Catalytic factors such as globalization, technological advancements and improved understanding of the learning sciences have contributed to the rapid evolution of teaching and learning processes at institutions of higher learning. As then Minister for Education, Mr. Heng Swee Keat, aptly described in his 2013 MOE Workplan Seminar speech, the educational landscape is a “volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous” one.

In light of this, a new generation of “EPIC” learners have emerged, an acronym coined by Professor Lee Sing Kong, Vice President (Education Strategies) Nanyang Technological University to describe those who learn in ways that are experiential, participatory, image-driven and connected to the world. This begs the question of how universities are to effectively engage this new generation of learners? It is with this in mind that the Learning Futures Programme (LFP) was initiated to prepare the SMU academic community to be future-ready, and strategically positioned and equipped to teach effectively in the 21st century educational context.

Another focus of the LFP is to on strategic future-oriented pedagogical development planning and support. At present, it is collaborating with the Assurance of Learning Programme in supporting the SMU-X committee in terms of pedagogical needs. Assessment literacy has also been identified as a key area of focus, with development workshops being conceptualized and conducted in 2016.