Hong Kong students learn early childhood teaching Aussie-style
Edward O'Daly
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Sandy Tong looks after Wiradjuri pupil Odi Tsoutouras |
3 July 2007: With its English Language Institute next door to a working early childhood centre the University of Canberra was the obvious choice for Hong Kong students of early childhood teaching who wanted total immersion in English and a taste of their discipline in Australia.
In addition to classes in English and early childhood teaching, the 26 students from the Hong Kong Institute for Education are also being given the chance to see the latest theory put into practice with regular sessions at the University's Wiradjuri Early Childhood Centre.
“The University of Canberra is unique in being able to offer total immersion in English and early childhood teaching on one site,” said early childhood teacher and researcher Carmel Richardson.
“We're able to teach them the latest in Australian early childhood teaching and show them it in practice, plus the kids in Wiradjuri love having the students here.”
In addition to improving their English and discovering more about Australian culture, the students are researching the differences between early childhood teaching in Australia and Hong Kong.
“It's a lot more relaxed here, in Hong Kong we have a more structured curriculum,” said student Ceres Yeung.
“Here the children learn through play. Play is the work of children and through it they learn many things. I will try to change the way I do things a little when I go home.”
Fellow student Sandy Tong said she was enjoying the opportunity to learn another culture.
“The culture here is very different from Hong Kong and so is the teaching,” she said.
“The children have a lot more free time to do what they want. The children are very happy.”
