LettersLiberal studies did not cause the Hong Kong protests but could do with some improvement

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Protesters gather and sing at New Town Plaza mall in Sha Tin on October 2 in support of the 18-year-old protester shot by a police officer the day before. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 12:15pm, 6 Oct 2019Updated: 12:15pm, 6 Oct 2019

I refer to the article “Hong Kong government’s move to advise publishers on liberal studies textbooks evokes mixed response from educators” (September 24).

In July, former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa said liberal studies was partly to blame for Hong Kong youngsters taking part in violent protests.

As a student, I do not agree with Mr Tung. There are many factors behind the recent violence and blaming a school subject is simplistic. Youngsters may be influenced by their parents, teachers or even people who dislike China.

However, I think the teaching of liberal studies has room for improvement, and that goes beyond the checking of textbooks that the Education Bureau intends to do.

First, teachers should be neutral when talking about politics in class. They should bring to class neither a positive nor a negative attitude towards the government. Teachers should also guide students to think through all sides of an issue and help students see that policies often have both pros and cons. We should not see only the negative side of things.

The Education Bureau could publish a small booklet guiding teachers on the right attitude to teaching the subject as a reference. This should not only apply to liberal studies but to other subjects including Chinese, and ethics and religious studies.