XN000022-1996-12-13 — Page 15

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The LAB is a tripartite consultative body which advises the Commissioner for Labour on labour matters including legislation and the application of the International Labour Conventions and Recommendations.

The new Board will hold its first meeting in January 1997.

End

New guidelines aimed at helping teachers

In response to media enquiries on whether additional resources will be provided to schools in connection with the teaching guidelines entitled "English Language for Children Arriving in Hong Kong from Various Parts of China", which was recently issued by the Education Department, a department spokesman explained that the guidelines are designed to help teachers rather than give them additional commitments which require extra resources.

The spokesman said: "The guidelines are not meant to require teachers to provide these children with tutorial classes after school, as many have already understood. Rather, the guidelines draw the attention of teachers and tutors to the specific needs of these children in learning English and provide a framework of language areas essential to them and strategies to help them.

"The guidelines point out that except for those coming from major cities and those given special preparation by the family, most children from the mainland have had minimal exposure to the English language before arrival in Hong Kong. The guidelines then recommend strategies, teaching contents and modes of delivery best suited to these children. Sample plans and tasks as well as specific learning contents are suggested.

"Like some of their local counterparts, children from the mainland may benefit from additional or withdrawal lessons. Such additional lessons are in fact being provided by some schools to local pupils, drawing on existing resources. The guidelines suggest what can be done for these children if the same opportunities are given to them.