STEM education has become a major policy priority in Hong Kong and internationally (EDB, 2016). In Hong Kong, an integrated STEM education is promoted through Science, Technology and Mathematics Education Key Learning Areas (KLAs) in primary and secondary schools and is often advocated as creating opportunities for interdisciplinary learning; strengthening their ability to integrate and apply knowledge and skills; nurturing their creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills; and developing their talents in STEM-related areas. STEM education is so important that the Task Force on Review of School Curriculum in Hong Kong has identified STEM education as one of the key areas from the holistic review of the primary and secondary school curricula (HKSAR Press Release, 2018). The Government has put in a substantial amount of resources to coding, physical computing and computational thinking for K-12 teachers and schools in Hong Kong (EDB, 2017). To underpin STEM education, the Government has actively engaged different stakeholders in the community to provide intensive training programmes and professional development programmes. These training programmes cover coding education, interacting with programmable physical objects, and enhancing the computational thinking of students. Support initiatives such as professional development programmes for K-12 teachers, middle managers and school leaders have been intensively provided to advance their professional knowledge and capabilities. Hence, many schools with outstanding performance in implementing STEM education have emerged. Many good activities led by active STEM teachers have been showcased to the community in local forums and competitions. The proposed one-day workshop is a timely and participatory one.
The workshop will provide a forum for local K-12 schools and educators to share their innovative and best practices on coding, physical computing and computational thinking. We invite local K-12 teachers free-of-charge to join us to explore the latest developments in these areas. The main themes of this workshop, in the context of STEM education, include:
Leading schools and teachers will be invited to showcase their activities and endeavors in parallel sessions. Expert-led training and exploration sessions for coding, physical computing and computational thinking will be organized in this one-day workshop. The impact of this day-long workshop should be substantial and long-lasting to the local K-12 community in STEM education.
EDB (2016, December). Report on promotion of STEM education–Unleashing potential in innovation. Hong Kong: Education Bureau. Retrieved from https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/en/curriculum-development/renewal/STEM%20Education%20Report_Eng.pdf
EDB (2017, November - Draft). Computational thinking – Coding education: Supplement to the primary curriculum. Retrieved from https://www.edb.gov.hk/attachment/tc/curriculum-development/renewal/CT/supplement_CT_chi_draft.pdf
HKSAR Press Release (2018, November 28). Promotion of education on subjects related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Retrieved from https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201811/28/P2018112800583.htm
