Learning English in an environment where the language is used resulted in students showing the best improvement, according to Education Department findings.
A three-year project, jointly organised by the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the department, involved 1,800 Secondary One students from 90 schools.
Activities like morning exercise, tours, story-telling, songs and dances proved to be the most efficient way of learning the language in an English-speaking environment. Professor Joseph Hung Hin-wai, an associate professor in the Department of English at the university, said: 'The project has great academic value. It found a new way to improve students' English. But with a tight curriculum, we have to look for extra time and space to boost language standards.' Studies showed that students' English proficiency and confidence in the language increased after the camp.
'It is important to first arouse students' confidence when teaching English. This can be easily done through interesting activities,' he said.
The Hong Kong Language Fund granted $2.9 million to the project.
'A written report will be handed to the Language Fund. Comparison studies on the campers' and normal students' certificate-level examination results [HKCEE] will be carried out five years later,' Professor Hung said.
