Bulletin Number Two 1986

An Interview with Professor Cho-Yee To Q: What do you think are the differences between students in the early days o f the School o f Education and those who have enrolled in recent years? What contributions have they made to society? A: At the time of its inception, the School of Education was asmall unit with a limited enrol ment. Professional training was uncommon at that time in Hong Kong. Most of the students were either experienced serving teachers or administrators. Although the School has ex panded over the years, the number of graduates still fails to meet the great demand for trained teachers in Hong Kong. Applications still out- number our places. So students are required to go through selective screening procedures. The primary objective of the School is to provide sound and adequate training for the development of good teachers and adminis trators. Apart from giving basic professional training, School of Education teaching staff encourage students to concern themselves with developments in education as well as social and educational activities. Most of our graduates become secondary school teachers, and some of the more experienced ones become educa tional administrators. Some graduates are par ticularly active in community service and have been appointed by the Government asmembers of the Board of Education, the Commission of Education as well as the Legislative Council, or have become elected members of the District Boards. They have all been able to bring their intellect and capabilities into play in their re­ spective posts. There are also graduates working in cultural organizations, such as news agencies and publishing houses. Students from Southeast Asian countries have also shown outstanding performance in avariety of posts after returning home upon graduation. In fact, education, by definition, has a broad connotation covering a wide range of activities. We are therefore satisfied as long as our graduates can make a contribution to society through educational, cultural or political work. Q: Given the existing conditions and the nature o f the educational system ， will the graduates o f the School o f Education be able to practise what they have leamt? A: It all depends on how we interpret this. The School of Education is not a canning factory where food is packed for instant serving. What we emphasize are educational theories and methods. Graduates should, in their teaching careers, develop their own teaching methods in accordancewith different teachingenvironments and specific needs, while implementing various adaptations to make theories more practicable so as to achieve effective education. Graduates of the School of Education are, on the whole, competent teachers with ideals and their pro fessional practices should reflect the special needs of the various teaching environments in which they work. The implementation of their learning will therefore vary according to circum stances, the environment and their students' needs. It is in this sense that they will be able to practise what they have leamt. As circum stances change we expect our graduates to be able to change their professional practice appro priately. Q: Hong Kong has now entered a transitional period. Will there be any changes in the pro grammes and objectives o f the School? A: During the transitional period, our society is in great need of intellectuals who have talent and insight as well as leadership qualities. The present role of education is to develop capable people for society and help build up ajust and progressive social system. In achanging society, it is evident that there is a close relationship between schools and society. From the educa tion point of view, the promotion of political consciousness is as important as imparting 18 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS