Exploring Teaching of a New Subject

• In Event: Social Considerations in Education: Narrative Spaces for Understanding

Abstract

This is a narrative study conducted by two teacher educators to explore how to enhance teaching and learning of a new subject in special schools. Since September, 2009, as initiated by the education reform, Liberal Studies/Independent Living has been introduced as one the three core subjects in special schools for senior secondary students with Intellectual Disabilities. As the subject was newly introduced, a vast majority of teachers did not receive prior related training. Coupled with the low cognitive, communicative, and inquiry abilities of the students, teachers report that they encounter much difficulties in teaching the subject. This paper documents how the teachers have been supported through a narrative approach to generate teacher knowledge for improvement of teaching and learning.

Authors

• Rosa T. Chiu-Ching, The Hong Kong Institute of Education

• Esther Y.M. Chan, The Hong Kong Institute of Education