Politics best kept out of liberal studies review for schools
- Some pro-government politicians blame the subject for radicalising young protesters, but education chiefs deny this and views of public are being sought
Amid so much tension and conflict, the last thing Hong Kong needs is further politicisation. The Education Bureau panel tasked with reviewing the school curriculum is therefore to be commended for rejecting calls to abolish liberal studies, seen by some pro-government politicians as the reason students have become radical and taken part in a series of political movements, including the national education row in 2012, the pro-democracy Occupy protests in 2014 and the recent storm over the now-suspended extradition bill.
Not surprisingly, the recommendation to keep liberal studies as one of four compulsory subjects – along with English, Chinese and Mathematics – in the Diploma of Secondary Education exam has brought criticism.
Liberal studies aims to replace rote learning by honing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills, while strengthening their knowledge, perspectives and social awareness.
The topics cover personal development, the environment, Hong Kong today, modern China and globalisation. Despite worries over the lack of model teaching, heavy workloads and ambiguous assessment, the subject was generally hailed as a bold reform.
The curriculum was due for review after a decade, and while the panel recommended keeping liberal studies it also suggested making a school-based research project optional to ease the workload of pupils.
But as scores would be reduced, concern was raised as to whether the chances of students seeking university admission would also be hurt. The panel is now seeking views on its suggestions during a two-month public consultation.
There are those who link the subject to protesters, saying it is too liberal and has radicalised Hong Kong’s youth.
There are also concerns that pupils may be brainwashed if teachers impose their own political views through biased teaching materials, but such claims overlook the fact protests have attracted adults as well as youngsters.
As the bureau said, there was no proof that those representing the younger generation in demonstrations were radicalised by what was taught in class.
Mixing the curriculum review with politics is hardly in the interest of pupils, but like it or not, liberal studies will continue to be a matter of debate in society.
The latest row involving a teacher of the subject, who was forced to resign as head of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority’s committee on liberal studies for his comments about the police after the extradition protests, underlines the sensitivity of the subject.
Issues such as the quality of teaching and views of teachers are also worthy of concern. That is why the subject should be overhauled in a professional and independent way.