General University Requirements at Hong Kong Polytechnic University: evaluation findings based on student focus groups |
| |
| Authors: | Daniel Tan Lei Shek Florence Ka Yu Wu Wen Yu Chai |
| |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China;2. Centre for Innovative Programmes for Adolescents and Families, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China;3. Department of Social Work, East China Normal University, Shanghai, PR China;4. Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau, PR China |
| |
| Abstract: | Under the new four-year undergraduate programme, a general education framework titled ‘General University Requirements’ (GUR) has been developed and implemented since 2012/2013 at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the GUR in its first year, focus group interviews with students were carried out. In 13 focus groups, 62 first-year students from eight faculties/schools who took GUR subjects in 2012/2013 academic year were interviewed by trained researchers. Results showed that students generally had good perceptions of the GUR in terms of the subject content, teaching methods and the overall effectiveness of the subjects. The interactive teaching and learning initiatives adopted in GUR subjects were particularly appreciated, although students expressed minor concerns on the administration of GUR subjects. The results suggest that the first-year implementation of the GUR at PolyU was generally smooth and successful from the perspectives of the students. |
| |
| Keywords: | general education undergraduate education Hong Kong focus group |
|
|
