The role of Hong Kong schools in promoting students' civic engagement: A qualitative study of focus group interviews with Hong Kong secondary students

This study aims at assessing the existing effort in civic education in Hong Kong secondary schools after the implementation of the 3-3-4 educational reforms from 2009 onwards. The assessment framework is based on the IEA civic education model (Torney-purta et al., 2001). Qualitative data were collected from focus group interviews from 18 Form 3 students of four schools. The findings support the previous research that adolescents engaged actively in the process of political socialization. Rather than political activities, the majority of interviewees preferred to engage in social activities. Moreover, interviewees held positive beliefs in civic efficacy in changing school policies though they might not be confident to change government policies when they became adults. Interviewees suggested having more “space” in the present civic curriculum by allowing more discussion / activities on current issues or news. Finally, students had positive comments about existing efforts in civic education during Liberal Studies lessons.
本研究旨在評估2009年起三三四學制實施後中學推行公民教育的實況。評估框架是基於IEA公民教育模式。本研究採用焦點團體訪談方式，訪問18位中三學生。研究發現青少年積極參與政治社會化過程；受訪者傾向參與社會性的公民活動多於政治活動，且對改變學校政策抱有較強的公民效能感。受訪者建議現有課程提供更多「空間」去討論時事或新聞。整體而言，他們對在通識課堂內的公民教育持積極評價。 Copyright © 2012 HKFYG.