Exchange Seminar on Development of Chinese Language Abilities of Non-Chinese Speaking Children from Kindergarten Education to Primary Education

The Centre for Research on Chinese Language and Education (CRCLE) of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), together with the Department of Chinese Language Studies, the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE), and the School Partnership and Field Experience Office, held the “Exchange Seminar on Development of Chinese Language Abilities of Non-Chinese Speaking (NCS) Children from Kindergarten Education to Primary Education”. As part of the research project “Study on Transition of Chinese Language Learning and Teaching of NCS Children from Kindergarten Education to Primary Education” (PI: Dr Liang Yuan) commissioned by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research, this exchange seminar, focusing on the themes of home-school cooperation and curriculum and teaching, provided a platform for principals and teachers of kindergartens and primary schools to share theories and experience on how to effectively develop Chinese education for NCS students.

Professor Zhu Qingzhi, the Director of CRCLE, and Mr Kam Wai Keung from the School Partnership and Field Experience Office delivered the opening speeches for the exchange seminar. Professor Zhu emphasised that the members of CRCLE could bring new ideas to in-service teachers and colleagues with their research experience in Chinese teaching and language studies areas, and promote the development of local Chinese education. Mr Kam pointed out that EdUHK had always attached great importance to the collaboration of the education sector to bring better quality of education to local students, which would also improve the education policies to benefit students.

The exchange seminar invited Drs Lam Ho Cheong and To-Chan Sing Pui of ECE to share their academic ideas. The exchange seminar also invited Ms Chu Wai Fun from the Po On Commercial Association Wan Ho Kan Primary School and Ms Lai Kin Ping from the Tin Shui Wai Alliance Kindergarten to share their frontline teaching experience. In addition, two exchange sessions were arranged for the principals and teachers of different schools to exchange their experience and ideas in the related areas, providing a platform for the principals and teachers to learn from each other and make progress together.

The principals and teachers from about 20 kindergartens and primary schools participated in the exchange seminar. They crossed the gap between different schools and shared their pain and joy in teaching non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students from different perspectives. They also provided valuable advice for the government and universities to promote the development of NCS students’ Chinese language abilities.

Group photo with the organisers, speakers and participants.

Ms Chu Wai Fun from the Po On Commercial Association Wan Ho Kan Primary School and Dr Lam Ho Cheong from ECEof EdUHK.