Bulletin Vol. 7 No. 7 Mar 1971

current by way of a prolonged, structual association with leaders in his chosen field. The favourable atmosphere and conditioning of an academic institution will heighten the learner's motivation to bring himsel f up-to-date. By physically extricating himself from the inertia of daily pressures and routines, he may get an opportunity to objectively reflect upon past experiences and then to formulate new directions and strategies to discharge his functions in a more efficient manner. The occasion afforded by the advanced studies programme will serve to provide time for this kind of reflection. The insight gained as a result of intellectual association with inspiring world-renowned scholars and counterparts will inject new stimulation. As a result of his "m i n o r" training i n higher education at Teachers' College, Mr. Ho now feels that he is a more competent teacher and educator than before, capable of utilizing instructional methods in accordance with the nature and characteristics of his students and of the subject matter he is to teach. 2. Specific Advantages t o the Department of Social Work and to the Community as a Whole The new excitement and insight developed from advanced studies will find expression in the entire planning and administration of the professional education of social work, syllabu s construction and instructional methods. For instance, a truly integrated approach was adopted in the design of a fundamental course in a methods sequence o f social work practice. It broke away from the conventional conception of compartmentalizing social work practice into a "hol y trio" of social casework, social group-work and community organization. Instead, a new concept, oriented toward a problem-solving approach , enables the teaching of this basic methods course in terms o f a variety of intervention strategies cutting across the traditional three entities, resulting in the student being able to more flexibly perform professional activities and roles on micro-and macro- level in the interest of thei r clientele. The challenges and demands of new and changing social problems in our community require that modern social work curriculum must prepare practitioner s capable of assuming newer and more constructive roles in social planning and policy formulation. At the same time, to bette r prepare our graduates for participation in opportunities related to community-wide social and economic development, a new course on "Social Policy and Services" was introduce d to the social work curriculum and undertaken by Mr. Ho. Creation of knowledge by means of research is another basic function and contribution of an academic institution on a higher level. The training in the research sequence as part of the advanced studies not only substantially increased technical competence in him, but also boosted self-confidence in engaging in independent research activities. His research project on "Factors Predictive of Successful Performanc e in Social Work Education", as a partial requirement of his doctoral degree, will mark his first attempt in subsequent interest and involvement in scientific inquiries. The advantages derived from the Staff Development Programme do not confine themselves to the university campus. The faculty member, upon return, will contribute simultaneously to the community through a myriad of activities. For example, taking part in teaching special courses or a series of specia l courses designed for a particular purpose and conducted through the Department of Extramural Studie s of the University represents the most common avenue of rendering community services. Public speeches and lectures ar e delivered at the invitation of certain professional associations such as Hong Kon g Nurses Association, and welfare organizations. Participation in leadership capacity in workshops or seminar s on specialized themes is another form of community contribution. For instance, Mr. Ho was invited by the International Conference on Social Welfare, Hong Kong Committee, to participate in a workshop as a discussion leader on the topic of "Comprehensive Social Development". In addition, he was appointed by His Excellency the Governor to serve on the Advisory Committee on Social Work Training, and was also invited to sit on the Advisory Committee on Social Research, Hong Kong Council o f Social Service, both appointments being made on the basis of individual merit. Suggestions Mr. Ho formulated the following suggestions for future trainees, based wholly on his experience in the advanced studies programme at Columbia University, for th e sole purpose of maximizing the benefit stemming from such an educational opportunity. Firstly, a book grant should be made available to the trainee, so that financial strain could be reduced and time thus saved from note-taking could be optimall y used in other types of educationally-related activities. Secondly, a grant should be provided for the trainee to make brief trips and visits to certain selected model schools in a bid to widen the trainee's knowledge about various possible curriculum modalities and about different patterns o f educational administration and planning. Thirdly, the dissertation is a substantial hurdle in one's effort to earn a doctoral degree, but whether the trainee should be given the option of finishing it prior to his return is an undecided issue. The merit s of having it completed before coming back may include proper and available guidance from the trainee's dissertation adviser, drive and thrus t generated from the concentrated study of course work, and, last but not least, better library facilities. On the other hand, the shortcomings may take the form of excessive financial investment on the part of the sponsor and prolonged absence from the trainee's own community. The decision as to whether the traine e should stay on to complete his dissertation has to be made on an individual basis; generalization is difficult. Since his retur n to a full work load of teaching, administrative (i.e. head of the Department) and student advising duties, apart from a myriad of community responsibilities and commitments, Mr. Ho finds himself hard pressed for time to work on his dissertation. Therefore he feels that should the trainee return to his teaching duties, the sponsor should assist financially and also arrange a reduced work schedule while he is preparing his dissertation. Lastly, some formal training in highe r education for a new faculty member is a justifiable and recommended consideration . Transition from a practitioner or an expert to a teacher is not a spontaneous adjustment. A smooth and speedy transition into the new teaching ro!e can best be effected by some structured, planned learning. — 4 —