Module Code 單元編號 EDA3142 Module Title 單元名稱 BUILDING CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE FAMILY-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS 建立多元文化家校夥伴關係 Module Synopsis 單元概要 This course sensitizes students to family diversity in the changing context of Hong Kong and prepares them to develop effective partnerships with families by making school walls porous towards diverse families and the wider communities. In today’s society, parents are often portrayed negatively or as ‘resource persons’ only. These common portraits or similar stereotypes hinder teachers from understanding the views and experiences of parents of diverse backgrounds (e.g. single, divorced, immigrant, ethnic minority, low income, cross-border) and different parental beliefs and practices in relation to childrearing and schooling. Rather, home-school relations based on mutual understanding can catapult parents and families into an enabling environment where they are connected and engaged in classrooms, schools and beyond. This course introduces students to theoretical perspectives that can broaden their realm of thinking about family engagement and (dis)empowerment in schools, thus becoming more aware of the critical issues of power, politics, rights and ethics, as well as those related to government policies that render support to families in Hong Kong. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to reflect on their own family backgrounds and how ethnicity, social class, parenting style, and other issues that have impacted home-school relations for them. Students in this course also have additional opportunities to learn innovative strategies and such practical skills as communication with parents and handling complaints and conflicts.