Editorial | Self-learning kits may not be right answer
- Questions on national policy and security for Hong Kong primary and secondary school pupils during the summer holidays have come in for criticism
National education in Hong Kong is still on a learning curve, so much so that youngsters have been encouraged to study matters of state policy and national security on their own during the holidays. This follows the release of an official self-learning kit as part of summer homework across primary and secondary schools. This is not surprising, given the government campaign to enhance understanding of the country in recent years. But it does give the impression that this is being achieved through rote-learning.
Covering national security, Chinese political history and cultural heritage, students are expected to tackle one of 62 questions and answers each day during the two-month break. Questions include the duties of the government’s Committee for Safeguarding National Security, with more than one correct answer from a choice of four, and the matching of political quotes with speakers.
Some schools say the questions are too hard for younger pupils. For instance, they are asked to name the Chinese leader who said during a meeting with a US congressional delegation in 1978 that “China could not bear the imperative to not use force to solve the Taiwan problem, otherwise it would practically cut off a method to resolve the Taiwan problem, including a peaceful resolution”. Without much knowledge and background on contemporary Chinese history and the complex issue of Taiwan, pupils may be unable to appreciate the rationale behind Deng Xiaoping’s remarks.
The Post has raised questions on national education, including how it will be taught and assessed. There are further concerns about learning objectives and whether there is room for intellectual debate and disagreement with some of the concepts. While officials may think the summer break is a good time to strengthen learning on this front, it is also seen by some as simply more brainwashing. Teachers have even questioned how they can follow up the self-learning progress of students as required by the guidelines.
That education and protection of national security will intensify further is something to be reckoned with. But as with Chinese identity and patriotism, awareness of national affairs and security is best instilled through more inspiring ways than rote learning.