Whereas a great deal of literature based upon the context of Western societies has concluded criminology is an ideal discipline for active learning approach, it remains uncertain if this learning approach is applicable to Chinese learners in the discipline of criminology. This article describes and provides evidence of the benefits of using active learning approach in a criminology class in a publicly funded university in a Chinese city - Hong Kong. Using quantitative and qualitative data collected from four cohorts of students enrolled in the course over four years (2008-2011) through structured questionnaire, focus group meetings and students' self-reflection, it was evident that active learning could not only enable Chinese learners to achieve the course-intended outcomes but also could advance their attitude, knowledge and skills of learning. The findings were further discussed with respect to the feasibility and constraints of launching active learning for Chinese learners.
[Copyright of Innovations in Education & Teaching International is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2013.796720]

In the era of globalisation, language-in-education policies continue to present challenges as policy-makers across the globe aim to balance the emphasis given to students' first language and the pressing need for students to be proficient in English as the global lingua franca Hanna, P. (2011). Gaining global perspective: Educational language policy and planning. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 14(6), 733-749]. Within this debate, the impact of the medium of instruction (MOI) on students' linguistic, cognitive and affective development has received much attention (Tam, A. C. F. (2011). Does the switch of medium of instruction facilitate the language learning of students? A case study of Hong Kong from teachers' perspective. Language & Education, 25(5), 399-417]). This study focuses on the case of the Maldives, a small Asian nation with its own unique language and homogeneous culture that adopted English as an MOI in an early partial immersion model half a century ago. Using a case study research design, it seeks to uncover the perspectives of students, educators and parents on the benefits and challenges of a policy that adopted a second language as the MOI in a monolingual, monocultural situation, without providing any options for gaining an education in the first language. The survey data indicate that while the need for students to be proficient in English is not disputed, questions are raised regarding its role as the MOI throughout a student's school education. Observational data from classrooms and analysis of instructional materials show the need for urgent reform of the language policy so as to promote students' linguistic diversity and enhance academic achievement. Policy changes that can foster student learning and satisfy language-based civil rights are recommended.
[Copyright of Current Issues in Language Planning is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org

Can accreditation-related requirements and mission statements measure learning outcomes? This study focuses on triangulating accreditation-related requirements with mission statements and learning activities to learning outcomes. This topic has not been comprehensively explored in the past. After looking into the requirements of AACSB, ISO, and the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF), "mission/objective/goal/outcome, improvement, learning, activities, review, and consistent" were identified as the key elements which can be applied to designing learning activities with a teaching log. From teachers' observations and studying the reflections of learners, it was found that "Ability, Affection, All-round Development and Appreciation" improved to align with the elements of the mission statement "Capable and Caring." It was found that guest lectures by academics and industry practitioners can also help nurture learners' overall development. These findings are of great value as a mission statement is intended to lead to action and continuous improvement; and accreditation exercises involve mission verification and validation. Longitudinal studies of a similar nature are suggested to further test the findings of the present study.
[Copyright of Journal of Teaching in International Business is the property of Routledge . Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08975930.2011.653909]

This article examines the various educational paradigms used in the design of a European studies undergraduate programme in Hong Kong to enhance the acquisition of intercultural competences (IC) among students. The intercultural approach is supported by intensive foreign language (FL) learning and is motivated by a compulsory full year academic stay in the target language country. The article focuses on the importance of contextualising FL teaching by presenting the multifaceted aspects of identity, languages and the learner's profile in Hong Kong's societal environment. This perspective incorporates the multidimensional aspects of the concept of 'culture', while also recognising the dynamic process of the context and (social) identity for the learner. In the present case study, Hong Kong students' IC are developed along the dual educational axis of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages: a vision of the learner as a social agent and an action-oriented approach. The development of IC is also enhanced by a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach in language courses. Some recently introduced concepts in Hong Kong higher education (HE) are envisaged as springboards for including the intercultural approach in academic programmes. Finally, the article advocates cross-disciplinarity and synergy in Hong Kong HE for the development of students' IC.
[Copyright of Language Learning Journal is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09571736.2013.858548]

Animations have long been perceived as an effective tool in teaching and learning. While students' reception towards animations has often been studied, there is also literature covering how teachers perceive and incorporate animations into their classes. At a research intensive university in Hong Kong, animations on the topic of university assessment policy, such as rubrics and grade descriptors, have been produced so that teachers can understand the latest policy quickly without attending lengthy workshops. It was found that a striking 95% of teachers reported gaining better understanding of assessment rubrics after watching the animation. This paper will present the findings from a small study on how teachers perceive the use of animations for their own professional development, and how they perceive the incorporation of animations into their own disciplines to engage students. Despite positive attitude towards the use of animation for teaching and learning, academics expressed practical and technical concerns.
[Copyright of Innovations in Education & Teaching International is the property of Routledge. Full article may be available at the publisher's website:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2013.847795]