Master of Education (MEd) (Area of Focus: Life and Values Education)

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)

Programme Aims and Objectives

The programme is aimed at individuals who aspire to professional advancement in the educational sector, and those who intend to strengthen their foundational knowledge and deepen their study in certain Areas of Focus.

It is designed to support students in integrating their past experience with new insights in theory, practice and leadership. The curriculum combines specialist study and a broad-based education in professional reflection, assessment and research methods. It provides flexible learning routes for students from different knowledge backgrounds.

By the end of this programme, students will be able to:

a) demonstrate advanced knowledge and awareness of new developments in their chosen Area of Focus;

b) review educational research critically, and conduct educational inquiries independently;

c) apply assessment principles and strategies for the promotion of learning; and

d) evaluate the larger policy and cultural contexts of education in Hong Kong and other societies with a critical perspective; and

e) possess professional ethics and social responsibility in the field of education.

Specialist Courses - Description:

Life and Values Education: Ethics and Spirituality in Intercultural and Comparative Perspectives

This course provides a philosophical and conceptual foundation for the other three courses in the Area of Focus, although it is not a prerequisite that needs to be completed first. From intercultural and comparative perspectives, students will engage substantially in major ethical paradigms and spiritual discourses from religious and non-religious traditions. Ethics in intercultural education will be considered in the context of global ethics and its tension with local ethics. Issues in spirituality education will be addressed as part of education’s commitment to caring for the development of the whole person.

Teaching and Learning in Ethics and Values Education: International Debates and Trends

This course focuses on key concepts, theories, trends and debates in the teaching and learning of ethics and values education in international context. Students will consider these international debates and trends as they relate to their context and practice in the Greater China region. Strategies and skills of implementation in the teaching and learning of ethics and values education will be introduced, and professionals will be invited to share their good practices in the field.

Teaching and Learning of Life Education and Life-Planning Education: The Debate in 21st Century Competencies

This course addresses key questions, debates and international trends in the teaching and learning of life education and life-planning education. Debates in 21st century competencies and in lifelong learning for holistic human development will be examined. Students will consider these international debates and trends as they relate to their context and practice in the Greater China region. Strategies and skills of implementation of life education and life-planning education will be introduced, and good practices will be shared by professionals in the field. Elective

Whole School Development and Leadership in Life and Values Education: Local and Global Contexts and Issues

This course focuses on the key role of school leaders in developing a whole school environment that nurtures whole person development in life and values education. It reviews diverse leadership theories, including servant leadership, spiritual leadership, values-based leadership, and positive leadership. These holistic approaches to leadership resonate with workplace spirituality, which promotes the experience of meaningfulness in and through one’s work, thereby leading to commitment.