Education Commons^™

Cognitive And Affective Academic Self-Concepts: Which Predicts Vocational Education Students’ Career Choice?, Monica W.C. Choy, Alexander Seeshing Yeung

Faculty of Management & Hospitality (THEi)

Grounded in self-concept theory, this study examined the predictability of cognitive and affective academic self-concepts in relation to vocational education students’ education and career choice outcomes in the Hong Kong HE setting in two studies (Ns = 384 and 476). Structural equation modeling revealed that sense of competence (i.e., cognitive) is more related to competence/performance-based outcomes (i.e., operational capability and resilience at work in Study 1; and competition in Study 2). Liking of the vocation (i.e., affective) is more related to non-performance-based emotional-motivational outcomes (i.e., career intention in both studies and educational aspiration in Study 2) than is …

The Effects Of Work-Integrated Learning On Undergraduate Sports Coaching Students’ Perceived Self-Efficacy, Anthony Weldon, Jake K. Ngo

Faculty of Management & Hospitality (THEi)

This study examined the effects of a work-integrated learning (WIL) placement on student's self-efficacy and perceived workplace skill levels. Twenty-eight participants volunteered for this study, in which 15 completed WIL and 13 did not (non-WIL). The Work Self-Efficacy Inventory (WS-Ei) and Workplace Skills Questionnaire (WSQ) were used to collect student responses. Differences between groups were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U test, mean differences were shown, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results from the WS-Ei indicated the WIL group shown significantly higher total WS-Ei scores, higher mean scores for all dimensions measured, and significantly higher scores for individual dimensions; problem-solving, politics, pressure and role expectations. The WSQ indicated the WIL group had higher mean scores for all perceived workplace skills, except for information technology, and no significant differences was observed between groups. Areas showing little difference between groups can be highlighted for further support and development.

Using Facebook To Promote Student Engagement In Authentic Learning For Vocational Education And Training (Vet), Kin Ho, Benson Hung

Staff Publications

The popularity of online social media has had a significant impact in education and has brought an amazing potential in promoting authentic learning. Authentic learning engages learners by the opportunities of actually participating and working on real-world problems that links the classroom theories. However, it can be a difficult shift without an adequate involvement of students. FaceBook due to its popularity and usefulness, teachers can not only introduce motivational authentic learning tasks but also allow students to come together to discuss, collaborate and resolve real-life problems. In this study, teachers gain the advantages of using Facebook as a tool to …

Academic Research In Vocationally-Oriented Highereducation: Perspectives From Teaching Staff, Emmy Kit Yin Wong, Svetlana Chigaeva-Heddad

Faculty of Design & Environment (THEi)

Academics’ need to publish research output in order to succeed in tertiary education has been discussed extensively. Less is known about research and publication needs of staff working in vocationally-oriented higher institutes who, until recently, were judged primarily on their teaching contribution. However, there has been a noticeable trend across the world whereby career development of teaching staff in vocational institutes depends on their research and ability to publish in academic journals. This paper investigates the academic research challenges of teaching staff in a vocationally-oriented institute in Hong Kong. Mixed research methods were adopted to understand the prior experiences of …

A Case Study Of The Potentials Of Sgc-Based Curricula, Wai Mui, Dilys Sung, Yuk Lun, John Ng

Staff Publications

This paper examines, through a case study, how the Specification of Generic (Foundation) Competencies – English (SGC-Eng) provides clear and objective standards for developing language curricula. A suite of 30 in-service English certificate programmes using 18 Units of Competency (UoCs) were launched for various industry sectors in the Vocational English Enhancement Programme1 (VEEP) from 2012 to 2015. It offers a unique experience and the best opportunity to study the value of the SGC-Eng in organizing and delivering vocational English modules. Descriptive accounts and documentation on the VEEP were analysed to shed light on the potentials and inadequacies of the SGC-Eng. …

Instant Messaging For Enquiry-Based Learning And Peer Learning Communities, Kin Ho, Benson Hung, Kin Ming Wong

Staff Publications

Instant Messaging (IM) tools such as Telegram may effectively be used to engage students in their learning. This paper explored how IM can enhance traditional teaching and learning in higher education by creating additional informal learning spaces, rather to disturb the existing classroom practices. There are three objectives that this paper was expected to achieve:- • To measure the student Response rate in using IM for the assessment of effectiveness in enquiry-based learning; • To evaluate the impact of IM on peer-to-peer participation through the analysis of dialogues among the learning communities; and • To discuss the essentials of successful …

Encouraging Deep Learning Through Collaborative Projects And Publicexhibition, Lee Kwok Lang

Faculty of Design & Environment (THEi)

This paper will present the advantages in the use of methodologies and tools of project based learning (PBL) in the teaching of a group of year one product design students in the Hong Kong context. The use of projects within the curriculum is not a revolutionary idea in design education nor education in general. In fact, PBL within design education at the tertiary level is common practice because its content is similar to real world jobs, in which tasks and projects are encountered by workers in their everyday jobs. Through PBL students can investigate things and explore some new insights …

Development Of Practical Vocational Training Class Making Use Of Virtual Reality-Based Simulation System And Augmented Reality Technologies, Hoi Kok, Calvin Cheung, Sai Lok, Eric Liu

Staff Publications

Virtual reality (VR) refers to the technologies creating a virtual environment to provide users a sensory simulation of the environment being presented. In Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), we are in the process of developing a VR-based simulation system having four screens surrounding users to simulate an immersive environment. This application is commonly known as the cave automatic virtual environment (CAVE). The objective of our VR-based simulation system project is to apply the virtual reality and the augmented reality (AR) technologies for practical training in vocational education and training (VET). Our system is used for various training programs …

How Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (Stem) Project-Based Learning Improves Student Learning, Ho Yeung, Tommy Cheung, Man Hon Chow, Ping Kuen Chiu

Staff Publications

The purpose of this paper is to examine how extra-curricular and academic performance is affected by student participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) under project-based learning (PBL) activities. General observation and quantitative analysis was used to evaluate the two aspects. A solar car team project under the philosophy of STEM and PBL is developed and more than two hundred students from electrical and mechanical engineering field participated in the team project and learnt the STEM PBL core value. The team aims to develop a solar-powered vehicle to demonstrate the viability of a renewable energy through the use of …

Vocational Education And Training (Vet) Of Quantity Surveying In Hong Kong, Ken Hui

Staff Publications

Vocational education and training (VET) in Hong Kong has long been regarded as non-mainstream and second-tier education for students who failed in academic education (Lim, 2008, 2010). The government of HKSAR and some non-government organizations are offering education programmes for these students in concerning with social injustice. In Hong Kong, VET has acquired a stigma and is automatically seen as second-class education. (Lim, 2008). This assertion is tested on quantity surveying education in this study. Quantity surveying education originated as part time day-release programmes which allowed students to receive academic and practical training at the same time. It was then …

Joint Vpet Programme At Higher Diploma Level, Yau Cheung, Frankie Leung

Staff Publications

In 2008, Vocational Training Council (VTC) collaborated with Shenzhen Polytechnic (SZPT) in the introduction of a Higher Diploma in Electrical Services Engineering. As part of the collaboration, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) students spent 2 out of 6 semesters studying at SZPT, and upon graduation, they were given 2 awards from VTC and SZPT separately. In co-ordination for the graduates of the New Academic Structure in 2012, VTC revamped all Higher Diploma Programmes as 2-year, 5-semester structure. The Higher Diploma in Electrical Services Engineering course was revamped and became a stream of the Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering …

A Study Of Learning Styles Of Engineering Students In Vocational Education In Hong Kong, Kin Ming Wong

Staff Publications

Students have different learning preferences of receiving, processing and internalizing knowledge and skills. If the learning environment is advantageous to the learning styles of the students, there is a higher chance that the students can achieve the intended learning outcomes. Previous research on understanding the learning styles of students suggests that the use of learning style models helped teachers design effective instruction and could help students better understand their own learning preferences. Felder and Silverman (1988) proposed a learning style model, which was designed to capture the important learning style differences among engineering students. The model categorised learning preferences into …

Is A Flipped Learning Approach Suitable For Part-Time Engineering Students At Tertiary Level Education?, Kin Ho, Benson Hung

Staff Publications

In a flipped learning model, teachers shift traditional educational arrangement outside the classroom and make teacher-driven instruction to student-centered learning. Meanwhile, students are the agents of their own learning and typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed. Very often, flipped classrooms are designed for secondary schools and for full-time courses and programs. As there has been growing interest in incorporating flipped learning into higher education, this calls for more high quality researches to inform practitioners on the use of flipped learning in different study modes. Rarely have they been examined in tandem with part-time study mode, this …

Reflection For Tri-City Student Exchange Programmes On Students' Learning, Chun Sing, Raymond Man, Kam Fat, Jonathan Lee

Staff Publications

Student exchange programmes or study tours have been used in various education institutes in different regions to enrich students’ learning experience. Previous studies have demonstrated the positive impacts of student exchange programmes to students’ learning and development. However, the effectiveness in achieving the intended goals of a student exchange tour might substantially affected by the programme design, planning and implementation. This paper discusses the development and implementation of a tri-city student exchange programme in achieving the intended learning outcomes based on a joint student exchange programme to Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), Singapore. A group of higher diploma engineering students in …

Game-Based Learning In Building Services Engineering Vocational And Professional Education, Wai Yin, Paco Tang

Staff Publications

The application of digital games and gamification mechanics to non-gaming contexts have emerged as one of the prime subject interest in different sectors, such as education, marketing, health, technology design, etc. in recent years. Game-Based Learning approach in higher education has drawn teaching academics increased attention. Many believe that the game play approach could offer many benefits including, socialization, engagement, and problem solving to the millennial students. In engineering education at undergraduate level, new methodologies and tools are being developed using game dynamics to present scientific evidence in many different engineering disciplines, e.g. mechanical engineering, civil engineering, manufacturing etc. In …

Promotion Of Stem Education In Vocational And Professional Education And Training (Vpet), Kam Fat, Jonathan Lee, Sai Lok, Eric Liu

Staff Publications

Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VPET) enhances learners to acquire professional knowledge, apply practical skills and develop positive workplace attitudes to support the long-term development of a country or a city. Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider (VTC 2016) in Hong Kong. Through a wide range of pre-employment and in-service programmes, it establishes valuable credentials for approximately 250,000 students each year with internationally recognised qualifications. As a member institution of VTC, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) offers fulltime and part-time programmes - covering an …

Technology Education In Hong Kong: Trends, Challenges And Potentials, Tsz Ho, Roger Ng

Staff Publications

While education promotes technological changes, it also responds to technological changes. Technology education, with the concept of applying technology to solve problems and satisfy needs and wants, aims to develop individuals’ knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in order to maximizing their adaptability and flexibility for future employment. As a field of study, technology education was internationally recognized in the 1980s, but the history of teaching craft-based and skill-oriented subjects in secondary schools in Hong Kong began in the 1920s. Students at that time were simply needed to acquire basic technical skills and gain practical experience to prepare for earning a …

Three Littleppigs In A Sandwich: Towards Characteristics Of A Sandwiched 5 Storytelling-Based Tangible System For Chinese Primary School English, Todd Cochrane, Hongwei Pan, Eddy Hui

Faculty of Design & Environment (THEi)

Work towards identifying characteristics of sandwich storytelling based tangible systems for Chinese Primary School English instruction starts with principles determined for Chinese primary school children when learning English. These principles are considered in the context of sandwiched storytelling. A review of a number of tangible projects for education presents the scope of tangible systems as they are applied in education. These lead to emerging themes, such as scale, that determine constraints on interaction design. A snippet from the traditional story the Three Little Pigs is used to reflect on characteristics of the design and implementation of this tangible system.

Higher Education In Macau: Challenges, Dilemmas, And Prospects, Anthony Chi Lek Chow

Faculty of Design & Environment (THEi)

Macau, one of the smallest territories in Asia with a population of only 0.6 million istransforming its higher education system unobtrusively after its sovereignty was returned to China in1999. The Basic Law states that Macau is authorised to exercise a high degree of autonomy until at least 2049. In recent years, Macau’s higher education system has undergone many significant changes with a speed and pattern never seen before in any other small territories in the world. Thisdevelopment has generated a significant amount of new human and social capital for Macau andenhanced its overall competitiveness in the region.

Knowledge Sharing And Social Media: Altruism, Perceived Online Attachment Motivation, And Perceived Online Relationship Commitment, Will W.K. Ma, Albert Chan

Support & Other Units (THEi)

Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, have become extremely popular. Facebook, for example, has more than a billion registered users and thousands of millions of units of information are shared every day, including short phrases, articles, photos, and audio and video clips. However, only a tiny proportion of these sharing units trigger any type of knowledge exchange that is ultimately beneficial to the users. This study draws on the theory of belonging and the intrinsic motivation of altruism to explore the factors contributing to knowledge sharing behavior. Using a survey of 299 high school students applying for university after …

Tradition And Future: Vet In Hong Kong, A New Perspective, Carrie Yau

Staff Publications

As the Hong Kong economy had experienced several rounds of structural changes during the past 30 years, the vocational education and training (VET) systems in Hong Kong had also undergone much transformation throughout the same period. In particular, modern VET in Hong Kong, which started to take root in mid-2000s, has gradually evolved through a series of well-planned, pro-active and concerted efforts masterminded by the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong.

VTC turned out a quarter of a million trainees per year to meet industries’ need at the craftsman, technician and technologist level. Riding on a conceptual framework of …

Provision Of Second-Chance Education: The Hong Kong Experience, David Lim

Support & Other Units (THEi)

Purpose – Many students do not benefit from mainstream education and are forced to leave it. Governments and non‐government organisations concerned with the social injustice and problems that such rejection could cause offer these students second‐chance education programmes. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of such opportunities, using as a case‐study the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong, which offers programmes in vocational education and training (VET) but draws lessons for the offer of such programmes elsewhere. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a case‐study approach but sets it within the general literature on, and discussion of, second‐chance education. …

Testing The Effectiveness Of A Quality Assurance System: The Example Of Hong Kong, David Lim

Support & Other Units (THEi)

Operating a quality assurance system in tertiary education is the rule rather than the exception, because of the belief that it will improve quality. However, proving this is not easy. This study examines three ways of providing the evidence: the a priori method, the stepwise backtracking method, and the external evaluation method. The quality assurance system of the Vocational Training Council of Hong Kong is used as a case‐study, but the findings on the advantages and disadvantages of using these methods have relevance for testing the effectiveness of quality assurance systems for other education institutions.

Enhancing The Quality Of Vet In Hong Kong: Recent Reforms And New Initiatives In Widening Participation In Tertiary Qualifications, David Lim

Support & Other Units (THEi)

As elsewhere, vocational education and training (VET) has a poor image in Hong Kong. To remove the stigma, the Vocational Training Council of Hong Kong embarked on pro‐active strategic planning to make it more relevant and cost‐effective, exposed long and widely held myths that VET is for dullards which leads only to low‐paid and low‐status jobs, provided a through‐train education system to ensure that VET is no longer an educational cul‐de‐sac, and sought external accreditation aggressively. Though it is early days, there is strong evidence that these strategies have worked.

承擔，求新，創未來：職業訓練局銀禧紀念集 Vtc 25th Anniversary, 《職業訓練局銀禧紀念集》編委會

Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Examining User Acceptance Of Computer Technology: An Empirical Study Of Student Teachers, Will W.K. Ma, Robert Andersson, Karl-Oslear Streith

Support & Other Units (THEi)

The use of computer technology in schools has made slow progress since the mid-1980s even though governments have been generous in funding. It is therefore important to understand how and when teachers use computer technology in order to devise implementation strategies to encourage them. This study investigates student teachers' perceptions of computer technology in relation to their intention to use computers. The purpose is to shed light on more effective ways to motivate the use of computer technology in schools. Based on an expanded variation of the Technology Acceptance Model, 84 completed surveys of student teachers were collected at …

Examining Technology Acceptance By School Teachers: A Longitudinal Study, Paul J.H. Hu, Theodore H.K. Clark, Will W.K. Ma

Support & Other Units (THEi)

The role of information technology (IT) in education has significantly increased, but resistance to technology by public school teachers worldwide remains high. This study examined public school teachers’ technology acceptance decision-making by using a research model that is based on key findings from relevant prior research and important characteristics of the targeted user acceptance phenomenon. The model was longitudinally tested using responses from more than 130 teachers attending an intensive 4-week training program on Microsoft PowerPoint, a common but important classroom presentation technology. In addition to identifying key acceptance determinants, we examined plausible changes in acceptance drivers over the course …

A Brief History Of Technical Education In Hong Kong 1863 To 1980: A Paper Presented On The Occasion Of The 30th Anniversary: 12 October 2000, Dan Waters

Staff Publications

As someone who in the 1970s was given the sobriquet of "Mr. Technical Institute", I am proud and deeply honoured to be invited to address you all today. The occasion is Mirrison Hill Technical Institute's (MHTI) 30th Anniversary, which falls in this, so called, Millennium Year...

Quality Assurance In Higher Education In Developing Countries, David Lim

Support & Other Units (THEi)

In recent years universities in developing countries have followed their counterparts in developed countries in adopting quality assurance to improve the quality of their teaching, research and direct community service programmes. While many of the conditions required for the successful implementation of quality assurance programmes are not present in most universities in developing countries, their adoption will still be useful. Such programmes show how a university's seemingly disparate activities are related to one another to serve a common cause and how the quality of these can best be improved by adopting an integrated approach. In the process, they provide more …

Technical Education And Training: With Special Reference To Developing Countries, Dan Waters, Gailer J. W.

Staff Publications

The typesetting book content by the jointed authors, D. D. Waters and J. W. Gailer.