SCOLAR discusses future language education strategies
The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), chaired by Dr Daniel Tse Chi-wai, held its first meeting today (7 December) after the appointment of members to SCOLAR for a two-year term of office with effect from 1 October 1998.
Mr Tsang Yok-sing and Mrs Lau Pong Elim were again elected Chairmen of the Chinese and English Language Sub-committees of SCOLAR respectively to assist the Committee in formulating policies and developing strategies relating to Chinese and English language education issues.
Noting that the membership of SCOLAR comprises language experts, academics, front-line educators, representatives from the business sector, and government officials, Dr Tse said, "SCOLAR will draw on the experiences and expertise of members and will continue its role and functions in shaping and directing issues in language education in Hong Kong."
At the meeting, members obtained an overview of the work of SCOLAR in progress and took note of the present position regarding various recommendations in the Education Commission Report No. 6.
"SCOLAR will focus on identifying issues and areas which have strategic value in fulfilling our aims of ‘biliteracy and trilingualism' in language education. SCOLAR will also draw up a work plan for 1999-2000," Dr Tse said.
SCOLAR has also decided to hold a series of Teachers' Professional Development Seminars in March 1999 to develop the teaching and learning of Chinese and English in the context of Hong Kong language education. The seminars will attempt to provide teachers with a coherent overview of established teaching methodologies related to theory in practice and will facilitate discussion among in-service teachers on the professional training and development to enhance classroom teaching and learning. Guest speakers will be invited to give talks in the seminars.
"Depending on the feedback, SCOLAR will organise a regular series of seminars for language teachers, perhaps in the latter part of 1999," Dr Tse noted.