Hong Kong teachers' perceptions and implementation of a project approach in mathematics teaching

by Leung, Wai-fun

(Uncorrected OCR) Master of Education

Dissertation

Name of Student: LEUNG, Wai Fun Mabel

University Number: 2001977755

Specialism: Mathematics

Name of Supervisor: LOPEZ-REAL, Francis

Dissertation Title:

Hong Kong Teachers' Perceptions and Implementation of a Project Approach

in Mathematics Teaching

Date: 29 August 2003

ABSTRACT

The 2002 Curriculum Guide issued by the Curriculum Development Council of Education and Manpower Bureau ofHKSAR identified project learning as one of the four key tasks in achieving 'Learning to Learn", a slogan for the overall aims of school curriculum under the Educational Reform. Using the framework for project approach introduced by Lillian Katz and Sylvia Chard, this research was undertaken with a number of teachers in Hong Kong to investigate the different aspects in the implementation of project learning. A case study approach was used involving the collection of data from a variety of sources, namely video taping, observation notes, students' output, and interviews with teachers and students. The findings suggest that teacher's perceptions and belief play an important part to the possibility to the undertaking of the guideline. The students' enthusiasm, cooperative learning, making new connections, and applying their knowledge in real life situation are the positive elements found within the process of project learning in this research. However, without the awareness of the difficulties, the challenges, and the necessity of training for teachers, it is unreasonable to expect the more popularity of this "powerful teaching and learning strategy".