HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 13 January 1988
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ining needs of guidance teachers. The extra-mural studies departments of two universities and the Hong Kong Polytechnic in conjunction with the Education Department organise annually three one-year in-service training courses. Four short courses on personal growth are also provided annually for guidance teachers. In addition, counselling and careers guidance is given at a study unit in the core curriculum of the full-time teacher training courses at the colleges of education. The subject of counselling and guidance is also offered as an elective in the refresher training course for serving secondary school teachers, particularly for those involved in guidance work.
On the resource side, the Special Education Section of the Education Department which is staffed by educational psychologists and educational counsellors, provides professional advice and support to schools and to guidance teachers. In addition, many voluntary organisations also receive referrals from schools and offer sevices relevant to youth guidance. In fact a list of such bodies is provided in Appendix 4 of the guide. In addition, guidance teachers may seek support from the Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters.
In addition there is a pilot scheme which the Education Department started in October 1986; it is a two-year pilot project to provide a school support scheme in 12 selected secondary schools, the main objective of which is to strengthen guidance work in schools. In this pilot scheme, educational psychologists visit the selected schools regularly, giving professional support and consultation to guidance teachers. An evaluation of the pilot project is being conducted and feedback from the schools so far has been quite favourable.
In addition, steps are being taken now to set up a resource centre for guidance teachers. This centre will provide library facilities and will serve as a base for enquiries and small group meetings of guidance teachers.
MR. SZETO (in Cantonese): Sir, the guidance work of primary school students has also been going on for a number of years. Could I ask whether the same assessment has been made of such guidance work so as to bring about improvement?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, a working party looked at both primary and secondary schools in 1986. The working party's assessment at that stage was that both schemes were going reasonably well but it is intended to reassess them and have a further review of both schemes in 1989 to 1990.
MRS. FAN: Sir, one of the comments received was that the guideline concentrated too much on remedial measures and comparatively little on preventive measures. Does the Secretary agree that prevention and helping all students in normal personal development is probably the prime objective in guidance work? And if he agrees, how does the Government intend to emphasise this to the principals and teachers and to parents and the community at large?