Introduction-Education Proposal 1.The ‘3+3+4’ plan: 3 years in junior high school 3 years in senior high school 4 years in university 2.Liberal Studies: Core subject in the new curriculum of A- Level Examination in 2008

What is Liberal Studies? Aim: to link up knowledge of all subjects. 3 Aspects of study: ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY IS IT BENEFIT TO HONG KONG?

To think over…… Does Liberal Studies benefit students? The subject itself: The advantages/ disadvantages brings to students Is it advisable to include Liberal Studies as a core subject in 2008? Preparation: Teaching material Teacher’s supply

How did the schools respond ? Include Liberal Studies as a core subject in 2008 Include Liberal studies as a core subject compulsorily

Does Liberal Studies benefit students? Advantages > Disadvantages To help students to build up their own points of view, To cultivate students ’ critical thinking skills, To prevent students ’ one-track approach due to the specialization in secondary subjects. To broaden students ’ knowledge base, To increase student ’ s learning incentive, To provide an integration of knowledge of all subjects mutually, To provide the future generation with wider knowledge base, independent thinking, creativity in a knowledge- oriented society. To enable students to obtain a life long benefits No definite textbook of Liberal Studies Lead to strong contrast and confrontation between Liberal Studies and traditional subjects Become a new burden to the student Unfairness may result as there is no standard answer in assessment of Liberal Studies

Is it possible to include Liberal Studies as a core subject in 2008? NO Obstacles in implementing Liberal studies as a core subject in 2008: It lacks cautious planning in implementation.  =4 years Time is limited It lacks a comprehensive training of teachers  shortage of teachers  Teachers cannot be trained within a limited period of 35 hours

Conclusion The inclusion of Liberal Studies should be postponed to give teachers more time to prepare The government should carry out research to work out what training best fits teachers teaching Liberal Studies Government should provide more resources and support for schools and teachers in implementing the new education proposal Government should not make Liberal Studies mandatory for A-Level Examination

Question Time! 1.To what extent do you think Liberal Studies is beneficial to H.K. students if it is included as a core subject in the AS-Level examination? 2.If you were the officials of the EMB, what measures would you suggest to facilitate a smooth implementation of the inclusion of Liberal Studies as a core subject in the AS-Level examination? 3.As a student, which suggestion do you prefer: to include Liberal Studies as a core subject in Primary 1 or to include Liberal Studies as a core subject in AS-Level? Why? 4.Liberal Studies and specialized(traditional) subjects like Phy. Chem.are confrontational in nature. How can students achieve a better fusion of them in order to facilitate our study?

5. What are the possible ways to master the skills in learning Liberal studies? 6. Are there any negative impact of Liberal Studies? Can you explain with examples?