Against the backdrop of internationalisation of education and the emergence of English as a global language, medium of instruction (MOI) has long been a controversial issue globally. The present study examined the relationships between secondary-level MOI (English, EMI; Chinese, CMI) and learners' tertiary-level academic achievement and…

This study provides an analysis of selected aspects of the intended curriculum related to redox reactions as represented in secondary chemistry textbooks from the People's Republic of China, with a special view also on Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan, and the Chinese minority in Malaysia. This study reveals how chemistry textbooks deal with visual…

In Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) programmes, students learn content knowledge and a second/foreign language (L2) simultaneously. It follows that both content and language are assessed, although research on how to do so remains scarce. This study explores the interplay between cognitive and linguistic demands of CLIL assessments.…

Direct subsidy scheme (DSS) schools are a product of Hong Kong's market-oriented educational reform, mirroring global reform that champions parental choice and school marketization. Such schools have greater autonomy in matters of curricula, staffing, and student admission. Although advocates of the DSS credit it with increasing educational…

Gives a detailed description of the constructon of equipment needed for redox equilibria experiments and the measurement of the electromotive force of voltaic cells. This information is provided to solve the problem of inadequate, expensive equipment required for A-level chemistry practical work. (JN)

Explores possibilities for adapting BSCS materials for use in Hong Kong schools, including discussion of major areas for revision, i.e., selection of local flora and fauna and establishment of a resource supply center for living materials and chemicals. (CS)

A study examined the effects of a new Hong Kong policy requiring Chinese as the language of instruction on secondary students' learning of science. Science achievement test scores at 100 secondary schools indicate that previous use of English to teach science may have hampered students' ability to grasp material due to the high-level thinking…

Provides a rationale for including the epistemology of science and its relationship to school science education as an essential component in science teacher training programs, including existing and new resource materials. Also offers a possible curriculum for inclusion in these programs. (Author/SK)

Although the participation rates of females in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (or STEM) education is poor in most Western countries, considerable differences across countries exist as well. This may be due to differences in the so-called gender achievement gaps, that is, delays of one sex with respect to the other. The variation…

Describes an initiative to develop and incorporate early Chinese scientific ideas into the teaching of physics in Hong Kong schools. Provides the background and rationale for the development and gives as an illustration an account of some of the scientific ideas included. Ideas include the Chinese magic mirror, force and motion, and atomic theory.…

Presents problems encountered by the Curriculum Development Committee in Hong Kong in efforts to reform the sixth-form science curriculum. Examines curricular movements in the United States and United Kingdom. Proposes a Curriculum Inquiry Framework which will conceptualize and broaden science teaching. Contends that science education should be…

Reports on a study of alternative conceptions held by junior high-level secondary science teachers enrolled in an inservice teacher-training program. Finds that science teachers are inadequately prepared to teach a broad and balanced science curriculum. Contains 34 references. (Author/WRM)

Describes a modification of the traditional demonstration of Newton's rings that magnifies the scale of the interference pattern so that the demonstration can be used for the whole class or for semiquantitative measurements in any high school laboratory. (JRH)

States that the common school curriculum in Hong Kong caters to the academically gifted. Advocates a broad and balanced science curriculum, differentiated to a range of abilities and aptitudes, to be followed by all students throughout the five years of secondary school. Presents four purposes for science education and describes curriculum…

Presents methods commonly used for investigating enzyme activity using catalase and presents a new method for measuring catalase activity that is more reliable and accurate. Provides results that are readily reproduced and quantified. Can also be used for investigations of enzyme properties such as the effects of temperature, pH, inhibitors,…