Task-based teaching and learning is one of the major concepts underpinning the recent territory-wide curriculum reform in Hong Kong, namely Target-oriented curriculum. However, some studies show that most of the teachers found the concept of TBL vague (INSTEP 1996; Lam 1996). This paper examines how a group of in-service teachers constructed the meaning of the concept through collaborative planning, implementation and evaluation. It is argued that one of the key factors for the successful implementation of a curriculum innovation is the presence of shared vision and collaborative culture. The paper will draw on data gathered from multiple sources, namely teachers' lesson plans, lesson evaluations, lesson observations and follow-up interviews. The second part of the paper will give a brief report on an experience in collaborative culture. Initial suggestions for the design of school-based staff development programmes to rationalize a curriculum innovation will be made.

Ever since Physical Education (PE) became one of electives in the Teacher Education (TE) programme in 1947, it has gradually developed from a practical and professional oriented subject to a theoretical and academic based discipline in the tertiary institutes in Hong Kong. This paper described the 'selected' historical incidents of the development of PETE in Hong Kong. PETE becomes hegemonic towards scientific bias, health-dominated, technocratic and utilitarian-oriented nowadays. It creates tensions of dichotomised issues between PE and sports science; PE and medical science; theoretical and pedagogical orientation; research and practical basis; scholarly and professional discipline; and technocratic and inquiry focus etc. Its development illustrates the differences in directions, status, functions and practices. It intents to identify problems of the present practices and initiate discussion on alternative directions of the PETE in the coming future.
[Copyright of Journal of Physical Education & Recreation (Hong Kong) is the property of Hong Kong Baptist University.]

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.]