Dialogue and
Exchange at the II
International Deans'
Forum of School
of Education at
Research Universities

On 20–22 October 2017, the II International Deans’ Forum of School of Education at Research Universities was held in Beijing, China. The forum was jointly organised by the Graduate School of Education, Peking University and the Institute of Education, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russia.

Representing NIE at this illustrious event was Professor Christine Goh, Dean of Graduate Studies and Professional Learning. Among the participants were senior leaders from the schools of education from several top Chinese research universities, such as Tsinghua University and Peking University. Other renowned institutions that saw representation included Cambridge University, UCL Institute of Education, Hong Kong University, Seoul National University, The Lynch School of Education, Boston College, University of Tokyo, Hiroshima University, and Utrecht University.

The forum’s theme of “Inheritance and Innovation: Diverse Approach of Education Scholarship” provided an opportunity for the discussion of the evolving roles of education schools in research universities. Participants shared how education schools have engaged the challenges within their unique educational landscapes against global educational trends. There was particular interest in how the respective schools of education promoted research and scholarship that are in line with social developments and technological innovation. Discussions also examined interdisciplinary approaches to education and research, as well as the issue of research making a significant impact on public policy.

Professor Christine Goh shared about the tripartite relationship between NIE, MOE, and schools, as well as the uniqueness of NIE within NTU in providing educational and disciplinary content studies, pre-service teacher education, in-service teacher professional development, and higher degrees. She also elaborated on the strategies applied by NIE to orientate towards a more interdisciplinary approach to educational research, such as through creating a programmatic research grant structure that addresses deep-seated educational issues and connecting studies that can provide a comprehensive response to a cross-cutting issue or problem.