Dr. Michael Tan is a Lecturer (Research Scientist) at the Office of Education Research since 2012. He recieved his Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, his M. Ed. (Science Education) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, and his B.Sc. (Physics) from the National University of Singapore. His current research interest is in the nature of science and technology, and the implications of a differential distribution of these knowledge in society.

Prior to joining NIE, Michael carried out his research for his Ph.D. in Toronto, studying the effects of adapting curriculum policy in science education for environmental education goals. Earlier, Michael taught physics at a Junior College in Singapore. These experiences have provided rich insights into the practical dimensions of schooling and the challenges of implementing change in human cultural practices. Michael also consults for local schools in creating curriculum shifts for teaching for innovation.

It is clear that democratic participation in contemporary society requires knowledge of science and technology, but a purely factual orientation to science and technology is insufficient. Scientific knowledge is socially constructed, and hence is fallible. However, the ideals inherent in the epistemic practices of science are nonetheless desirable. Technology, on the other hand, is the creative application of scientific knowledge towards the achievement of particular goals deemed desirable by societies. In both, a strong sense of the sociality and materiality of knowledge must pervade approaches to its instruction. Michael’s research considers the question of the curriculum and implementation policies of instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, given these considerations. Specifically, the context of makerspaces, seen as communal spaces for meaning and artefact making, is one such solution.

Michael is the author of the book ‘Makerspaces, Innovation, and Science Education: How, why, and what for?’ published by Taylor & Francis. He has also authored several Opinion articles in the popular media. Michael also teaches the course ‘Character and Citizenship Education in the Singapore Context’ for preservice teachers and undergraduates. This course provides students insights into the theory and philosophy of education as a means to understand the sociocultural challenges of values and character education.