Silver Lining for Learning is a series of Zoom conversations about the future of education between leading educators from around the world. The initiative was founded by a group of education professors based in the US, and regular episodes have been live streaming over YouTube since March 2020.

Making a guest appearance on Episode 13 was Professor Looi Chee Kit from the Learning Sciences and Assessment Academic Group. Addressing the topic of Remote Teaching and Home Learning, Professor Looi observed that the practice of online learning at home has provided opportunities for educators to think about resilience learning for students. He drew examples from Singapore’s experiences with remote teaching and learning during the Circuit Breaker.

In response to the view that “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness”, Professor Looi cited a metaphor “穷则变，变则通，通则久” from the Book of Changes from ancient Chinese history. He explained that the metaphor exhorts us to understand the way of change and to look for the turning point when things become extreme, so as to facilitate change that brings about long-lasting development.

Professor Looi also encouraged the audience to leverage the inflection point at present to “break the impasse, create the new normal, and sustain progress”, and not to “endure the impasse, remain in anticipation, and await a return to the old normal”.

Watch the full episode here.