Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Primary)

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)

Programme Aims

This programme prepares university graduates to become competent and confident teachers in primary schools in Hong Kong. It provides opportunities for participants to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of fully qualified primary school teachers, together with an understanding of the responsibilities and obligations of belonging to the teaching profession. In addition, the programme seeks to foster a commitment of the participants to their students and to lifelong professional development.

Programme Structure

This programme is delivered in two different modes: One-year Full-time (FT PGDE(P)) and Two-year Part-time (PT PGDE(P)). It is a modularised programme normally consisting of 30-33 credit points (cps). Participants of FT PGDE (P) are normally required to attend classes during the week (Monday to Saturday), with some evening sessions. Participants of PT PGDE(P) are normally required to attend sessions on some weekday evenings and Saturday. Classes will be held in Tai Po Campus and/or Tseung Kwan O Study Centre/ Kowloon Tong Satellite Study Centre or Sports Centre as decided by the University.

The programme comprises a programme orientation and the following components:

1. Teaching Subject Study 1 – Subject Methods 3 cps
2. Teaching Subject Study 2 – Subject Methods 3 cps
3. Education Studies 12 cps
4. Elective Studies 6-9 cps
5. Field Experience 6 cps

Teaching Subject Studies

Teaching Subject Studies (TSS) are focused on the primary curriculum, teaching methodologies and special features of the subjects. Participants will normally choose two Teaching Subject Studies, TSS1 and TSS2. TSS1 is the subject in which participants already have substantial relevant knowledge from their first degree. TSS2 is the participants' chosen second teaching area. Participants who study English have to study One-TSS Route (English) and have no credit points to study a second subject. Participants who cannot speak or read Chinese can choose only the One-TSS Route (English). Participants who study TSS1 Mathematics have the choice to study One-TSS Route (Mathematics) or TSS1 Mathematics and a TSS2 subject.

Education Studies

This component provides participants with an understanding of foundational disciplines required of classroom teachers, i.e. psychology, sociology and philosophy of education, together with generic skills for planning, teaching and assessment. This interdisciplinary knowledge helps participants understand their own teaching, their own personal development, and culture and society at large. The participants can also evaluate current local curriculum and assessment issues. They are introduced to the implications for teaching and learning arising from the diverse range of learners' needs, the organisational culture of the school and the need to create and maintain a positive classroom climate. The courses are:

• Foundations and Processes of Learning
• Teacher Leadership and Professionalism in Changing Contexts
• Curriculum and Assessment
• Philosophical and Socio-cultural Issues in Education