SFSU Summer Course for US Students (2008)

Based on the previous year’s success, CACLER continues to run its summer program, “Training Teachers for the Future: Transnational Educational Issues” with the College of Education of San Francisco State University (SFSU). This program invites educators from SFSU and around the world to gain an exposure to educational practices in Asia, specifically those of Hong Kong and Southern China. The 2008 Summer course took place between 1-14 June 2008, and included 24 educators from the United States.

This course involved an intensive schedule, with daily activities. The visiting educators attended a number of lectures, including “Hong Kong Educational System—Bands” (speaker: Dr Cheung Kwok Wah), “Recent Historical and Education Developments in China” (speaker: Prof. Gerry A. Postiglione), “Variation Theory and Lesson Study” (speakers: Dr Pang Ming Fai and Dr Cheung Wai Ming), “Awareness of Chinese Characters” (speakers: Dr KY Loh and Dr WW Ki), and “Struggles and Survival of Hong Kong Minorities” (speaker: Ms Fermi Wong). Special thanks should go to all the lecturers who gave an overview and background information that was important for the site visits in the following days.

Besides the lectures there were other activities which included a city tour of Hong Kong, with stops at The Peak, Stanley Bay Market, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village among others. Some important visits to schools both in Hong Kong and Mainland China were also arranged, as well as the well known Museum of History in Hong Kong near Tsim Sha Tsui. The visiting educators also experienced some exciting bonus trips to Guangzhou, a bustling province in Southern China, famous for its economic growth and unique cuisine. The tour of this city included many stops, such as the Memorial hall for the Chen Family, and the Temple of Six Banyan Trees.

In Guangzhou, the educators also made a stop at the Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Foreign Language Primary and Secondary School, as well as the Wende Elementary School. Schools visited in Hong Kong included the Delia Secondary School, Hip Wo, a school primary geared to educate young students from South Asia. Also on the itinerary was the PLK Portuguese Community School, which serves mainly students who have newly arrived from Mainland China.

Other adventures included a luxurious night cruise along the Pearl River, a trip to the Yue Xiu Park and a visit to a Chinese factory in Guangzhou at Pan Yu (Vine furniture production).

	Flens At YU Kan Hing Secondary School, June 3, 2008, US research students visited and spoke with middle school students and their teachers. Some of the comments from the US research students: “I liked talking with the students and the fact that they joined us on our tour”, “Wonderful school tour”, “I really enjoyed this school and would have loved to do a lesson observation there.”
	Afternoon, June 4, Wednesday, Prof. G.A. Postiglione lectured on the recent historical development of education in China, while US research students listen with rapt attention. Comments included: “The cultural content of ethnic minorities was fascinating to see through his lens.”
	Earlier that day, in the morning, Dr. MF Pang and Dr WM Cheung ran a workshop on Variation Theory on the campus of HKU. “Very informative, very applicable to our work…the lesson was superb and comprehensive, people were using the concepts throughout the two weeks after this lesson.” “Wonderful lecture on Chinese teaching methods.”
	On Thursday, Fermi Wong presented a lecture on Hong Kong minorities on behalf of HK Unison, a group devoted to the rights of minorities in Hong Kong. “Very inspiring presentation,” “Excellent insight to migrant issues in HK.” “Considering the limited resources of Unison, Fermi conducted an exceptional presentation that not only described her work and struggle, but also conveyed a passion for human rights. Very empowering.”
	Here the US students visited the Delia Secondary School (Hip Wo) to get a better understanding of how Hong Kong secondary students spent their days. “This was a good school to visit. It was good to see their perception and incorporation of multicultural education.” “Great lesson observation and Q&A session.”
	On Friday the US students went to the PLK Portuguese Community School and observed the primary school students there. Of this experience, the US students wrote, “This is a dream school. One could only wish more schools could be like this.” “Very insightful discussion on multicultural education and it’s definitions.” “This is the most important school to include in this program. The ideas and operation of the school are essential to experience in this program.”
	(June 10) At the Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Foreign school, students and teachers presented this plaque in honour of the visit. US students wrote, “Very interesting experience, great school.” “Great music class, teachers were very open to constructive feedback and a deep cultural exchange.” “This was a great incorporation for the program. The diversity of the school and the education approaches were important for us to experience.”
	At the Li Wan District Lin Feng Primary School, (June 10), US students made an important stop. “It was difficult communicating with the children, but the school and the teacher were wonderful.” “Really provided important contrast between schools. Excellent instructional observations.”