Professor Paul Morris, Director (4th from right) and the Hon Trevor Mallard, New Zealand's Minister of Education (centre) at the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony on 7 May 2002

At the core of the Institute's mission is a commitment to developing our students into teachers able to instil a love of learning in their own students. From the first day of classes to graduation, we give our students a thorough, rounded education that emphasises quality and experience. Students develop in-depth knowledge of their chosen curriculum areas and skill in classroom teaching techniques. They are also encouraged to expand their personal, physical, aesthetic and intellectual horizons. This mixture is intended to instil a broad outlook and a capacity for leadership in our graduates.

Institute programmes are among the most innovative teacher education programmes in Hong Kong. A good selection of degree and other courses enables both pre-service and in-service teachers to gain qualifications and improve their professional knowledge. Collaborative degree programmes have been introduced to meet the changing demands of society. We also provide associate degree programmes for Secondary 5 to 7 leavers.

	The Library is working towards a "Library Without-walls" with services fully automated

Providing quality learning experiences
Within each of these programmes, the Institute emphasises quality learning activities. Field experience features prominently, especially in full-time programmes. Many of these feature a language immersion element. Personal tutorials are being extended to give students more assistance and encouragement. Classes are taught by a body of experienced and well qualified staff. They are encouraged and supported to undertake research activities which bring an innovative touch to our programmes and ensure student-teachers get an education that is relevant to the needs of children in Hong Kong.

Dr Sin Kuen-fung

Inclusive education advocate made Distinguished Teacher

These learning goals are perhaps best reflected in our four-year Bachelor of Education programmes. Students graduate with an in-depth knowledge of their curriculum areas, a deep understanding of the learning process and the skills needed to create effective learning experiences.

They also have access to a wide range of general electives and less-formal learning activities on and off campus. The emphasis is on broadening horizons, with the expectation that our graduates will be able to provide an all-round education to their own future students.

	The Arthur Samy Chinese Language Learning Centre helps student teachers improve their language ability