scholarly journals Teachers, policymakers and project learning: The questionable use of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ policy instruments to influence the implementation of curriculum reform in Hong Kong

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Kwan Fok ◽  
Kerry J. Kennedy ◽  
Jacqueline Kin Sang Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Focus Attention ◽  
Policy Theory ◽  
Project Learning ◽  
The Government ◽  
Curriculum Reforms ◽  
Recent Policy

Following the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region developed wide-ranging curriculum reforms, including project learning. A recent survey has indicated that over 80% of Hong Kong primary and secondary schools have adopted project learning as a curriculum task. Such an outcome is hard to reconcile both with the culture of Hong Kong schools and the generally bleak picture that pervades the literature on educational change. In seeking an explanation for this apparent success we focus attention on the policy instruments that were used by government agencies to facilitate the process of implementation. Our analysis revealed that teachers were caught in a pincer movement that involved voluntary activities promoting project learning and coercive measures that monitored and evaluated successful implementation. Teachers’ views of these policy instruments differed markedly from those of policymakers. This confluence of mixed approaches, while apparently successful, is also shown to be problematic. Finally, the paper is located in a theoretical framework with its origins in recent policy theory that to date has not been applied to educational contexts.

The securitization of refugees in Hong Kong: government, members of the legislative council and Chinese newspapers (2005 to June 2019)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wai Ching Choy
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Cultural Identity ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Welfare System ◽  
Internal Security ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legislative Council ◽  
News Reports ◽  
The Government ◽  
Poll Data

Purpose This paper explores how the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) securitizes internal security, cultural identity and welfare system through refugee policy instruments. It also aims to explore the roles of members of the Legislative Council (Legco) and Chinese newspapers in the securitization process. Design/methodology/approach The author analyzed 6 landmark verdicts, 342 related documents of the Legco, 2,386 news coverages and 408 editorials/ column articles from 6 selected Chinese newspapers from 2005 to mid-2019. While documents of the Legco were collected from the Legco archives, news reports, editorials and column articles were gathered on Wisenews with the keywords, namely, refugees, asylum seekers, torture claims and non-refoulement claims. Findings The author argues that the advanced comprehensive security approach helps to comprehend the securitization process in Hong Kong. The HKSARG, Legco members of the pro-government camp and pro-government Chinese newspapers perform as securitizing actors who regard refugees as an existential threat to the referent objects, i.e. internal security, cultural identity and welfare system. Research limitations/implications There are two significant limitations, namely, the coverage of newspapers and the absence of poll data. This paper merely selected six Chinese newspapers, which do not cover English newspapers and some other Chinese newspapers in Hong Kong. It may neglect some important data. Additionally, owing to the absence of longitudinal poll data, the author chose not to examine the related materials. Originality/value This paper intends to be the first study to provide a longitudinal examination of the transformations of current refugee policies in Hong Kong.

scholarly journals Indonesia National Curriculum Reform in the Context of Standard-Based Education: Policy and Implementation

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-87
Author(s):  
Bambang Suryadi ◽  
Yuli Rahmawati ◽  
Bahrul Hayat ◽  
Suprananto Suprananto
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
The Government ◽  
Learning Competencies

AbstractCurriculum reform plays an essential role in assuring the success of systematic educational change. The purpose of this study is to portray the government policy and the issues of the Curriculum 2013 implementation. This study employed qualitative methodology using document analysis, observation and Focused Group Discussion (FGD)   as data collection techniques. The results of this study show that the curricula philosophy of curriculum reform was well-articulated and relevant to meet the requirements of twenty-first century learning competencies. However, the curricula implementation process faced substantial challenges with technical problems regarding the national standards of education document, teacher training and competences, the availability of school textbooks, and classroom assessment implementation. The findings of this study have several implications for implementing the national curriculum in Indonesia. Therefore, alignment between the national standards of education document, the curriculum structure, and the assessment system is required in order to ensure the successful implementation of Curriculum 2013 throughout the nation.AbstrakReformasi kurikulum memainkan peran penting dalam memastikan keberhasilan perubahan pendidikan yang sistematis. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menggambarkan kebijakan pemerintah dan isu-isu implementasi Kurikulum 2013. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif menggunakan analisis dokumen, observasi dan diskusi kelompok terpumpun sebagai teknik pengumpulan data. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa filosofi reformasi kurikulum diartikulasikan dengan baik dan relevan untuk memenuhi persyaratan kompetensi pembelajaran abad kedua puluh satu. Namun, proses implementasi kurikulum menghadapi tantangan besar dengan masalah teknis mengenai dokumen yang terkait dengan standar nasional pendidikan, pelatihan dan kompetensi guru, ketersediaan buku pelajaran di sekolah, dan implementasi penilaian di dalam kelas. Temuan penelitian ini memiliki beberapa implikasi untuk menerapkan kurikulum nasional di Indonesia. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan keselarasan antara dokumen standar nasional pendidikan, struktur kurikulum, dan sistem penilaian untuk memastikan keberhasilan implementasi Kurikulum 2013 di seluruh negara. 

The soft power and paradiplomacy of Hong Kong

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-172
Author(s):  
Wai Yin Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Soft Power ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Government Officials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Actors ◽  
Global Context ◽  
One Country Two Systems ◽  
The Government

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to map out the connection between paradiplomacy, policy instruments and soft power and propose a theoretical framework for consideration. Design/methodology/approach This research adopted a qualitative research approach involving in-depth interviews with government officials from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices and two Hong Kong film directors. Findings The research has discovered that the government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) lacks a holistic strategy and policy to boost Hong Kong’s visibility in the global context. The HKSAR Government exhibits an incomplete understanding of the concept of soft power and ignores the values cherished in the civil society. Practical implications This investigation provides a background against which Hong Kong’s policymakers could devise a paradiplomatic strategy. This study suggests that political and social actors in Hong Kong must help to strengthen the city’s global position through strategic investments and the deployment of its soft power at home and aboard. The paradiplomacy of Hong Kong can serve as one of the effective tools to improve the legitimacy of “One Country, Two Systems.” Originality/value There is no study on the application of soft power under the framework of paradiplomacy. This paper represents a new direction of research in the area of Hong Kong, international status and its external affairs.

scholarly journals Curriculum Alignment After Reforms: A Systematic Review with Considerations for Queensland Pre- and In-service Teachers

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 34-55
Author(s):  
Claudia E. Johnson ◽  
◽  
Helen J. Boon ◽  
Maree Dinan Thompson ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Curriculum Alignment ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Prescribed Curriculum ◽  
Senior Secondary ◽  
Curriculum Reforms

This systematic review synthesises research on curriculum alignment to suggest considerations for the implementation of the Senior secondary curriculum reform in Queensland, Australia. It focuses on the coherence of cognitive skills in the prescribed and enacted curriculum as these are typically the least aligned curriculum components. Search methods, which followed the PRISMA model, resulted in 108 relevant articles for qualitative synthesis. Results show that alignment after curriculum reforms is typically low. The use of educational taxonomies can support curriculum alignment. Marzano and Kendall’s (2007) New Taxonomy of Educational Objectives underpins the new Queensland Senior secondary syllabi which, in line with other Australian policy, encourage the explicit teaching of cognitive skills. Research is needed on the enacted cognitive skills curriculum in Queensland and its alignment with the reformed prescribed curriculum. To promote the successful implementation of the new Queensland Senior system, pre- and in-service teachers could engage with the New Taxonomy and best practice for teaching cognitive skills.

E-Projects Challenges in India – Role of Human Resource Management and Technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
Ramnik Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Services ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Government ◽  
Traditional Approaches

E-governance is a paradigm shift over the traditional approaches in Public Administration which means rendering of government services and information to the public by using electronic means. In the past decades, service quality and responsiveness of the government towards the citizens were least important but with the approach of E-Government the government activities are now well dealt. This paper withdraws experiences from various studies from different countries and projects facing similar challenges which need to be consigned for the successful implementation of e-governance projects. Developing countries like India face poverty and illiteracy as a major obstacle in any form of development which makes it difficult for its government to provide e-services to its people conveniently and fast. It also suggests few suggestions to cope up with the challenges faced while implementing e-projects in India.

Ghana: the State of Agriculture and Prospects for Food Security in the Context of Achieving SDGs

2018 ◽  
pp. 16-31
Author(s):  
Tatyana Denisova
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Socioeconomic Development ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The State ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Careful Study ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government

For the first time in Russian African studies, the author examines the current state of agriculture, challenges and prospects for food security in Ghana, which belongs to the group of African countries that have made the most progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals adopted by UN member states in 2015 with a view of achieving them by 2030. The SDGs include: ending poverty in all its forms everywhere (Goal 1); ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture (2); ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages (3), etc. These goals are considered fundamental because the achievement of a number of other SDGs – for example, ensuring quality education (4), achieving gender equality (5), ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns (12), etc. – largely depends on their implementation. Ghana was commended by the world community for the significant reduction in poverty, hunger and malnutrition between 2000 and 2014, i.e. for the relatively successful implementation of the first of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, 2000–2015) – the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. However, SDGs require more careful study and planning of implementation measures. In order to achieve the SDGs, the Government of Ghana has adopted a number of programs, plans and projects, the successful implementation of which often stumbles upon the lack of funding and lack of coordination between state bodies, private and public organizations, foreign partners – donors and creditors, etc., which are involved in the processes of socioeconomic development of Ghana. The author determines the reasons for the lack of food security in Ghana, gives an assessment of the state of the agricultural sector, the effective development of which is a prerequisite for the reduction of poverty and hunger, primarily due to the engagement of a significant share (45%) of the economically active population in this sector. The study shows that the limited growth in food production is largely due to the absence of domestic markets and necessary roads, means of transportation, irrigation and storage infrastructure, as well as insufficient investment in the agricultural sector, rather than to a shortage of fertile land or labor.

STRATEGI PEMBERDAYAAN BURUH MIGRAN PEREMPUAN INDONESIA DI HONGKONG

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-72
Author(s):  
Tyas Retno Wulan ◽  
Lala M. Kolopaking ◽  
Ekawati Sri Wahyuni ◽  
Irwan Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Social Remittances ◽  
Central Java ◽  
The Social ◽  
Ethical Work ◽  
The Government ◽  
Female Migrant

Social remittances (ideas, system practice, and social capital flow from the receiving country to the home country) of Indonesian female migrant workers (BMP) in Hong Kong appeared better and more complete than other BMP in other countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, or Singapore.  Based on that research, we are encouraged to do extensive research in order to identify factors  that push  BMP’s social remittances development  in Hong Kong, to identify kinds of social remmitances they receive  and to understand on how far their social remittances become a medium to empower them and their society.  This study is done in qualitative method that uses an in-depth interview technique and FGD.  Subjects of study are BMP, the government (Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration and BNP2TKI), NGOs, migrant workers’ organization and researchers of BMP. The study done in Cianjur (West Java), Wonosobo and Banyumas (Central Java) and Hong Kong indicates that during their migration process, female migrant workers not only have economical remittance that can be used for productive activities, but also social remittances.  The social remittances are in the form practical knowledge such as language skill and nursery; knowledge on health, financial management; ethical work; the mindset changing and networking. The study  indicate that female migrant workers are extraordinary women more than just an ex-helper.  Their migration has put them into a position as an agent of development in society.Key words: Indonesians  female migrant workers, social remmitances, empowerment

Flood alleviation in a heavily urbanized area – Kai Tak Nullah, Hong Kong

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan K. L. Chan ◽  
Colin K. C. Wong ◽  
Robin H. N. Lee ◽  
Mike W. H. Cho
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Hydraulic Modelling ◽  
The Public ◽  
Design Considerations ◽  
Urbanized Area ◽  
Development Area ◽  
The Government ◽  
Exercise Design

The existing Kai Tak Nullah flows from Po Kong Village Road along Choi Hung Road and Tung Tau Estate into Kai Tak Development Area before discharging into the Victoria Harbour. Historically its upstream has been subject to flooding under storm conditions and this has had serious repercussions for the adjacent urban areas. A study has been commissioned by the Drainage Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China to investigate the flood mechanisms and to provide flood alleviation measures by improving the capacity of the Kai Tak Nullah. In addition to flood alleviation, there is a strong public aspiration to rehabilitate the Kai Tak Nullah by a comparatively natural river design. Since the Kai Tak Nullah is located within a heavily urbanized area, traffic and environmental impacts are also highly concerned. The final flood alleviation scheme has thus had to strike a balance among the aforesaid factors with assistance from the hydraulic modelling utilizing InfoWorks Collection Systems (CS) software. This paper presents the public engagement exercise, design considerations, methodologies, and recommendations regarding the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Kai Tak Nullah.

scholarly journals To stop or not to stop ‘culture’: determining the essential behavior of the government, church and public in fighting against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalmacito A Cordero
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Contributory Factor ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Health It ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Church

Abstract Culture is a way of life. A recent correspondence emphasizes that it is a contributory factor in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, and this must be considered by each government around the world. However, I argue that various elements in culture do not need to stop or else it will create public outrage. I therefore propose a win–win solution for both parties with the inclusion of the church that can serve as a framework for the sake of public health. It is primarily based on a kind of behavior that is needed to be embodied by the involved groups—‘supportive’ government, ‘creative’ church and an ‘adaptive’ public. These essential behaviors of all groups are possible to embody for a successful implementation of public health.

Danish Industrial Policy: Persistent Liberalism

1983 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Chr. Sidenius
Keyword(s):  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Industrial Policy ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Economic Recession ◽  
Crisis Response ◽  
Gradual Process ◽  
Close Cooperation ◽  
The Government ◽  
State Industry ◽  
Response Policy

ABSTRACTDanish industrial policy reflects a ‘liberalistic’ paradigm, with industrial subsidies being general rather than selective, and based on profitability. There was an increase in the number of industrial policy instruments introduced in the second half of the 1970s, and in particular there seems to have been an increase in subsidies for technological innovation. The amount of money allocated for industrial subsidies has increased, especially during the economic recession. However, Danish industrial policy can only be conceived of as a crisis response policy in a relatively diffuse way, with only a few arrangements directly targetted at firms in difficulties, whereas most aim at making the surviving firms expand, innovate and increase their exports. Similarly, with few exceptions Danish industrial policy can be seen as anticipatory only in a very general way. The administration of industrial policy is characterised by close cooperation between state, industry and labour in tripartite boards and committees that take decisions about the administration of industrial policy or advise the government. The widespread use of such tripartite bodies hampers changes in industrial policy because all partners have to acquiesce in the changes. Innovation in Danish industrial policy is likely to be a gradual process, with most existing arrangements surviving, and a desultory increase in the use of more selective measures.

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