Week 5 - Professional (25/02/12)

The school I will teach in.

Our fifth week at HKIEd was by far one of the busiest and most hectic weeks since we have been here. As part of our Educational Development module, I was required to make a presentation along with my group on a topic of particular interest to us that would account for 30% of our assessment. However, as both Andrew and I were late in arriving to the university and ultimately starting our classes, the topics and groups had already been selected. Thankfully, I was placed in a group with two other girls from Mainland China, who were extremely helpful in sharing their knowledge on the particular issue that they had chosen, which was validating the statement that ‘Educational reforms in Greater China have intensified educational inequalities’.

Presenting our views to the class.

 At first glance this topic seemed completely beyond what I would be able to manage, as I had no real understanding on the educational reforms that existed in China, never-mind the inequalities that they may or may not intensify. However, as I got to grips with this topic through extensive literature and internet research I was able to learn a great deal about the Chinese educational system. On reflection of this assignment, I am aware of the important opportunities of professional development that I was able to participate in and inevitably learn from. 

One of the most important tools when working as a member of a group is communication. I believe that through this experience I was able to develop my talking and listening skills, as I was required to fully participate in conversations and debates surrounding this issue and the information that I had found. Although we partake in many similar assignments at Stranmillis, this presentation differed in the amount of time, as we had to take control of the tutorial class and present for one hour, compared to the 10 minute presentations split between a group of 5 people at home. The presentation was then followed by a one hour-long question and answer session, which I also felt contributed to my professional development in the sense of being able to evaluate the questions which were being asked by the class, in order to assess their understanding of the topic that we had previously discussed. This is a skill that requires constant progression, especially in the education profession as it is necessary to evaluate and assess a child’s understanding, in order to implement strategies which will allow them opportunities to learn in the most effective and efficient way.

The content of the presentation also offered opportunities for professional development, as I was able to increase my knowledge of the education system in Mainland China and Hong Kong. This included learning about the history of education in this country, the various educational reforms that were implemented, their effects and the future proposals for education. The information that I found was extremely interesting and often controversial, which then ushered me to compare it to the education system that we experience in Northern Ireland and reflect on it critically to see what inequality issues may exist and how I, as a prospective teacher could ensure equal opportunities for all students in my classroom to access a broad and balanced curriculum and achieve their full potential.

Although my knowledge on the education system in this country has vastly expanded, it is still only a foundation based on theoretical information, as we have yet to start our teaching practice. But this has given me a great insight into the policies and practices that exist within Hong Kong and Mainland China, which I believe is good preparation for my teaching placement at the Jockey Club Primary School. Also for future placement preparation, Andrew and I visited the learning resources section of the library at HKIEd, which is similar to Stranmillis library, as it provides a wide range of materials that can be used in the primary classroom. Being surrounded by an extensive supply of teaching resources, I could not help but think about the students at home undergoing their school placement. This has made me very excited, as I now eagerly await the opportunity to experience my own school placement in a completely new and diverse environment that is the international classroom. 

Browsing the learning resources with Sharon and Wen.

Week 4 - Personal (18/02/12)

So we have reached the month mark already! It’s hard to believe how quickly time has gone but the more time we spend here, the more it feels like home, as we have begun to adapt to the culture and the way of life of a Hong Konger. Again, the pace of this week is no exception, as we have been kept occupied by preparing for class, meeting with friends and venturing on various sightseeing expeditions. Although, it is through the practice of writing these blogs in the midst of the busyness that I am able to reflect and remember aspects of my journey so far and how they are impacting my personal, cultural and professional development. 

At the beginning of the week, we travelled to Kam Shan Country Park along with the other exchange students, as part of a hike that the International Office here at HKIEd arranged for us. It was an interesting experience to say the least, as we were surrounded by hundreds of wild monkeys for the majority of the trek. I soon became very aware of my fear of wild animals, however it was a great opportunity to bond with some of the home and international students, as well as to enjoy the beautiful mountainous scenery and learn about the history of the area, which included British trenches from World War II. It is through these continuous adventures and observations of new scenery that I am gaining priceless knowledge and firsthand experience in the grandness of this world that we live in and so often take for granted. As a result of this, Andrew and I took the opportunity to book a holiday to Thailand, in order to explore more of this continent. 

Monkeys coming to attack.

International group after the hike.

Hiding in the trench.

Tuesday marked a very special day in many people’s calendar, as they gave and received gifts from loved ones or secret admirers...for Andrew and I, we were both particularly fortunate, as we celebrated this day not on our own but with 13 other people. It was interesting to find out that Valentine’s Day, known as Qīxī Jié in Chinese, has a completely different story to the one which we are told about St. Valentine. It also differs in date, as it takes place on the seventh day of the seventh moon in the Chinese lunar calendar (7th July this year). The Chinese origin of Valentine’s Day is a love story between a cowherd and the seventh daughter of the Goddess of heaven, both characters representing the stars Altair and Vega, who are forbidden to be together but on this specific date from earth’s perspective the constellations meet, symbolizing the importance of the time that you spend with a loved one. It is little nuggets of information like this and many more, which I have learnt and can envisage telling my future class, as I hope that my experiences here will influence my teaching and provide a more interesting way of learning for my pupils.

Celebrating Valentine's Day with friends and pancakes.

The Stranmillis students who will be studying in mainland China arrived in Hong Kong this week and we were eager to spend some time with them to show them around some parts of this country that we have become familiar with. This involved walking around the Kowloon Walled City Park and watching the Symphony of Lights show at Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui. It was interesting to hear about some of their fears and expectations of the adventure that they were about to embark on and to realize that actually one month ago, both Andrew and I were in the same position. However, after being here a month it has been beneficial to reflect on how we both have grown as a result of this Hong Kong experience. I have now officially been away from home for the longest period of time, which has allowed me to develop my own independence on the more necessary “grown-up” aspects of life, to which my parents will be overjoyed, such as setting a budget, buying groceries and doing laundry.

Keith, Danni, Sophie and Dan at Victoria Harbour.

Symphony of Lights display at Victoria Harbour.

Hong Kong is renowned for being one of the most diverse and multicultural places in the world. This is particularly evident to us through the extremely diversified group of students, both home and exchange that we have been accepted into, as well as the church that we attend. It is through these newly formed connections and relationships that many of the elements as to how I am developing personally are being influenced, by equipping me for the future and enabling me to better contribute to society, as a more well-rounded global citizen. I also believe that these networks with different people from a range of backgrounds and nationalities have and will continue to benefit me, as I embrace the increasing multicultural society of Northern Ireland and further understand the importance of implementing an inclusive approach in the primary classroom. 

My experience so far has been compiled of many opportunities to grow as a person, whilst developing a greater cultural awareness and an extensive skill base that I can use in the classroom. I believe that through this period of international exchange, I have gained far more personally, culturally and professionally than I ever would have obtained if I would have remained at home. Therefore, I am forever grateful and immensely excited to see what other exciting opportunities lie ahead of us in the next four months. 

Week 3 - Professional (11/02/12)

Working hard in class

‘Teachers will in keeping with the concept of professional integrity assume responsibility for their ongoing professional development as an essential expression of their professionalism.' (GTCNI, 2007:46)

One of the major reasons for taking this once in a lifetime opportunity to live and study in Hong Kong, was to utilize the many chances that it would present for my professional development. Over this past week we have finally began our three modules, which we are studying here at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd). All of them are relevantly connected to our degree of Primary Education, which we study in Stranmillis University College as they are; Educational Development: Concepts, Issues and Perspectives, Self and Personal Identities and finally Ethnic Identities, Multicultural Society and Cosmopolitism. Already these three classes have given me an insight into the education system that exists in Hong Kong and the surrounding Asian countries, which I have then been able to compare with Northern Ireland’s education system. 

Researching specific issues addressed in class

The GTCNI (2007:13) states that, ‘Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of contemporary debates about the nature and purpose of education and the social and policy contexts in which the aims of education are defined and implemented.’ This particular competency is addressed in the content of our Educational Development module, as we have looked at the issues of the privatization and marketization of education development in Asia, as well as the effects of democracy on Taiwan’s education system. I have found this particularly interesting, as we are learning about the different forms of education and how they are effected by their country’s government and culture. I believe that through learning about these issues, we are gaining an extensive knowledge base on the importance of education throughout the world. 

The GTCNI (2007:14) also notes that, ‘Teachers will have developed a knowledge and understanding of the need to take account of the significant features of pupils’ cultures, languages and faiths and to address the implications for learning arising from these’. Two of our modules, Self and Personal Identities and Ethnic Identities, Multicultural Society and Cosmopolitism, cater for this particular competency as we have already observed lectures on strategies for developing the holistic child, as well as the importance and purpose of global education within the classroom. 

Presenting our views and experiences of the global classroom

Throughout each of these classes, we have had to interactively participate and engage with the other international and home students when discussing a topic and delivering our ideas and conclusions through presentations. This has required us to work efficiently and cooperatively as group members, which is a desired quality in our teaching profession, as well  as becoming effective communicators. However, as a nation we are renowned for speaking very fast and this has sometimes presented a barrier in our communication with the other students, but through the extensive group work we are learning to speak slowly, clearly and concisely, which will benefit us in our preparation for our teaching placement in the international school. It has become obvious to both Andrew and I, that there is a difference in how the Chinese students respond to their tutors, as they seem reluctant to answer questions, yet talk loudly with their peers over the lecturer. This has caused us to think ahead and to develop strategies which we could implement during our placement in order to tackle this issue.  

Our buddies, Twinkle and Norelle are also studying to be primary teachers and so their information and advice on the education system here in Hong Kong has been invaluable. As they have both studied in Britain during last semester’s international exchange (Twinkle in Manchester and Norelle in Stranmillis), they have been able to compare their own experiences of the differences and similarities of the two education systems, e.g. there is a greater emphasis on student-lead learning in Britain than in Hong Kong, which has allowed both Andrew and I, to gain a clear indication of what to expect from our own Hong Kong placement.

Norelle and Twinkle, our HKIEd buddies

At the end of this week I feel mentally drained, as we have tried to catch up on three weeks of missed work due to our own university examinations. However, this week has also been one of the most interesting, as we have obtained a lot of new information and have been given the opportunity to present how different educational issues relate to our own experiences in Northern Ireland. Joe E. Lewis claims that, ‘You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough’. As this experience in Hong Kong will only happen once, I want to ensure that through our studying, our teaching placement, the people we meet, the skills we develop and the experiences we have, that they will enrich me both personally and professionally to become the best educator that I can be.

Mong Man Wai Library at HKIEd

References
General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI, 2007) available at http://www.gtcni.org.uk/index.cfm/area/information/page/ProfStandard, (accessed 10/02/12).

Week 2 - Cultural (04/02/12)

This second week of our international exchange seems to have absolutely flown in but we have had many opportunities to experience more of the Chinese culture and gain an insight into the way of life in this beautiful country, as well as developing our friendships with the other international and home students of HKIEd. 

As soon as we arrived in Hong Kong, it was obvious that the culture of this land was completely contrasting to that which we experience in Northern Ireland. Of course there are some things which are familiar to us, i.e. Heinz tomato soup and Mars bars etc. but they come at a very high price and so the majority of the things that we are experiencing are new and fascinating. Traditional Chinese food is definitely a new and interesting experience but as we our only here for 5 months we have consciously decided to at least attempt all new things. This included ‘yuan xiao’ known to us as sweet balls, which was made by one of the home students for us to enjoy. It is a typical Chinese dessert that is enjoyed around the New Year period, whose name and shape symbolise ‘togetherness and completeness’, which is extremely important to Chinese families but which definitely requires an acquired taste. After we tried this dessert, I was given the opportunity to play a few traditional Chinese games with some of the other home and international exchange students. This included a game called Majan, which involved trying to arrange blocks with the same or consecutive Chinese symbols into groups of three...I still am slightly confused about how to play it, as I can’t read Cantonese but I have decided that it is similar to a more formal game of UNO.

Enjoying our 'Sweet Balls'

Trying to master Majan

This week we decided that we would prefer to see some of the more unknown attractions, which make up Hong Kong. Kowloon Walled City Park was our first destination at the beginning of the week, which is said to occupy one of the most historic sites in the territory. Initially this area was used as a Chinese military base, however in 1899 civil order began to slacken with the occupation of British soldiers, resulting in the ‘eventual deterioration of the area into a semi-lawless enclave and festering squatter slum’. In 1994, Chinese authorities demolished the site and decided to create a park which would incorporate the many relics that were discovered. The park was completed in 1995 and now stands as a tranquil escape from the busyness of the city that towers over it, where people can meditate, play chess or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. 

The homes that previously existed on this site

Kowloon Walled City Park as it now exists

The park also includes an area dedicated to the 12 Chinese Zodiacs which are extremely important to Chinese people, as they believe that the animal linked to the year you are born in is representative of the way others see you or how you present yourself. 

Garden of Chinese Zodiac

We also took the chance to visit Sam Mun Tsai, a fishing village in the outskirts of Tai Po, on one of the warmest days this week, which resulted in both Andrew and I getting a bit of a suntan - not bad for winter.  From walking around and observing village life, we were able to notice the contrast in pace of life compared to those who work in the town centre and those who seemed relaxed as they fished off the pier. Again I found myself being completely surprised at how wrong my perceptions of how life in Hong Kong actually was, as I believed that people here would be driven by high-powered careers in the skyscraper office buildings that encapsulated this country.

Sam Mun Tsai Fishing Village

Fishermen hard at work

Throughout this week, we have had the opportunity to learn about the cultures that are represented by this international group of exchange students, as well as understand and appreciate the culture which exists in Hong Kong. On Friday, we all went to Aberdeen, which is known for its floating village and especially famous for the Jumbo Floating Restaurant, attracting over 30 million people since opening in 1976. We also took the chance to walk around the town, finding the Tin Hau Temple, where we experienced a sense of respect and calmness, indicating the importance of this place in a cultural sense for local people to worship in. 

International group on our way to the Jumbo Floating Restaurant

Jumbo Floating Restaurant

Tin Hau Temple

Burning incense at the front of the Temple

Traditional Sampan boat - used to travel around Aberdeen

Gandhi states that, ‘A nation’s culture resides in the heart and in the souls of its people’. I believe that throughout this week, as I have spent time getting to know some of the people of Hong Kong and spent time in some of their significant places that I am beginning to understand and appreciate the heart of this nation and the culture that exists here. However, there is so much more to learn, which I can’t wait to discover!