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Offering students the best of both worlds
Since 2000, we have taken the initiative to develop collaborative programmes with local universities allowing students to benefit from the respective strengths of the collaborating institutions.

In January 2003, we extended our agreement with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to jointly offer new science degree programmes integrating teacher education elements to produce outstanding science teachers for Hong Kong's secondary schools. This new venture builds on the success of our first collaboration with HKUST in 2000 when we set up a four-year Bachelor of Science programme in Mathematics and IT Education. In the light of these successes, we are actively seeking other strategic collaborations.

The four-year, full-time Bachelor of Science programmes in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Science Education will begin in September 2003. They are unique in their integration of academic studies with professional teacher education from year two onwards. The teacher education modules, amounting to approximately one year's study, will include practice at secondary schools for students to gain hands-on teaching experience. Graduates will receive a HKUST Bachelor of Science degree and be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status.

We also work in collaboration with the Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on programmes for Physical Education and English teachers.

An intrepid young teacher

Practising the art of teaching
In any programme designed to educate and train teachers, Field Experience (FE) is a core activity. Student teachers can read, think and write about teaching and learning, but in the final analysis they need to put these ideas into practice. FE provides them with the opportunity to explore theory and develop their teaching skills in real classrooms.

Recently the Institute reviewed its practices and strengthened FE arrangements to build upon the best practices already developed. In 2002-03 this initiative led to the establishment of coherent guiding principles across all full-time and part-time programmes related to field experience. New handbooks were published clearly elucidating our present FE philosophy and policy, underlining our commitment to the provision of quality FE across all programmes and elaborating and clarifying the roles of all collaborating partners.

Breaking new ground in IT learning
We have responded proactively to new challenges and demands posed by educational reforms. For example, to enhance the use of IT, our new Centre for Information Technology in Education complements face-to-face teaching with technology-enhanced learning materials, encourages independence through self-directed learning activities, and promotes e-learning to foster lifelong professional development among students and practising teachers.