Educational technology adoption in Hong Kong?4 answersEducational technology adoption in Hong Kong is a multifaceted area of study. Research indicates that older adults in Hong Kong show favorable attitudes towards online learning, with confidence in technology use but a reliance on technical and social support for continuous learning. In early childhood education, teachers faced challenges in transitioning to distance learning, with technological factors strongly influencing school readiness and pedagogical practices needing adaptation for effective distance education. Additionally, there is a growing concern about teachers' adoption of information and communication technology (ICT) in their teaching practices in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the development of mobile educational applications like N-Trail using Augmented Reality (AR) has been introduced to enhance primary students' learning experiences in exploring the natural environment of Hong Kong.
How the language system relate to the formation of unique identity in Hong Kong?5 answersThe language system in Hong Kong plays a significant role in the formation of a unique identity. The linguistic experiences of cross-border students studying in Hong Kong contribute to the evolution of their linguistic identities. Language learning, particularly additional language learning, is closely linked to identity construction. The colonial rule in Hong Kong led to a process of desinicization and the establishment of English hegemony, which affected the cultural and collective identity of the region. The current political tensions between Hong Kong and mainland China also influence the construction of linguistic identities, particularly in relation to the national language identity of Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. The complex identity of Hongkongers, influenced by culture, language, education, and tourism, has been forming under the "one country, two systems" framework since the handover in 1997.
Learning through play in Hong Kong: policy or practice?5 answers'Learning through play' in Hong Kong is a recommended mode of learning and teaching for young children, as stated in official education reports and guidelines. However, there is a gap between policy and practice, with many pre-primary schools still using teacher-centered approaches and academically oriented practices. Studies have shown that the implementation of play-based pedagogies in classrooms is complex and challenging, with difficulties in understanding the concept of 'learning through play'. Despite the emphasis on play in the curriculum, many pre-primary institutions in Hong Kong still prioritize intellectual aspects over children's developmental needs, interests, and abilities. However, there are examples of teachers successfully implementing learning through play in formal and didactic pre-school classrooms, supporting the adoption of play in young children's learning. The cultural context also plays a significant role in influencing children's interests and their understanding of play. Overall, while 'learning through play' is advocated in policy, its implementation and quality in practice vary in Hong Kong.
How can Hong Kong's multilingual environment be better utilized to support mainland students?5 answersHong Kong's multilingual environment can be better utilized to support mainland students by recognizing and valuing their linguistic identities and experiences. This can be achieved by creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment that prioritizes academic excellence alongside student well-being. Additionally, it is important to address the language barriers and potential cultural differences that mainland students may face when engaging with others. By promoting meaningful intercultural engagement and providing language support, Hong Kong universities can help mainland students navigate the challenges and fully benefit from the multilingual environment. Furthermore, offering career support and addressing the career concerns of mainland students can also contribute to their overall well-being and success. By considering these factors, Hong Kong can leverage its multilingual environment to provide a supportive and enriching experience for mainland students.
What are the factors that contribute to the multilingual and cultural adaptation of mainland students in Hong Kong?3 answersThe factors that contribute to the multilingual and cultural adaptation of mainland students in Hong Kong include the close ties between mainland China and Hong Kong, Hong Kong's multilingual ecology, language ideology, power relations, and community dynamics. Other factors include Hong Kong's geopolitical proximity to mainland China, generous scholarship packages, compatibility with supervisors, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the West, which motivated students to select Hong Kong. Academic challenges faced by these students include interpersonal hierarchies, output-oriented academic culture, and unsatisfactory teaching, while sociocultural challenges include difficulty learning and speaking Cantonese, Mandarin discrimination, and a divided campus. Students' Western experience serves as a benchmark against which they judge their education in Hong Kong, and the role of supervisors and an inclusive campus environment are crucial for their intercultural adaptation. Family and community social capital also play significant roles in shaping the cultural identity of mainland students in Hong Kong.
What are the differences between Hong Kong education context and that of other countries?3 answersHong Kong's education context differs from that of other countries in several ways. Firstly, the evolution of inclusive education in Hong Kong has been influenced by education policies and trends from Britain, Australia, and the United States, leading to a move from segregation to inclusion. Secondly, citizenship education in Hong Kong schools is influenced by the overarching affiliations of the schools, with pro-China schools emphasizing a national China identity and pro-democracy schools emphasizing an international view. Thirdly, Hong Kong's higher education system is highly internationalized and has been developed into an education hub in the Asia-Pacific region, with recent structural changes due to marketization and diversification strategies. Fourthly, the implementation of inclusive education in Hong Kong has faced challenges, including the need for teacher training and the adoption of a whole-school approach. Lastly, Hong Kong's approach to massification of higher education has been influenced by globalization and neo-liberalization, with the government encouraging the creation of a self-financing higher education sector.