The future direction of business education in Hong Kong secondary schools : issues and concerns

Cheung, Chi-Kim

Abstract

This study analyses the development of business education in Hong Kong secondary schools. The analysis focuses on its past development, and issues and concerns in its future direction. Three questions were asked: Why has business education emerged as part of the curriculum in secondary schools in Hong Kong? How do principals, teachers and students perceive business education in secondary schools in Hong Kong? What are the issues involved in the future development of business education in secondary schools in Hong Kong? These questions provide the framework of this study, and documentary analysis, questionnaire, and interviews were used to collect data.
For documentary analysis, official documents, circulars, minutes of the subject committee, annual report of business subjects examined, advisory reports from various committees, and White Paper were employed.
In the questionnaire survey, teachers of secondary business education, students taking secondary business education and principals were surveyed to find out their views on various issues related to secondary business education in Hong Kong.
The third element of data collection is interview. Teachers of secondary business education, students taking secondary business education, principals, curriculum developers and government officials were interviewed to share their views on various issues related to secondary business education in Hong Kong.
This study concludes that secondary business education finds its roots in vocational education, preparing students with lower academic ability to perform clerical and supportive work. Because of the contemporary changes in Hong Kong society and economy, secondary business education has to be revised. The result from this study calls for a revision of the aims and curriculum of secondary business education with various recommendations. Furthermore, the provision of teacher training for business teachers and the involvement of business/industry should also be the focus of the future development of secondary business education.

Citation

Cheung, C. (1999). The future direction of business education in Hong Kong secondary schools : issues and concerns. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223225

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 7, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223225
• Additional Information: Department of Education Studies, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 1999