According the latest research results on Learning Study in Hong Kong, many of the Learning Studies are found to be able to narrow the gap between the academic high and low achievers and thus showing that Learning Study can be a way forward to cater for individual differences.

At the second seminar of “Primary Education: Primary Matters 2008 Seminar Series” today (22 April), Professor Lo Mun Ling, Director of Centre for Learning-study And School Partnership (CLASP), and Director of Field Experience at The Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) unveiled the latest research results on Learning Study which showed remarkable improvements in students’ achievement. The studies engaged HKIEd and school staff in close collaboration to go through cycles of action research in planning, implementing, evaluating and modifying a lesson.

“Despite the emergence of new initiatives in primary education, translating theories into practices has been a major challenge. However, schools and higher-education institutions are able to collaborate to close the theory-practice gap and produce better teaching practices for both parties. The Learning Study projects provide a good example,” Prof Lo said.

Over 260 Learning Study cases were conducted in more than 200 schools over seven years, which include 120 cases of the Variation for the Improvement of Teaching and Learning (VITAL) Project since 2005. A joint initiative of HKIEd and Education Bureau, the VITAL project aims to provide support to the schools in implementation of curriculum reforms and enhancing the professional development of teachers over three years. The project is expected to conclude in July 2008.

Also speaking at the seminar, Professor Colin J. Marsh, Advisory Professor at HKIEd, provided an international perspective on primary education by examining trends in a number of overseas countries and making comparisons with achievements in Hong Kong.

“Although the performance of new initiatives emerging in primary education in Hong Kong over the past few years has been favourable, there are ongoing concerns relating to expanding the range of curriculum leaders, resources allocation, high stakes testing and market forces,” said Professor Marsh.

Professor Marsh noted the achievements that have been made in many countries in terms of curriculum development, assessment, lesson study, action research, Information and Communication Technology, and small group teaching. Yet there are enduring issues relating to specialists and specialisation, literacy and numeracy priorities, business performativity, special education needs and gender imbalance of teachers.

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(Please click the photo to get a higher resolution image)

	Professor Lo Mun Ling shows the latest research results on Learning Study which showed remarkable improvements in students’ achievement.
	Professor Colin J. Marsh provides an international perspective on primary education.
	Speakers at the Open Forum discuss the critical success factors of quality primary education in Hong Kong.

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