A teacher on Wednesday questioned whether primary schools would have enough qualified teachers when a new science subject is introduced next year, urging authorities to take action.
Mervyn Cheung, president of Hong Kong Education Policy Concern, made the comments on RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme, after the Education Bureau announced details of the new curriculum framework.
RTHK's Cheung Bin Tse told that the office was providing support for equipment and on-the-job training for teachers. But he noted that primary teachers are more likely to specialize in subjects such as Chinese, English and mathematics, while those with a science background are more likely to teach at the secondary level.
“The EDB will need to work with local universities on increasing the number of science students in the next few years, as well as more in-depth refresher training for teachers already hired to teach science subjects, starting next academic year.” He said.
However, Cheung said he supports increased teaching of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, known collectively as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEAM) subjects, saying children in Hong Kong are falling behind children on the mainland and in other parts of the region.
The curriculum framework published on Monday said schools should avoid having young primary pupils take written assessments, to reduce their stress while giving them more time for scientific exploration.
The syllabus states that students will be able to design models or products in science class, apart from learning about natural phenomena.
The office announced a change to primary teaching in November as part of a move to improve the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEAM) subjects.
