XN000022-1996-03-27 — Page 30

(d) & (e)

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The Modular Curriculum Unit submitted two progress reports to the Curriculum Development Council in February 1993 and March 1994 respectively. It will make a further report in April 1996.

Mastery Learning

The Mastery Learning Unit conducted a pilot study in the 1992-93 and 1993-94 school years in Primary 3 Mathematics in 27 selected schools. The findings showed that Mastery Learning has improved the students' level of achievement in Mathematics. The findings of the pilot project were published at a curriculum conference in May 1995. In parallel. Mastery Learning materials on 15 Mathematics units have been developed and are available to primary schools interested in adopting the Mastery Learning approach. The experience of these schools will support research in this area.

In 1993-94, a research on the effect of Mastery Learning in Chinese Language was conducted at secondary level in two schools with academically less able students. The findings indicating students' improvement were presented to the Curriculum Development Council in March 1995.

An opinion survey on Mastery Learning was conducted in August 1995 among teachers in 18 primary schools. The survey findings which showed overwhelming support will be presented to the Curriculum Development Council in April 1996.

A number of research projects are planned for the next two years. The Modular Curriculum Unit will establish a core and extended curriculum for $1-5 Mathematics, revise the subject syllabuses for $1-3 Integrated Science, Computer Studies and Physical Education. The Mastery Learning Unit will develop more learning materials and conduct further studies on subject areas like Chinese and Science at junior secondary level. The Education Department expects to arrive at a conclusion on the feasibility and desirability of these two curriculum innovations upon the completion of the above work

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