TNAG-0735-FCO40-939-Policy-objective-for-the-developing-of-Hong-Kong-in-the-1980-1978 — Page 33

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in foreign and second language teaching much greater attention

is being paid to the promotion of communication skills, to the use of rather than the knowledge of languages. Whatever form the final proposals take, I am sure this emphasis on communication will be fundamental.

I should add that the English Language Adviser is working in close liaison with the team now planning the new courses of teacher training mentioned in the White Paper. In the Colleges of Education, posts have been provided for the teaching of language skills, in addition to those for the teaching of English and Chinese. It is the intention to give much attention in both pre-service and in-service courses to developing proficiency in language and improving communication skills.

In order to improve proficiency in English among graduate teachers at the university Schools of Education, both universities have been invited to submit proposals to the UPGC for developing an English language unit in each of the Schools of Education.

Finally, I should mention that the Board of Education is taking a lively intèrest in the whole question of language proficiency, and I shall continue to seek advice from the Board to ensure that we are moving in the right direction.

I should like now to turn to Mr. Allen Lee's point about the need to pay more attention to the training of technical personnel above the technician level in order to aid the diversification of industry. I fully agree with Mr. Lee and am sure that as the various tertiary education institutions develop under the plans set out in the White Paper, they will have this very much in mind.

Sir, with these remarks, I support the motion.

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