Environmental challenge and curricular responses in Hong Kong

Abstract

This paper discusses the changing perceptions of environmental problems and challenges in Hong Kong which have led to environmental education (EE) initiatives. It looks at recent curricular developments in EE and the degree to which they are supported by present practices in teacher education. In the face of considerable air and water pollution problems, the territory has shifted from a largely technocentric, engineering/environmental health approach to solving environmental problems to one which stresses community education as an additional linchpin. Central educational authorities have encouraged a largely cross-curricular programme of EE. However, despite the rhetoric of official guidelines, developments in the schools are fragmentary, with a focus on knowledge acquisition. The situation in teacher education institutions to a large degree parallels that in the schools. The efficacy of teacher education in facilitating change is insufficient and is mainly attributable to the style of teacher education programmes in the territory.