessment of a Drama Session (3 hours) |
Sean Tobin |
6th March 2021 (Saturday) |
2.00pm – 5.00pm |
TBC |
Course Schedule
Course Duration: 49 hours (part-time)
SDEA Drama Pedagogy: Essential Learning and Teaching Approaches Certification (7th Intake) |
||
1st February 2021 (Monday) 7-10pm |
Introduction to Drama Education in the Singapore Context (DESC) Lecturer: Noorlinah Mohamed |
3 hours |
2nd February 2021 (Tuesday) 7-10pm |
The Reflective Practitioner Lecturer: Noorlinah Mohamed |
3 hours |
6th February 2021 (Saturday) 10am – 1pm |
Drama as Critical Pedagogy: Embodied Learning as Holistic Development (DCP) Lecturer: Noorlinah Mohamed |
3 hours |
2pm – 5pm |
Drama as Critical Pedagogy: Embodied Learning as Holistic Development (DCP) Lecturer: Noorlinah Mohamed |
3 hours |
8th February 2021 (Monday) 7 – 10pm |
Drama as Critical Pedagogy: Embodied Learning as Holistic Development (DCP) Lecturer: Noorlinah Mohamed |
3 hours |
9th February 2021 (Tuesday) 7 – 10pm |
Professional Code of Practice for Drama and Theatre Educators (PCOP) Lecturer: Michele Lim |
3 hours |
20th February 2021 (Saturday) 10am – 1pm |
Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement & Thoughtful Planning (EETP) (Morning) Lecturer: Elaine Ng |
3 hours |
2pm – 5pm |
Learning Environments & Classroom Management: Designs & Strategies in the Singapore Context (LECM) (Afternoon) Lecturer: Elvira Holmberg |
3 hours |
22nd February 2021 (Monday) 7pm – 10pm |
Professional Code of Practice for Drama and Theatre Educators (PCOP) Lecturer: Roland Samosir |
3 hours |
27th February 2021 (Saturday) 10am – 1pm |
Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement & Thoughtful Planning (EETP) (Morning) Lecturer: Elaine Ng |
3 hours |
2pm – 5pm |
Learning Environments & Classroom Management: Designs & Strategies in the Singapore Context (LECM) (Afternoon) Lecturer: Elvira Holmberg |
3 hours |
6th March 2021 (Saturday) 10am – 1pm |
Evaluation in the Drama Classroom (EDC) Lecturer: Sean Tobin |
3 hours |
2pm – 5pm |
Assessment of a Drama Session (ADS) Lecturer: Sean Tobin |
3 hours |
8th March 2021 (Monday) 7-10.30pm |
From Principles to Practice – Microteaching Presentations |
3.5 hours |
9th March 2021 (Monday) 7-10.30pm |
From Principles to Practice – Microteaching Presentations |
3.5 hours |
16th March 2021 (Tuesday) 7-10pm |
Reflection – Oral Presentations |
3 hours |
Total course duration: |
49 hours |
Assessments:
Part I: Lesson Plan – to be submitted after Developing and Delivering Meaningful Drama Sessions: Effective Engagement and Thoughtful Planning (EETP) Module
Part II: Reflection – to be done during The Reflective Practitioner (TRP) Module
Part III: Microteaching – to be conducted after The Reflective Practitioner (TRP) Module
How Much Does It Cost
Course Fee: S$1250.00 SGD, inclusive of admin and registration fee. Refer below for funding and subsidies.
Click Here for More Details on Funding and Subsidies
5% Early Bird Discount
Arts instructors may apply by Sunday 10th January 2021, 11.59pm to enjoy an Early Bird price of S$1187.50 (5% off)
NAC-AEP Subsidy
Arts instructors who meet the following criteria may enjoy a 50% course fee subsidy. They will pay only S$625.00 after the course fee subsidy.
- Have at least two years of teaching experience in schools AND
- Proficient in English language AND
- Are Approved to conduct programmes under the NAC-AEP 2017/2018 and 2019/2020 OR
- Have Conducted NAC supported programmes
Arts instructors who meet the criteria and is a member of SDEA will enjoy a 70% course fee subsidy. They will pay only $375.00 after the course fee subsidy. Applicant can apply to be an SDEA member here.
Applicants must attain a full 100% attendance in the course and be certified competent in order to be eligible for the funding. Failing which the individual is liable to forfeit the subsidy and bear the full course fee.
SDEA Member Discount
Arts instructors who are SDEA members are entitled to 20% off from the full course fee and pay only $1000.00 (including admin and registration fees).
SDEA members who register before Monday 10th January 2020, 11.59pm will also enjoy the 5% Early Bird Discount for a total 25% off, at S$937.50.
SDEA Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI)
SDEA members may also apply for TSPDI here if you meet the application criteria for TSPDI.
ETLA07 applicants must apply by Monday, 30th November 2020, 11.59pm.
SkillsFuture Credit Eligibility
Singaporeans above 25 years old who are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit can apply for a claim for this course here.
Applicants who request for school e-billing will not be eligible for SkillsFuture Credit.
UTAP (Union Training Assistance Programme) Eligibility
This course has been approved for UTAP support.
Please note that members are required to fulfil the following conditions to be eligible for UTAP reimbursement:
- Paid-up union membership before course commencement, throughout whole course duration and at the point of claim
- Course by training provider must be supported under UTAP, and training must commence within the supported period
- Course must not be funded through company sponsorship or other types of funding
- Unfunded course fee must be S$20.00 and above
- Member must achieve a minimum of 75% attendance for each application and sat for all prescribed examination(s), if any
- UTAP application must be submitted within 6 months after course completion
You may find this course at the course directory here.
How To Apply
Course Application: Download the form by clicking one of the buttons below, and submit the completed form to projects@sdea.org.sg
Download the .docx Form Here Download the PDF Form Here
Successful applications will be informed with an email at least 10 days before the scheduled commencement date of the course.
Course Venue: TBC
Reflections by ETLA Alumni:
“The SDEA Drama Pedagogy course has helped me realised my strength in using stories as pedagogy. With my repertoire of stories, I now go back to them and reflect on how I can use the stories to meet different objectives in my lesson. During the course, I have also learnt about different drama conventions which I can use in class to constantly engage my students and use the create meaningful drama experiences in class.”
Jeremy Leong
Drama Educator and Storyteller, ETLA 4th Intake graduate
Read Jeremy’s reflection here
“The reason I signed up for the course was to upgrade myself. I wanted to be sure that I am teaching or giving the right lesson or workshop. I wanted to be sure that I was in line with the needs of the arts education landscape in Singapore.
This course has given me the opportunity to understand my teaching method better and what are my strengths and weaknesses, and what I need to do to improve myself.”
Molizah Bte Mohter
Drama Educator and Performer, ETLA 4th intake graduate
Read Molizah’s reflection here