Using experiential learning of NGOs to enhance active citizenship education in school curriculum: Case study of Hong Kong secondary schools
Asian Education and Development Studies
ISSN: 2046-3162
Article publication date: 2 October 2019
Issue publication date: 20 August 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate the implementation of an empathy model of experiential learning in real-life sites, with the help of NGOs, for developing students’ active citizenship in two Hong Kong Chinese secondary schools.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a case study in which teachers and the researcher engage in planning, implementing and evaluating an experiential learning unit which combines together both classed-based learning activities and experiential learning activities provided by NGOs in real-life settings. Qualitative interview findings are collected from teachers and students.
Findings
Incorporating experiential learning activities in thematic learning units provided by NGOs for the active citizenship of students can facilitate teachers to develop student learning outcomes of empathy and perspective taking derived from authentic experience. In particular, teachers’ reflect on how to facilitate Chinese students’ reflect on disadvantaged people and ethnic minorities. This action research study recommends that students’ conceptual understanding of concepts such as poverty and ethnic minorities should be developed before they participate in NGO’s experiential learning activities, so that the experiential experiences can add something on what they have already learnt.
Originality/value
This study found some useful implications for exploring ways for teacher development by applying an experiential learning model in combination with classroom-based learning for active citizenship. This research study recommends implementing pre-experiential conceptual building activities and post-experiential classroom-based enquiry and reflection activities to help students consolidate their learning experiences through verbal and written reflection, as well as on what actions that they can take.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study wishes to make acknowledgements to Oxfam (Hong Kong) for funding the research team and the school experiential learning activities.
Citation
Chong, K.M.E. (2020), "Using experiential learning of NGOs to enhance active citizenship education in school curriculum: Case study of Hong Kong secondary schools", Asian Education and Development Studies, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 559-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEDS-02-2018-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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