This action research attempted to explore how problem-based learning could be applied to help unmotivated students in a practical school in Hong Kong. Data were drawn from 2 Commercial Studies classes of 30 students. Quantitative data regarding students' off-task and active learning behaviors were collected through the use of questionnaires. Besides, observation and interview were conducted to review students' attitude change in learning, and their ability to apply knowledge. The findings showed that problem-based learning enhanced active learning and co-operation among students. There were no data to support the long-term effect of this approach. It was recommended that teacher training, alongside other methods, should focus on student-centered pedagogy and curriculum to help unmotivated students.
[Copyright of Hong Kong Special Education Forum is the property of Centre for Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Education, The Hong Kong Institute of Education & Special Education Society of Hong Kong.]

This article aims to evaluate the alignment between subject learning outcomes (SLOs) that represent the role of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) and the course curricula documents. Content analysis was conducted to map SLOs in the curricula documents of a set of compulsory courses offered by the department of C&I. A hermeneutic perspective was adopted by four academic staff members who were involved in the mapping process, which considers curriculum scrutiny as an opportunity of reflective dialog. Findings suggest that though SLOs were adequately addressed in courses offered in various programs, the coverage and depth of studying SLOs may differ in different programs, such as Bachelor of Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Education. In this study, curriculum mapping was facilitated by deliberative dialog among participants, which made the mapping exercise a validating professional development activity. Implications are discussed. Recommendations regarding curriculum evaluation and teacher training are similarly suggested.
[Copyright of Studies in Higher Education.]

In Hong Kong, the coming New Senior Secondary Information and Communication Technology (NSS ICT) curriculum highly emphasizes the complex thinking processes like creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. In this paper, we attempt to use two detailed examples to illustrate how to infuse problem solving skills into computer lessons. It means that classroom time can be spent on the thinking skill as well as on the curriculum content.
[Copyright of ACM SIGCSE Bulletin is the property of Association for Computing Machinery, Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education.]

Outcome Based Learning (OBL) is an initiative from the University Grant Committee which emphasizes learning outcomes of university graduates. In view of such a requirement, the information and communication technology (ICT) educators reviewed relevant literature and came up with a list of desirable attributes of graduates who will teach ICT or related subjects at primary or secondary schools. A questionnaire was developed according to the attributes and the generic outcomes that represent the expectations of the Institute's graduates and also the distinctive attributes and qualities for ICT teachers in the primary and secondary education sectors. Since it is very important to know the desired expectation from the stakeholders, the questionnaires were sent randomly to teachers of schools, pre-service ICT teachers and related colleagues at the HKIEd. It was found that the respondents gave the highest scores to "graduates should be able to demonstrate responsible and positive attitudes towards the use of ICT" and the lowest to "graduates should apply pedagogies suitable for teaching the whole class and are not required to cater to individual needs". A chosen course outline has been revised to reflect the expectations of our stakeholders. Finally, the assessment methods and mind set of both educators and learners must also be changed.
[Copyright of International Journal of Learning is the property of Common Ground Publishing.]

In recent years, Outcome-Based Learning (OBL) has gained increasing prominence in many parts of the world and, since 2008, has been formally promoted among all higher education institutions in Hong Kong by the University Grants Committee (UGC) of Hong Kong. A key concept of OBL is that teaching should be driven by outcomes that are desirable for students, and that greater clarity in relation to what is to be achieved simply involves adjusting teaching and assessment. This article reports on a project on Outcome-Based Learning in the English Department at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd), and an OBL adaptation framework that has been developed. First, the development of a set of Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (PILOs) for the Bachelor of Education (English Language) Programme at HKIEd will be introduced. Second, the design of Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) in the programme will be discussed. Third, the alignment of teaching and assessment strategies with learning outcomes will be illustrated through a sample course. It is hoped that this study will inspire some reflection on how effective teaching and learning among students in higher education institutions can be achieved through an outcome-based learning approach.
[Copyright of Research in Higher Education Journal is the property of Academic and Business Research Institute.]

Since the 1980 s, Outcome-Based Learning (OBL) has been gaining popularity around the world. In 2006, the University Grants Committee (UGC) of Hong Kong decided that all higher education institutions in Hong Kong should adopt OBL formally stage by stage to enhance learning and teaching quality. As OBL is new to most Hong Kong higher education institutions, there is an urgent need for a close study of the design and implementation of OBL in the Hong Kong context. This paper reports on a case study of designing and implementing OBL in a linguistics course in the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd).
[Copyright of Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences.]

One of the principles adopted in the Review of Education System in Hong Kong is to give more room and flexibility for students to be masters of their own learning. (Education Commission, 1999). This is particularly important in teacher education programmes which aim to prepare student teachers who, in turn, will influence the learning approach of their students. Problem Based Learning (PBL) is generally a student centered learning approach in which students are encouraged to participate in the learning process. Two groups of students, one group studying the Technical Teacher Certificate Course and the other on Certificate of Education Course, form the subjects of this research project. A real contextual problem was posed to the students and the lecturers act as facilitators during the whole learning process. Students feedback and their attitudes were solicited after the first cycle of implementing PBL. The first week of the PBL process was most crucial and it is important that students fully understand what PBL is and what are the roles of lecturers and students in the learning process. The second phase of the project was administered with reference to the comments from staff and students made after the completion of the first cycle. Follow-up interviews were conducted to report on the needs of the students in the learning process. It is anticipated that this study can foster more student involvement in the learning process and that deep learning is encouraged and supported.

The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the effect of a quality assurance system on the implementation of a PBL teaching strategy in courses in three Hong Kong universities. A total of nine research teams (each consisting of a few PBL-tutors) were involved. Before the implementation of PBL, the tutors attended specific orientation and training sessions on PBL. Twenty-one tutors were randomly selected for interview after the implementation. The results indicate that the quality assurance system within most institutions does affect the implementation of PBL. The reliance on research output and a standardised student feedback questionnaire as indicators of staff performance do have a detrimental effect on the implementation of PBL. On the other hand, resources and class size also have a direct effect on the willingness of academic staff adopt the PBL approach in teaching. Finally, student factors also play an important role in the successful implementation of PBL. To be successful PBL tutors need to be supported by a clear message from the university quality assurance system that this is the way to go forward. Without taking this seriously into consideration, one could predict serious difficulties in promoting PBL in the education sector.