The Bachelor’s of Education (Honours) (BEDU) programme offered by Wawasan Open University (WOU) isn’t just about ticking professional development boxes. It’s about nurturing a generation of exceptional teachers who can ignite a love for learning in every student. Designed for in-service teachers and those who plan to be teachers, BEDU offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning journey, tailored to address the specific needs of both primary and special needs education.
According to Ooi Li Hsien, BEDU Programme Lead at WOU, the programme allows in-service teachers a way to upgrade professionally. It helps underqualified current teachers to obtain their qualifications while remaining in their workplace.
“The programme also serves to provide a reliable source of knowledge and practical pedagogical skills that are needed by those who aim to be successful teachers, especially in primary education or special needs education.”
Aspiring educators can specialise in either primary or special needs education. In primary education, educators will go through the fundamentals of pedagogy that covers the six strands under the Standard Curriculum for Primary School (KSSR) which include Languages, Art, Social Studies, Physical and Health Education, Mathematics and Science. Equipped with this knowledge, educators will stand in good stead to teach with confidence.
The Special Needs Education specialisation takes a unique approach with its seamless integration of theory and real-world application. Educators will learn how to manage students with learning difficulties such as ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and more. This ensures educators not only grasp the nuances of special needs education but also cultivate the practical skillset to become truly effective educators.
Educators will be trained to apply theories to practice in the classroom to equip them with the knowledge and skills to handle students with special needs through this specialised education.
These skills form a bedrock for engaging and effective primary school and special needs instruction. They’ll gain confidence in their subject matter expertise and develop an innate ability to foster creative learning environments that nurture a child’s natural curiosity.
Learning beyond the classroom
BEDU goes beyond the classroom. By equipping educators with research, communication, and management skills, the programme empowers them to become catalysts for personal and professional growth. They’ll learn how to translate theory into tangible classroom practices and build bridges with diverse communities. This newfound ability allows them to create safe, supportive and nurturing learning environments where every child thrives.
With this degree, educators will also learn to self-reflect on their current practices and learning experience to design creative lessons, solve relatable classroom issues and be equipped with research and management skills to be entrepreneurs to provide their students with a better learning experience.
Ooi adds that educators will also be equipped with entrepreneurship skills to help them with their personal ventures in the entrepreneurial world.
“They will also be equipped with entrepreneurship skills to enable those who wish to open their own daycare centres or special needs learning centres in the future.”
A journey of continuous learning
BEDU fosters a spirit of continuous learning, encouraging educators to stay abreast of the latest pedagogical advancements and best practices in education. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, the programme fosters a network of like-minded educators who can support each other in their ongoing quest to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students.
Educators can look forward to learning from industry experts who can share practical pedagogical skills for classroom management, creative lesson planning as well as hands-on online learning experiences; the future of learning as technology develops forward.
A word from the Programme Lead of BEDU
Ooi welcomes all educators who wish to develop their skills and become better teachers for Primary and Special Needs students.
“Join us for an interactive online learning experience. Be future-ready as you learn to teach and touch future generations. Our online mode of delivery provides flexibility which is essential for working adults and this mode of learning would train you to be technology savvy which is the future for professional development.”
Unlock your potential in education with BEDU at WOU now!