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work, although in the final year students will be required to use initiative in seeking out information, etc from library sources. All students will undertake a short project (in pairs) in their final year (2 credits).
HKBC Factual
Traditional lectures and laboratory work are supplemented by individual students seeking out help from staff in their specified "office hours" (each member of staff posts a notice indicating their 'office availability'). There are no formally timetabled tutorials or problem classes because these activities are not allowed to contribute to the 12 hpw minimum staff timetable requirement. Staff do arrange a limited amount of tutorial/problem class work on an ad hoc basis. Limited use is made of teaching aids but learning materials are not regularly used by students. Handout material does not appear to be used except on a very limited basis. Practical work is "closed" with little "discovery learning".
There is no project in the Senior Diploma. There is a project/seminar in the Honours Diploma but this is not essential for majoring in chemistry due to institutional constraints, though strong encouragement would be given for chemistry majors to include this course as an elective. Commitment of staff as teachers is · high.
HKBC Comment
There is a need to introduce formally timetabled academic tutorials and problem-class activities in the curriculum. Improvement in library facilities would allow students to engage more in learning activities which require them to think diligently, seek out information, etc. Some sort of project activity should be introduced. Staff development programmes should be initiated in the area of teaching methods, etc.