Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory (MERL)

Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory (MERL)

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Translating theory into practice... Other core research staff include Coral Lim, How Yew Meng, Sviatlana Kamarova, Chong Yek Wei and Tan Ser Hong.

The MERL is led by Professor John Wang, Associate Professors Liu Woon Chia and Nikos Chatzisarantis, and is advised by Professor Tan Oon Seng, Dean, Teacher Education. Our main focus is on motivational issues in education. We adopt the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as the core theory in guiding our research, and also integrate other motivational theories in our research. We aim to translate rese

10/04/2026

We’re just one day away! ✨

Join us tomorrow to spark bold ideas and co-create new possibilities for education research at the NIE NTU Singapore AERA 2026 Breakfast Reception.

📅 Friday, 10 April 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, 5th Floor, Wilshire Grand Ballroom II

Connect with our faculty, exchange insights, and explore opportunities to collaborate. We look forward to seeing you there.

More details: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/nie/aera

Photos from Motivation in Educational Research Laboratory (MERL)'s post 10/03/2026

A Tribute to Edward Deci (1942 - 2026)

Ed was a cherished mentor to the team at the Motivation in Educational Research Lab (MERL) at NIE. His profound insights and unwavering dedication to understanding motivation have made a lasting impact on us and the broader educational landscape in Singapore. Every interaction with Ed was a treasure—his warmth and generosity of spirit created an environment where we felt comfortable exploring our ideas. We fondly remember how he would challenge us during discussions, pushing us to think critically and compassionately about our roles as educators and researchers.

Yet, it’s the personal moments that truly reflect Ed’s character. I still smile when I think of the day we took him and Rich to the Singapore Night Safari in 2010. The twins were just 8 years old, full of curiosity and energy, and it was heartwarming to see how Ed engaged with them. He took the time to listen to their questions and share in their wonder, making the experience even more special for them.

As we celebrate Ed, we honor not just his remarkable intellect and contributions to research, but also the compassionate spirit that drove his work. He leaves behind a world enriched by his insights and a community inspired to carry forward his vision of fostering intrinsic motivation in every aspect of life.

Thank you, Ed, for your extraordinary contributions and for showing us the transformative power of motivation in shaping a better world. Your legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those you inspired.

John Wang & Woon Chia

03/11/2025

This month at the NIE, we are all about 'Transforming Education with Technology'! 🚀

At the NIE, we’re leading the way in shaping the future of education by harnessing the power of technology. From innovative pedagogies and assessment methods to advancing talent development, we’re embracing the digital revolution to create impactful learning experiences.

This month, we’re excited to share insights from our NIE speakers at EduTech Asia 2025, explore the role of AI in education and our vision for its future, and highlight the latest tech solutions we’ve implemented at the NIE to drive meaningful change 🤖

✨ Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in education with technology!

Photos from NIE - Office of Graduate Studies & Professional Learning's post 08/10/2025
09/09/2025

✨ Join us at the NIE Professorships Summit 2025 on 8 Oct! 🎓 Hear from NIE’s distinguished named professors as they share insights on The Future of Education and Education Research. 🌏 This plenary marks NIE’s 75th Anniversary and celebrates its impact on education locally and globally. Don’t miss this milestone event—secure your spot today! Sign up here: https://event.ntu.edu.sg/nie-professorships-summit

06/08/2025

🎉 Mark your calendars! NIE Day is happening on 4 September 2025 🎈 Whether you're a staff, student teacher or alumni, get ready for a celebration like no other 🙌

👀 Watch this space for updates. We've got surprises, fun and feel-good vibes coming your way 💥

01/08/2025

This month at the NIE, we are 'Building Singapore’s Educators'! 🎓✨

As Singapore celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, we reflect on the vital role the NIE has played in shaping the nation’s educators. From its beginnings, the NIE has evolved alongside Singapore’s educational landscape, equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge to inspire future generations.

This month, we’re highlighting insights from NIE leadership on the institute’s journey, along with inspiring stories from alumni who’ve made a lasting impact in education. We’ll also cover our 75km run/walk/swim event, marking 75 years of the NIE’s legacy in education. 📚🌟

Together, we celebrate the educators who’ve helped shape Singapore’s education system and look ahead to the future!

13/07/2025

The 11th edition of RPIC is happening from 2 to 4 June 2026 at NIE NTU, Singapore! With the theme Education Research for Impact, the conference invites educators, researchers, policymakers and education professionals to explore how research can drive meaningful change in teaching and learning.

Keen to attend, present or contribute? Register your interest today to get early updates on key dates, speakers, submission deadlines and more – simply click the link below or scan the QR code in the post!

🔗 https://ntu.sg/rpic2026

13/03/2025

🎉 We are #8! 🎉

The NIE NTU is now ranked 8th globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Education & Training, with an incredible overall score of 89.7! 🌍📚

This milestone is a testament to our passion for teacher education, research, and innovation. A huge thank you to our amazing faculty, researchers, students, and partners for being part of this journey! ❤️👏

Here’s to reaching new heights and making a bigger impact in education! 🚀✨

Catch Prof Low Ee Ling live on CNA938 tomorrow at 8:10 AM as she is interviewed about the latest QS Ranking results!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/nie/news-events/news/detail/nie-ntu-singapore-ranked-8th-for-education-in-the-qs-world-university-rankings-by-subject

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