The theme of the inaugural Raffles International Conference on Education 2008 (RICE 2008) is “Interweaving Curriculum and Community”. It will focus on the symbiotic relationship between the educational curriculum and the community, and explore how this relationship has resulted in innovations in education, adding value to students’ learning and re-defining educators’ focus on the curriculum.

“Curriculum” is here defined as the educational programmes or courses of study offered in educational institutions. It includes both the academic and co-curricular programmes that together contribute towards the holistic development of a young person. The conference strands below categorise the curriculum into six areas:
• Humanities & the Arts
• Mathematics & Science
• Character & Leadership Education
• Sports, Health & Physical Education
• Educational Guidance and Development
• Special Areas

“Community” is defined as the public society in which educational institutions are situated and with which they work in collaboration in order to make learning authentic and relevant for young people. Examples include:
• Parent and alumni groups
• The mass media
• Government agencies
• Universities and research institutes
• Other schools and educational institutions
• Non-governmental organizations and voluntary welfare organizations
• Private businesses and corporations
• Grassroots and residential organisations
• The online community

For RICE 2008, we invite paper and poster presentations on curriculum innovations that involve one or more of the above sectors of the community. For example, fresh pedagogical techniques used to teach mathematics through online interactive games; or alumni mentorship programmes for grooming student leaders; or collaboration with media groups in the teaching of languages; or collaboration with local or overseas VWOs in conducting service-learning programmes.

Conference Strands
All proposals should be submitted into one of the following strands:
• Humanities & the Arts
• Mathematics & Science
• Character & Leadership Education
• Sports, Health & Physical Education
• Educational Guidance and Development
• Special Areas

Presentation Format
Presentation format may be in the form of:

Individual Papers
Each accepted paper will be allocated about 20 minutes for presentation followed by a 10-minute discussion. Final versions of presentation slides MUST be provided prior to the conference for publication on the RICE website and inclusion in a conference report.

Symposia
To accommodate two or more related presentations on a single theme, explored in a 60-minute or a 90-minute session. Proposals must state clearly the rationale for the theme, name of the convenor and the chair of the symposium, the names and details of all participating presenters and the titles of each presentation planned. The symposium proposal should include an abstract for each presentation.

Workshops
Each session will be a 60-minute or 90-minute presentation involving audience participation through planned activities and discussions.

Submission of Abstract
An abstract of 150 to 250 words should be submitted electronically by or on 20 January 2008 via the RICE website for selection. The author is required to provide five keywords relevant to his/her presentation to facilitate classification. The list of accepted proposals will be listed on the RICE website and the authors will be notified via email by 30 January 2008.

Submission of Presentation Slides/Handouts
Authors of all accepted proposals MUST provide a softcopy of the presentation slides, handouts or posters prior to the conference for inclusion in the conference report, and to be available to all delegates via the website.

You may submit your presentation slides/handouts via email: RICE2008@rafflesevents.org.

The deadline for submission is on Wednesday, 20 February 2008.

Download Abstract Template here.