Abstract

This is a review of research in English language education in Hong Kong in the past 25 years. A total of 108 studies under five themes have been reviewed: (1) English language teaching; (2) English language curriculum, assessment and reform; (3) Students’ perspectives: motivation and attitudes, learning experience and strategies; (4) Teachers’ perspectives: attitudes and values, language awareness, teacher training and qualifications; (5) Learning outcome: language use, English standards and the impact on teaching and learning. Five ongoing debates/controversial issues emerging from these studies have been identified and discussed. There are critiques and recommendations on the current situation and future development of research.

Keywords: research in English language education; research in English language teaching; Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper attempts to paint a picture of research in mathematics education in Hong Kong in the past twenty-five years. The purpose of painting this picture is not to trace all the fine details as it is impractical to do so; rather it aims to outline an emerging shape of a local community of mathematics education. The multifaceted interests of Hong Kong scholars in mathematics education have produced research in diverse areas such as teaching and learning, social factors and belief, curriculum and assessment, and the pedagogical use of technology. This body of research established for Hong Kong’s local community of mathematics education a foundation to extend its influences regionally and globally. A few concerns are raised at the end of the paper with respect to the future of mathematics education research in Hong Kong.

Keywords: mathematics education; educational research; Hong Kong education

Abstract

Like other subject areas, physical education throughout the past decades has been influenced by an array of trends, issues, research studies, and public policies. In general, the development of physical education is responsive to the needs and concerns of the society. A critical review of physical education is particularly important in Hong Kong at this time, given the widespread public concern regarding the content of the existing physical education program and the fitness levels of the Hong Kong youth. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to describe the different ways researchers have gone about studying the following: (1) Overview of the Physical Education Curriculum and Education Reform, (2) Research on Teaching and Learning, (3) Research on Teacher Education, and (4) Future Directions.

Keywords: physical education curriculum; teaching and learning; teacher education; Hong Kong

Abstract

While there were few publications on curriculum studies in Hong Kong in the 1960s and the 1970s, 1980s and the 1990s saw the growth in research and publications. This review is mainly based on papers published in Hong Kong journals and the ERIC database as well as selected books related to curriculum studies from 1980 to 2008. The results showed the trends that while there were publications on curriculum theories and conceptual analysis of curriculum issues, there were not many publications on philosophical curriculum studies especially those based on the reconceptualist and postmodernist traditions. In addition, in terms of research traditions in curriculum studies, it seems that the literature cited in this paper gave an impression of dominance of curriculum studies in the area of school-based curriculum development based on the practical traditions. In contrast, there were less curriculum studies based on the scientific traditions. Moreover, in terms of research methods used in curriculum studies, there were many practical curriculum studies employing case studies as well as analyses of curriculum materials and plans. Some directions for future curriculum studies are then suggested.

Keywords: curriculum studies; Hong Kong; research

Abstract

Published research studies in gifted education in Hong Kong based on two databases from 1984 to 2008 were surveyed to identify the field’s critical priorities and practices. Research studies within the period were briefly reviewed to shed light on what we have learned regarding the conceptualization of giftedness, identifying, programming and teaching gifted learners, parenting gifted and talented children and adolescents, and counseling gifted students and their families. About 90% of the studies were descriptive studies (assessment studies, evaluation studies, and correlational research) of which 64% investigated the conceptions, assessment, and development of giftedness using quantitative methods. Suggestions were made as to how we could conduct meaningful research of the type that will sustain the development of gifted education in the next several decades.

Keywords: giftedness; talent; creativity; intelligence; high ability

Abstract

This paper describes the learning study approach, which has the potential to develop into a classroom research movement in Hong Kong. The author examines how important research projects in the last decade have contributed to the development of this approach in Hong Kong. She then considers the uniqueness, impact, and factors that have led to the success of the approach. The challenges to be resolved for its future development are also discussed. It is hoped that readers will gain insights into how classroom research is supported in Hong Kong, and how strong research teams with a global impact can be nurtured.

Keywords: learning study; classroom research; variation theory