HKIEd is charged with the mission of improving the quality of teacher education at all levels in Hong Kong

The Council encourages excellence and innovation in all areas of the Institute' work. It has overseen the implementation of Strategy 2000, the Institute' strategic plan for 1999-2004. This was developed through the joint efforts of all units of the Institute and approved by the Council. The Council has also steered the Institute in its quest to attain self-accrediting status. That goal came a step closer in June 2002 with a successful external review of our teaching and learning quality assurance and quality improvement processes.

Focus on key priorities
The priority for the 2001-02 academic year was to continue improving the quality of teaching and learning in our programmes. Another focus was enhancement of the motivation, commitment and accountability of staff for quality teaching and learning. We also aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of academic and administrative structures, as well as decision-making processes.

To achieve these goals, we introduced new programmes and strengthened others. Performance indicators were revised to help us better monitor progress and meet external demands. New budget practices were introduced to align resource allocation with the strategic plan, continue the devolution of resource management to the heads of units and encourage value-added work. Committee structures were streamlined to improve co-ordination and management.

	The Jockey Club Student Quarters provide student accommodation based on a new concept of a family style residence

The result is that many of our goals were achieved for the year. Qualitative improvements were made to teaching and learning. A well-received Bachelor of Education (Languages) was introduced to meet growing demand. Other programmes were successfully revalidated. The personal tutorial system was extended to give students more personal attention and assistance. We continued to explore collaborative degree programmes and enhance our immersion programmes. These changes are helping us to produce quality teachers who meet high standards and strive for excellence.

Honouring excellence and making connections
The Institute is honouring leading educators in the community by offering a special award, the Outstanding Educator Award. This is conferred every two years and the first recipient was Dr Angela Chiu Kwan-hung. Dr Chiu has made significant contributions to early childhood education in Hong Kong in a lifetime of dedication to young people. She received her award at a well-attended ceremony on 3 December 2001.

Dr Angela Chiu Kwan-hung

Outstanding Educator with a heart for children

Prior to this, the Institute had honoured excellence in another way by awarding its first honorary degree, Doctor of Education honoris causa, reinforcing our connections with the international academic community. Professor Gu Mingyuan, the former Vice-President of Beijing Normal University and Dean of its School of Graduate Studies, received the award on 22 November 2001.

Professor Gu Mingyuan

Devoted to education

We continued to develop links with the education community, the region and the rest of the world. The school partnership programme was strengthened with the establishment of the Centre for the Development of School Partnership and Field Experience. A number of significant research projects received funding support. We also continued to play host to and work together with scholars from around the world.

	The Central Plaza

Modelling excellence in practice
The Institute is proud to be able to open new facilities in which good practice in early years education can be demonstrated on campus. The Hong Kong Institute of Education HSBC Early Childhood Learning Centre opened its doors in September 2001, on the site of five staff quarters that underwent a $7.85 million conversion-money generously donated by the Hongkong Bank Foundation. The Centre provides the Institute' academic staff and students with an opportunity to demonstrate best teaching practices and innovative techniques. It also provides valuable field experience opportunities for student teachers.