Student Knowledge Building Design Studio June 2025
Celebrating Discovery: A Joyful Close to the 2025 Student Knowledge Building Design Studio
From 25th to 27th June 2025, this year’s Student Knowledge Building Design Studio (sKBDS) offered a one-of-a-kind learning journey where students were invited to explore the theme of nature through curiosity, collaboration, and creative expression. The event brought together 27 students and 7 teachers, alongside distinguished guests Prof Richard Price and Dr Stephen Spain, co-founders of the Kids Conference, who served as Guests of Honour on the final day. For the first time, students were given full freedom to pursue their own questions and perspectives, resulting in a rich tapestry of inquiry—from pondering life without nature, to examining plant and animal relationships, to wondering why some plants smell like fruits, and even drawing life lessons inspired by nature.
The first two days were spent immersed in the natural beauty of Yunnan Gardens at NTU, where students engaged with their surroundings and uncovered meaningful connections through the carefully curated sensory activities. Housed in GAIA, NTU’s fully wooden building, the students were immersed in an environment that reflected the very theme they were exploring. Grouped by interest areas, they deepened their understanding through peer dialogue, hands-on exploration, and the use of Knowledge Forum, a platform that supported their evolving ideas.
Activities were grounded in Knowledge Building principles and included moments of co-construction—such as the collaborative portrait of nature on Day 2, where students built on each other’s visual representations to express shared insights. The end of Day 2 saw the sharing of new ideas from the different student groups.
The last day culminated in the Kids Conference, where student groups proudly presented their learning journeys and discoveries. The day started with a welcome address by Dr Teo Chew Lee and this was followed by Dr Stephen Spain’s introduction and a sharing by Prof Richard Price to kickstart the event. The student groups then took turns to present their idea development over the course of the design studio in many creative ways. They were also given a chance to respond to questions from the audience present, comprising of educators and academics. Some groups even showcased surprising findings and depth of thought that impressed everyone at the venue!
Throughout the event, Prof Price, Dr Spain, and some Secondary School teachers also engaged in a Knowledge Building professional learning think tank and discussion session led by Dr Teo Chew Lee, exchanging insights on fostering student agency and meaningful inquiry in education.
This year’s sKBDS marks a joyful milestone in empowering students to take ownership of their learning and explore nature in deeply personal and intellectually rich ways. We thank all participants, facilitators, and guests for being part of this inspiring experience.
