Part II Project Learning — Students ’ Achievement Staff Development Day

Hong Kong Students are …… The SAR’s education system produced many graduates “with high scores but low calibre” – Antony Leung Kam-chung (SCMP 1/7/2002) Employers say there is room for improvement in the language, analytical and problem-solving skills of graduates. (SCMP 1/7/2002)

‘In today’s complex and uncertain world, simply knowing how to use tools for gathering information is not enough to remain competitive. Industry specialists are reporting that people at every organizational level must be creative and flexible problem solvers – an ability based on knowledge construction skills and not simply information gathering skills ’. (Dunlap in Wilson 1998) In this world of uncertainty we cannot educate for jobs; we must instead, educate for change. (Person, Barlowe & Price 1999) Our Students are Expected to be ……

In the Knowledge Based Economy, Keys to Success are …… Knowledge Updating Knowledge Application Knowledge Construction Personal Success “ Reform Proposals for the Education System in Hong Kong ” (Education Commission, 2000)

What Should the School do? Secondary school more than preparation for university education should be valued not for the university doors it opens but for the richness it adds to one’s life. (SCMP 10/10/1999) Bid to beat rote methods – Educators in Hong Kong face the challenge of overcoming the effects of a school system which has tended to make children passive rather then active learners. (SCMP 10/10/1999)

Education Reform & Project Learning School Development of Generic Skills Construction of Knowledge Development of Values and Attitudes

9 Generic Skills Collaboration Skills Communication Skills Creativity Critical Thinking Skills Information Technology Skills Numeracy Skills Problem-solving Skills Self-management Skills Study Skills

Education Reform & Project Learning School Development of Generic Skills Construction of Knowledge Development of Values and Attitudes Project Learning

Project Learning and Students ’ Achievement Stage of Project Learning (1)Preparation Stage: Idea Initiation Setting clear learning aims and objectives Formulate researchable and challenging questions that students find interesting in authentic environment Planning the work Stage of Project LearningStudents ’ Achievement Creativity Critical thinking skills Problem-solving skills Communication skills Collaboration skills Self-management Students ’ Achievement

Project Learning and Students ’ Achievement Stage of Project Learning (2)Implementation Stage: Enquiry Process Collection of various types of information from different sources to build up their knowledge of the topic Stage of Project LearningStudents ’ Achievement Study skills, skills of information processing including the collection, review and selection of information Communication skills Collaboration skills Self-management skills Students ’ Achievement

Project Learning and Students ’ Achievement Stage of Project Learning (3) Concluding Stage: Knowledge Building Analysing and consolidating the information Conclusion and reflection on the whole project Presentation, sharing and reflection on the project outcome Teacher, peer and self- evaluation Stage of Project LearningStudents ’ Achievement Study skills Numeracy skills Information technology skills Communication skills Collaboration skills Self-management skills Knowledge construction Self-reflection Changing a habit, attitude or belief Students ’ Achievement

Project Learning enables Students to achieve …… Project Learning Knowledge construction Development of generic skills Development of values and attitudes (moral and civic values)

What ’ s More? Life-long learning Involvement in society Self-reflection Appreciation Pleasurable learning Be initiative, confident and responsible Life-wide learning “ Learn to learn ” Self-directed learning

Students find Project Learning is …… Old habits of working alone have given way to a higher method. (Skoonwat) Self esteem and self confidence are boosted due to the experience in handling people and situations. (Suzy) Strengthens and expands our own ability to communicate and work with others. (Velda) A sense of belonging where we see ourselves as partners with a strong commitment and responsibility to our group. (Michelle) (Rearson, Barlowe & Price 1999)

Thank you