Frequently asked questions
Every question we're regularly asked, in one place, grouped by who's asking. Use the jump links below to go straight to your category.
About the programme
What is CORE, and is it a government initiative?
CORE is Singapore's longest-running study of classroom practice, active since 2004. It's a research, policy and practice partnership between the National Institute of Education (NIE) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), housed within the Centre for Research in Pedagogy and Practice (CRPP). CORE operates through NIE, part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU); it's an academic research programme, not a commercial study.
Importantly, CORE is a non-evaluative baseline investigation. We document what already happens in Singapore's classrooms in order to build an accurate picture of everyday practice. We are not assessing, grading, or ranking teachers, students, or schools, and no participant is judged on what we observe.
Is my data (or my child's data) safe?
Yes. All CORE research follows formal ethics approval (NTU IRB-2025-210). Data is securely stored and de-identified before analysis, so no individual is identifiable in published findings.
How do I get involved, or ask a specific question?
Head to Say Hello and pick the option that fits: General Enquiry, School Participation, Parent Question, Teacher Question, Researcher, or Others.
Your child's participation
These also appear on The Family Corner, alongside the fuller explanation of what CORE studies and how privacy is protected.
Is my child required to take part?
Participation is voluntary and based on the consent process shared through your school. You can ask your school or CORE directly if you have questions before deciding.
Can I withdraw my child later?
Yes. Contact us using the form on our Contact Us page and select "Parent Question" to discuss withdrawing at any stage.
Who sees my child's information?
Only the CORE research team, under strict ethics and data-protection protocols. Data is de-identified before it is analysed or published.
Does this affect my child's grades or school record?
No. CORE is a research study, not part of school assessment, and has no bearing on your child's grades or official school record. It is a non-evaluative baseline investigation, since we document what already happens in classrooms rather than assessing anyone.
Will my child be recognisable in the video recordings?
The cameras are pointed at the teacher, not the students. Recordings are used only for analysis by the study team, and no student is identified by name in any transcript, report, or publication.
How long is the data kept, and where?
On secure NTU and NIE servers within Singapore, for a minimum of 10 years. Raw data sits in an access-restricted research archive available only to the study team; only the final anonymised data set goes into the NIE Data Repository. Data is retained for auditing purposes too, for example if a claim of research misconduct is ever raised.
Questions for teachers & researchers
These also appear on For Professionals, alongside the full detail on what taking part involves.
How does my school get involved with CORE?
Reach out via our Contact Us page and select "School Participation": the team will walk you through what's involved.
Will my lessons be shared publicly?
No. All classroom data is de-identified and used for research purposes under NTU's ethics approval process, not shared or published in identifiable form.
Do I need to change how I teach for the study?
No. CORE observes existing practice as it naturally happens; the aim is to understand real classrooms, not to test a new method. It is a non-evaluative baseline investigation, so nothing you do is being appraised.
How much of my time does taking part involve?
Roughly 7–16 hours per teacher across one to three months, depending on whether your lessons are recorded. That covers the surveys, the recorded lessons themselves, a short post-lesson check-in after each one (which can be done over WhatsApp or email to fit your schedule), and a longer interview.
Does my Principal or MOE see how I did?
No. No data on individuals is reported to your Principal or to MOE, and schools are not named in reports to MOE. Findings are pooled and anonymised.
Can researchers outside NIE access CORE data?
Potentially, depending on the request and ethics considerations. Contact us with your research question and we'll advise on what's possible.