The purpose of this study was to investigate Hong Kong preschool teachers’ music-specific professional development (PD) preferences and analyze the potential differences among teachers with varying levels of teaching experience (beginning, experienced, and advanced). A survey was developed to assess four music-specific PD preferences: content, facilitators, types, and activities/resources. We found that respondents (N = 1,019) preferred PD that was centered on musical creativity and curriculum integration; facilitated by experts in pedagogy and music performance; conducted as short workshops and mentoring sessions; and focused on observation, skill acquisition, and practice. The data also revealed significant differences between beginning, experienced, and advanced teachers and their PD preferences. Beginning teachers showed a higher preference for graduate studies and blended PD. Beginning and experienced teachers were more interested in playing instruments and in learning by observing other teachers. Advanced teachers showed preference for PD focusing on dance and music appreciation. The study shows that teaching experience is a crucial factor for determining preschool teachers’ music-specific PD preferences. Implications include considering teachers’ interests, motivations, and needs while planning and designing PD for preschool teachers. Further research should explore what teachers with different profiles require in specific educational settings. Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).

Despite the urgent need to provide kindergarten teachers with professional development (PD) in music and movement, little is known about their needs, motivations, and preferences in this area. This interview study explores Hong Kong kindergarten teachers’ prior music and movement educational experiences and their self-perceived usefulness of such experiences, their needs and motivations to participate in further music and movement PD, and their preferences regarding PD facilitators, times, and learning activities. Evidence reveals that participants felt unprepared to enact the local music and movement curriculum guidelines, perceiving their prior educational experiences to be of low quality. Teachers showed high levels of need and motivation to participate in music and movement PD, showing preferences for initiatives facilitated by expert kindergarten teachers and musicians/performers, conducted during working hours or online, and involving classroom-based and content-focused activities. Findings raise awareness about the importance of providing kindergarten teachers with responsive music and movement PD. Copyright © 2021 The Author(s).

With the introduction of the new senior secondary academic structure in Hong Kong, in which Tourism and Hospitality Studies (THS) has been included in the elective curricula, understanding the effectiveness of the curriculum and its influence on the interests of students in further studies and in working in the tourism and hospitality industry is of great importance. This study collected data from 567 secondary school students taking THS and identified their study motivations, expectations, perceptions, and preferences with respect to the curriculum, as well as their preferences with regard to further studies and their future career. Results indicate that students chose THS because of their interest in the field of tourism and hospitality and in pursuing a career in the industry. Students preferred hotel management as the learning area both in THS and in further studies. Students also indicated their strong interest in pursuing a career in aviation and theme park management.
[Copyright of Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/iral-2014-0008]