There has long been anxiety about what many believe to be a decline in English standards in the city.
What really has changed is that the need for competent English speakers has increased. These days, English fluency is no longer seen as a plus; it is a basic requirement for all but the most menial of jobs. Even counter staff at fast-food restaurants are expected to speak English.
The master of arts programme in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) was launched in response to the Hong Kong government's aim of providing professional training to practising English teachers. The uncomfortable fact is that many teachers had entered the profession without having had professional training in second-language teaching.
Jointly organised by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the Chinese University (CUHK) and Britain's Lancaster University, the master of arts programme in teaching English to speakers of other languages mirrors the programme taught at Lancaster. The structure, standards and content are all the same. When participants complete the programme at CUHK), they receive the same certificate as students in Britain. 'It is targeted at English teachers with two or more years' experience,' says Carol To Ger-lee, senior programme co-ordinator, languages and translation team, school of continuing and professional studies at CUHK. It is suitable for everyone from teachers teaching at the primary to the tertiary level.'
Prospective students should have a first degree in a relevant discipline, such as English, translation, linguistics or education.
'The educational sector is getting more and more demanding,' To says. 'Apart from subject knowledge, teachers also need teacher training. So, a first degree is not enough.'