Less-than-stellar results on language proficiency test no gauge of Hong Kong teachers’ classroom ability, veteran educators say
- ‘Relatively difficult’ English written test proves challenging, with many tripping over grammar
- Results possibly dragged down as members of the public, non-language teachers sit the test
The results appear disturbing. Only about half of those who sat Hong Kong’s Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (LPAT) over the past two decades passed its English writing and speaking components, a Post analysis has found.
But veteran educators argue that the test results are not a true reflection of language teachers’ proficiency or effectiveness in the classroom, while one lawmaker thinks the test should be renamed to “avoid confusion”.
The assessment was introduced in 2001 following concerns that Hong Kong’s language teachers were not up to the mark.
All serving teachers of English language and Putonghua – known as Mandarin elsewhere – had to clear the assessment by 2006 or they would not be able to teach the subjects.
There are separate tests for teachers of English and Putonghua, with more than 1,000 people taking each of the tests every year. These days, test-takers include aspiring teachers, those who teach subjects other than English and Putonghua, and even interested members of the public.
Teachers still cannot teach languages if they do not clear the test. Only those with degrees in areas such as English language, literature or linguistics and relevant training – or similar qualifications for Putonghua – are exempted.