C-for-Chinese@JC Industry Webinar 2024

The C-for-Chinese@JC Industry Webinar 2024 was held on 22 August 2024, themed "Culturally Responsive – Second Language Teaching & Learning." Esteemed speakers from Taiwan, Singapore, and the Project explored the best practices of applying Funds of Knowledge (FoK), Culturally Responsive Education (CRE), and Culturally Responsive Service (CRS) in kindergarten and primary education. Additionally, representatives from non-governmental organisations, multicultural teaching assistants and parents supported by the Project shared their success stories and experiences.

The webinar garnered enthusiastic support from educators, social service professionals, school leaders, and parents, with a total audience participation of over 500 entries, reflecting widespread interest and strong engagement in the Project from the community.

Webinar Replay

Thematic Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Multicultural Classrooms: Leveraging Funds of Knowledge (FoK)

Key Summary

As a multicultural society, Hong Kong is home to diverse communities and ethnic minority (EM) families. Children from different cultural backgrounds require collaborative support from schools, families, and communities in their journey of learning Chinese. The thematic panel invited renowned scholars from Taiwan and Singapore to share their insights from multiple Asian perspectives, alongside local experiences.

Discussions focused on the similarities and differences across regions, particularly on understanding and applying the concept of FoK and fostering home-school-community collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of multicultural teaching.

Host

Dr. Sau-yan Hui, Lecturer, Academic Unit of Teacher Education and Learning Leadership, The University of Hong Kong, C-for-Chinese@JC Project Director (Home and Community Engagement and Support)

Speakers

Prof. Chen-cheng Chun, Dean of the International Affairs Office, Director of the Centre of Chinese Culture and Language & Language Centre at the Graduate Institute of Teaching Chinese as a Second/Foreign Language, National Kaohsiung Normal University

Dr. Seok-lai Lim, Associate Dean for Practicum & Partnerships in the Office of Teacher Education & Undergraduate Programmes, Senior Lecturer in the Asian Languages & Cultures Department at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University

Session Replay

Dr. Sau-yan Hui (1st left), Prof. Chen-cheng Chun (centre), Dr. Seok-lai Lim (1st right)

Thematic Session I: Application of FoK in Kindergartens and Practices of Culturally Responsive Education

Key Summary

For non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students, entering local kindergartens means facing unfamiliar environments, cultures, and languages, which may require a longer adaptation period. In this session, three speakers from different roles in the education sector shared practical experiences on how to effectively apply the concept of FoK in kindergartens.

Through curriculum design, they demonstrated how to integrate the cultural background knowledge gathered from children's families into classroom teaching. This approach, leveraging CRE, helps young children overcome the challenges of learning Chinese as a second language.

Host

Dr. Sau-yan Hui, Lecturer, Academic Unit of Teacher Education and Learning Leadership, The University of Hong Kong, C-for-Chinese@JC Project Director (Home and Community Engagement and Support)

Speakers

Dr. Tikky To-Chan, Member of The Centre for Child and Family Science of The Education University of Hong Kong

Miss Tsz-yan Fong, Head Teacher from Sun Island English Kindergarten

Ms. Farooq Shamila, Graduate of 2022-2024, Higher Diploma in Early Childhood Education from The Education University of Hong Kong

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Session Replay

Dr. Sau-yan Hui (1st left), Dr. Tikky To-Chan (2nd left), Miss Tsz-yan Fong (2nd right), Ms. Farooq Shamila (1st right)

Thematic Session II: Transitioning Together – Roles of FoK in Kindergarten-Primary School Transition

Key Summary

The transition from kindergarten to primary school marks a significant milestone in children development. This session further explored the application of FoK and Cultural Responsiveness during this transition phase. Through initiatives like the Reading Scheme and cross-curricular learning, educators discussed how these strategies can enhance learning outcomes and provide support, ensuring a smoother and more effective transition for students.

Host

Dr. Sau-yan Hui, Lecturer, Academic Unit of Teacher Education and Learning Leadership, The University of Hong Kong, C-for-Chinese@JC Project Director (Home and Community Engagement and Support)

Speakers

Dr. Si-hui Ke, Associate Professor of Chinese Language Education at the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Dr. Ming-yao Sun, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Ms. Lai-ching Yip, Project Assistant from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Mr. Bin-ming Yang, Research Assistant from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Mr. Chi-tsun Au, Teacher from Pat Heung Central Primary School

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Session Replay

Dr. Sau-yan Hui (top left), Dr. Si-hui Ke (top centre), Dr. Ming-yao Sun (top right), Ms. Lai-ching Yip (bottom left), Mr. Bin-ming Yang (bottom centre), Mr. Chi-tsun Au (bottom right)

Thematic Session III: Parent Perspectives – Using FoK to Bridge Home-School Literacy and Support Kindergarten-Primary Transition

Key Summary

Collaboration between school, family, and community is crucial for supporting both NCS students and Chinese speaking students in their Chinese language learning and social development, especially during the kindergarten-to-primary school transition.

Experienced social workers shared how they integrate FoK into CRS, helping NCS parents understand their child's learning and improving communication with schools. Additionally, two NCS parents from the Project's Parent Academy testified to the effectiveness of this collaboration based on their real-life experiences.

Host

Dr. Sau-yan Hui, Lecturer, Academic Unit of Teacher Education and Learning Leadership, The University of Hong Kong, C-for-Chinese@JC Project Director (Home and Community Engagement and Support)

Speakers

Ms. Hazel Chau, Team Leader (Social Service) of C-for-Chinese@JC Project Team, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Lady MacLehose Centre

Ms. Yan Liu, Assistant Project Leader of C-for-Chinese@JC Project Team, Hong Kong Christian Service

Ms. Samaira Parveen from Pakistan, Parent Academy’s Participant

Ms. Subba Sunita from Nepal, Parent Academy’s Participant

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Session Replay

Dr. Sau-yan Hui (top left), Ms. Hazel Chau (top centre), Ms. Yan Liu (top right), Ms. Subba Sunita (bottom left), Ms. Samaira Parveen (bottom right)