Republic Polytechnic - Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Jeff G. (talk | contribs) at 05:14, 2 July 2010 (Reverted edits by 202.21.158.11 (talk) to last revision by 112.135.177.217 (HG)). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 05:14, 2 July 2010 by Jeff G. (talk | contribs) (Reverted edits by 202.21.158.11 (talk) to last revision by 112.135.177.217 (HG))(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)

No issues specified. Please specify issues, or remove this template.

(Learn how and when to remove this message)

Republic Polytechnic (RP) (Chinese: 共和理工学院) is a tertiary institution in Singapore. It is one of the first institutions that uses Problem-based Learning pedagogy in Singapore. Established on 1 August 2002, RP began operations in July 2003 with 800 students. By 2009, it had grown to 22,000 students . RP has over 480 facilitators resulting in a ratio of 1:25 with the students. Students learn one problem per day in order to allow them concentrate on only one subject. It has 34 diploma programmes as of 2009.

Curricula and academic work

Students are required to take three understanding tests (UT) per semester, UT1, UT2 and UT3. These tests, going at weightage of 25% for UT1 and UT2 and 25% for UT3 together with their daily assessments for 15 weeks at 50%, are graded for a student's GPA at the end of each Semester. Each module would typically have about four contact hours weekly during which students (in groups of five) would meet in classrooms (about 25 students) with one facilitator for goal setting, knowledge sharing and presentations.

Each student spends 20 hours of scheduled contact time with facilitators per week over a 16-week semester. Students are assessed regularly based on their skills in processing, problem solving, analysis, group work, presenting, answering questions and the three Understanding Tests (UT). The system is so to groom elite leaders in the working world, to overcome any sort of problems coming their way.

First year students take modules in basic areas such as language, culture, enterprise development, personal development and technical communication.

Academic schools and departments

The polytechnic has six schools offering diploma programmes:

School of Applied Science
School of Engineering
School of Information and Communications Technology
School of Technology for the Arts
School of Sports, Health and Leisure
School of Hospitality (in collaboration with Raffles Hotels and Resorts)

In addition, one learning centre offers diploma programmes:

Centre for Culture and Communication (CCC)

These three centres provide supporting roles to the above:

Centre for Educational Development (CED)
Centre for Innovation and Enterprise (CIE)
Centre for Science and Mathematics (CSM)

The Centre for Professional Development (CPD) offers post-diplomas and short courses.

Other departments

Republic Polytechnic Library

Students, staff and public can play video games and pianos which are available inside the library. Quiet rooms are available for study.

The Republic Cultural Centre

It hosts events such as Reflections - RP's Community Arts Festival, IGNITE Music Festival, and Momentum Dance Festival.

Student and Graduate Affairs

The department has five divisions - Student Wellness, Adventure Learning, Graduate Services, Service-learning, and Sports Development.

Campus

The 20 hectares campus is located at Woodlands Ave 9. The scenic grounds of a national park, Admiralty Park, on its doorstep.

Criticisms of Republic Polytechnic

Students from Republic Polytechnic normally complain about daily grades which are given by the facilitator of the day. They may think it unfair because of claims that facilitators award good grades to student they are biased to and often, neglect the rest. However, RP management has stepped in and explained that daily grades play an effective role in motivating students.