In order to enable students to have a better understanding of and exposure to the current situation and development of early childhood education in Mainland, and to broaden their knowledge, skills and experience in early childhood education, the Department has been working closely with different educational institutions in Mainland to seek a wide range of internship and exchange opportunities for students. With the strong support and coordination of the school, the Department is honored to collaborate with Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi Kindergarten to jointly implement two pilot schemes for field experience and internship in Mainland – " Scheme of Field Experience of Early Childhood Education in the Greater Bay Area " and "Shenzhen Kindergarten Internship Scheme" for the first time from May to June 2024 (see Figure 1).
The two schemes were carried out at the same time. In addition to a two-week field experience and internship at Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi Kindergarten to experience the frontline work of kindergarten teachers in Mainland (see Figures 2, 3 and 4), the participating students would also be able to have meals and live in the staff dormitory with the teachers (see Figure 5), as well as enjoy leisure activities in their spare time, so that students could experience work and lifestyle in Mainland in a variety of ways. The biggest difference between the two schemes was that the former required students to complete the practicum according to specified forms and requirements, including the number of practicum days, hours and assessments, etc.; the latter was mainly on observational and participatory in nature. However, the two schemes also arranged the supervisors of the Department to conduct class observation and evaluation to ensure the quality and standard of students' practicum performance.
A total of 17 students from the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Childhood Education and Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education programmes participated in the schemes, and a closing ceremony was held on 21 June 2024 for the completion of the schemes. The students agreed that the two schemes could effectively enhance their understanding of early childhood education in the Mainland. They realized that the Mainland also had high-quality curriculum, professional teachers and a well-developed environment with incredible facilities, and they hoped that we could continue to collaborate, so that other students could also have the opportunity to obtain such valuable experiences (see Figures 6 and 7). At the closing ceremony, Principal Lui of Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi Kindergarten and Dr. Jessie Lam, the Assistant Head of Department (Programme), presented the certificates to the students (see Figure 8).
The students were very grateful to the principal and the teaching team of the kindergarten, as well as the supervisors of the department for their thoughtful arrangement and guidance during the schemes, which benefited them a lot in the professional and cultural aspects of early childhood education. Principal Lui and Dr. Lam also expressed their appreciation for the success of the two schemes on behalf of Pui Kiu and the Department respectively. They thanked all the students for their active participation and positive feedback on the schemes. In the future, the Department will continue to carry out professional exchanges and collaborations with different early childhood education institutions in Mainland, provide students with opportunities to participate in and understand early childhood education in the Mainland, and cultivate more professional talents to develop their teaching careers in the Mainland.
Figure 1: Dr Chan Po Lin, Associate Head (Teaching) of the Department, and Principal Lui of Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi Kindergarten kicked off the two pilot schemes at the opening ceremony
Figures 2, 3 and 4: Students engaged in different teaching activities with children in the school
Figure 5: Students had meals with the school teachers in the school canteen
Figures 6 and 7: Two student representatives gave their personal sharing at the closing ceremony
Figure 8: Students were presented with certificates at the closing ceremony
