XN000022-1994-12-14 — Page 47

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(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

the gradual extension of the English Extensive Reading Scheme, which fosters good reading habits among secondary school pupils, to 200 secondary schools in 1997-98. A new scheme for primary schools will be introduced in September 1995.

a Chinese Extensive Reading Scheme for primary school is now being considered.

with the support of the Language Fund, 35 projects have just been approved for implementation. Practically all these projects will have a direct or indirect beneficial effect on the teaching and learning of languages in our schools as indicated later in part (b) of my answer. Additional projects under the Fund will continue to be considered for approval and implementation over the next few

years.

the revamped Chinese Textbooks Committee is reviewing the availability and adequacy of good quality Chinese textbooks and reference materials for our schools.

since September 1994, the Hong Kong Institute of Education has taken over teacher education courses from the former Colleges of Education and the Institute of Language in Education with the mission to upgrade our teacher education. The Institute has already made an encouraging start in this direction by separating the courses for secondary and primary school teachers and strengthening the course curriculum including the teaching of languages.

the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualification is looking into ways and means to upgrade the skills of language and other subject teachers.

And finally, the Education Commission has concluded its public consultation on its Working Group Report on Language Proficiency and will submit its final recommendations to the Government early next year.