| |9 JANUARY 2025HIGHERReviewHow can we harness new technologies and approaches to facilitate better educational outcomes? These questions aligns closely with educators seeking to apply the latest scientific insights to improve classroom practices.Ms Mani, inspired by her work with teachers, sought to understand the mechanics of learning from both the educator's and student's perspectives. This interdisciplinary programme, combining elements of neuroscience, educational psychology, and advanced data analytics, provided her with the analytical tools and theoretical grounding necessary to build a more holistic understanding of education. With its renowned faculty and cutting-edge research, NIE offered the ideal environment for her to cultivate these skills, ensuring that her efforts in curriculum development and teacher training would be grounded in the most up-to-date scientific knowledge.Reflecting on her time at NIE, Ms Mani describes the experience as "an intellectually stimulating and academically challenging journey." The programme fostered a nuanced understanding of education that bridges research and practice, empowering her to make informed decisions that benefit students and teachers alike.Campus Life at NIE: A Global, Collaborative ExperienceStudying abroad can be daunting, but the vibrant, collaborative community at NIE helped Ms Mani feel at home. The NIE campus, part of Nanyang Technological University, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and its welcoming atmosphere, which encourages friendships and professional networks. "The NIE and NTU campus pulses with positive intent and activity, creating an inescapable vibrant atmosphere," she shares. Her experiences extended beyond the classroom, allowing her to engage in cultural exchanges and participate in initiatives like NTU's "Seas of Silk" Graduate College Community Engagement Programme. Working alongside students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines, Ms Mani contributed to NTU's sustainability efforts, further enriching her perspective on the interconnectedness of education and community.In her academic journey, Ms Mani found a mentor in Assistant Professor Farhan Ali, the Programme Leader of MSc SoL, whose dedication to the programme's students left a lasting impact. Describing him as "an excellent
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