Reorienting curriculum practices in changing Asian societies

This chapter provides a liberal approach to understanding curriculum and its functions in schools in Asia. It presents the curriculum changes in Asia have been significant at least in some of the countries. Chun-Yen Chang has adopted a critical and analytical approach to analyzing curricular and pedagogical issues in Hong Kong, whereas Law has taken a descriptive approach, outlining changes and innovations in curriculum and pedagogy in ten countries in Asia. The changes also allow students to conduct enquiries, investigations, and applications in other domains of human activities. Chang took a critical approach to understanding the effectiveness of curriculum reforms in Hong Kong. In particular, he interviewed five tertiary students with different backgrounds from well-established and lower band schools. The interviews show that learning has been alienated from personal and societal issues and concerns and that the emphasis has been on preparing students for the examinations. Copyright © 2018 selection and editorial matter, Kerry J. Kennedy and John Chi-Kin Lee; individual chapters, the contributors.