English Language
Date: 16 March 2026
Time: 1400-1530
Venue: Teams
Presenters:
1. Ms Lim Yin Khuan Agnes (Gifted Education Branch, CPDD 1)
2. Mr Benedict Yap Hsien Min (Anglo-Chinese School (Primary))
3. Ms Ho Siew Gek Catherine (Nanyang Primary School)
This conference session brings together English Language educators to share their experiences and insights on three key pedagogical approaches for fostering inquiry-based learning in the classroom.
The first strand explores the strategic use of quality questions to deepen student engagement and enhance critical thinking. The presenter will discuss how carefully crafted questioning techniques can scaffold learning, promote higher-order thinking skills, and create meaningful dialogue, sharing her experiences in guiding students through increasingly complex levels of analysis and interpretation.
The second strand focuses on the integration of educational technology tools and platforms to enhance inquiry-based learning experiences. The presenter will demonstrate how digital resources can facilitate collaborative investigation, support differentiated learning and provide authentic contexts for language use, examining both the affordances and challenges of technology integration within the framework of established curriculum outcomes.
The third strand studies the use of Kath Murdoch’s inquiry cycle for high ability learners. It encourages learners to ask rich questions, investigate ideas that matter to them, and make meaningful connections across disciplines. The presenter will discuss how the cycle empowers verbal talents to delve deeper, pursue complexity and develop their own voice as thinkers and creators.
Ms Lim Yin Khuan Agnes previously taught English at Rosyth School. Now an RC Teacher, she hopes to continue developing student talents and is eager to foster a natural curiosity for the language. She hopes the students will take away with them that English is fun, full of quirks, rich in history, and has great flexibility. And that they discover that English is more than just grammar and it creates real thinkers.
Mr Benedict Yap serves as SH/ICT and GEP English Language teacher at Anglo-Chinese School (Primary). With over a decade of experience, he focuses on integrating technology into teaching and learning. His approach aligns sound pedagogical principles with digital tools to cultivate critical thinking, creativity and independent learning in young, reflective learners.
Ms Catherine Ho is a Lead Teacher for Learning Needs (High-Ability Learners) at Nanyang Primary School. With nearly 30 years of English teaching experience and 18 years in the Gifted Education Programme, she is passionate about the psychosocial development of HAL and designing inquiry-rich learning experiences. She facilitates NLCs and contributes to the AST HAL Chapter.