Amin Abu Bakar

Who I Am

About

"I believe students learn best when they are given space to question, investigate, collaborate, and make sense of ideas for themselves."

I am a Physics educator, IB Programme and Workshop Leader, and an Apple Distinguished Educator with 20 years of teaching experience across Singapore, Indonesia, and China. My work is grounded in inquiry-based learning and the thoughtful use of technology to deepen student understanding. As artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday learning, I am especially interested in how teachers can use AI to support feedback, reflection, and student agency without losing the human relationships at the heart of education. My experiences across different school systems have shaped me into a teacher who values adaptability, cultural awareness, and learning that feels purposeful to students.

Career

The Journey

International Baccalaureate

2021 – Present

IB Programme & Workshop Leader 2024 – Present

IB DP Physics & World Studies Extended Essay Examiner 2021 – Present

International School of Nanshan Shenzhen

2018 – Present

MYP Science and DP Physics Teacher

Anglo Chinese School, Jakarta

2011 – 2015

IB DP Theory of Knowledge Teacher 2014 – 2015

IGCSE and DP Physics Teacher 2011 – 2015

Ministry of Education, Singapore

2006 – 2011

Mathematics and Science Teacher

Academic Background

Education

B.Sc.

Bachelor of Science
Major: Physics · Minor: Chemistry

Nanyang Technological University

2002 – 2006

M.Ed.

Master of Education in Advanced Teaching

University of the People

2020 – 2022

Ed.D.

Doctor of Education in Educational Research

University College Fairview

2022 – 2026

In Action

Moments

Fire in the Hole — Investigating Projectile Motion

Authentic Learning Experience — Students process and analyse data they've personally gathered to make sense of their observations.

21st Century Classroom — Teacher as a facilitator of learning. Moving away from a teacher-centered approach.

Lifelong Learner — IB Physics Cat. 2 Workshop, Sekolah Pelita Harapan, Indonesia

ATL: Communication Skills — A student explains data interpretation to his group

Apple Distinguished Educator — Application Video

Learning for Understanding — Deriving SUVAT equations, not memorising them

Integrating Technology — Making physics learning more efficient and effective

Having Fun While Learning — The Physics of Angry Birds

When Love and Hate Collide — Investigating elastic and inelastic collisions

Peer Learning — "Learning with and from each other is a necessary aspect of all courses." (Boud, 2001)

Communication and Collaboration — Working in groups to solve a common problem

Self-Directed Learning — A student investigating relationships between variables she chose herself

Back to Basics — Keeping it simple and catering to kinesthetic learners

What Others Say

Testimonials

"The students are clearly working from the routines that you've established. This was a fun, engaging, and productive lesson. Loved that the students corrected others if they slipped into Mandarin. There was some great positive reinforcement that you gave students during the lesson."

"I heard 'this is awesome' and some students wanted to bring their data on their service learning trip to continue their investigation. The students were able to enjoy experiential learning and relate it to a topic they had already learned, reinforcing their learning in DP Physics."

"Amin Bin Abu Bakar has been a great addition to our staff at ISNS. I can vouch for his content knowledge, professionalism, strength of character, and reputation amongst the staff as a friendly and caring individual."

"You have a great classroom environment that you create for your students to openly engage with the content. It is clear that you have included a fair amount of rigor in the course through the activity in this class."

About

The Journey

Education

Certifications

Moments

Testimonials

Beyond the Highlights

Contact