Development Project: Planning, Implementation and MGT
Assignment
Submitted by: Ayesha khizer
ID 30326
Topic: the Implementation of a
Positive Youth Development Program
(Project P.A.T.H.S.) in a Changing
Education Policy Environment
(Hong Kong)
Background
In response to the overwhelming trend of globalization and its potential impacts on a fragile economy,
Hong Kong has gone through a decade of education reform. This reform was launched in 1997 as part of
a high-flying plan to lead Hong Kong into a new era. Since then, some fundamental changes have been
made, notably the new year senior secondary education, a reform of the academic structure, and
strengthening of language teaching.The education reform in Hong Kong was launched partly because of
the observation that many students who performed well in academic subjects were weak in various
abilities, including moral competency. In the past, the moral education of Hong Kong was not as well
structured as the academic curriculum. In contrast to a top-down model, the global trend focuses on
teaching students how to think morally, discern moral issues, and handle moral problems. In the face of
this situation, there is a call for a balanced development between the intellectual mind and the ethical
mind for our young people
Importance/need of project
One of the major goals of education reform in Hong Kong is to nurture responsible citizens through self-
Understanding, critical thinking, and whole-person development. In this light, Liberal Studies provides
opportunities for students to explore issues relevant to human conditions, enables students to make
connections among different disciplines, and examines issues from a variety of perspectives so as to
prepare students for the globalized economy. There are six modules in Liberal Studies. They are grouped
into three areas:
Self and Personal development, which includes Module 1 Personal Development and
Interpersonal Relationships
Society and Culture, covering three modules: Hong Kong Today, Modern China, and
Globalization and
Science, Technology, and the Environment, which includes two modules: Public Health, and
Energy
Technology and the Environment. The aims of Liberal Studies at the senior secondary level are sixfold.
To enhance the students’ understanding of themselves, their society, their nation, the human
world, and the physical environment
To enable students to develop multiple perspectives on perennial and contemporary issues in
different contexts (e.g., cultural, social, economic, political, and technological contexts)
To help students become independent thinkers so that they can construct knowledge
appropriate to changing personal and social circumstances
To develop in students a range of skills for lifelong learning, including critical thinking skills,
creativity, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and information technology skills
To help students appreciate and respect diversity in cultures and views in a pluralistic society
and handle conflicting values
To help students develop positive values and attitude towards life, so that they can become
informed and responsible citizens of society, the country, and the world
Kwok argued that there is an urgent need to offer Liberal Studies in Hong Kong because it is an
important part of whole-person education in contemporary society. At the same time, it also
balances the impact of specialized education. Preparation for NSS Liberal Studies involves the
students’ acquisition of foundation knowledge, sound development of generic skills, and positive
values and attitudes in the previous key stages
