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■香港教育局現時通過公營學校為所有兒童提供9年免費普及小學和初中教育。 資料圖片
Hong Kong has one of the lowest birth rates in the world. On average Hong Kong parents spend a large amount of money on tutors(補習老師) and extracurricular activities although primary education is basically free. There are many English learning centres in Hong Kong offering courses that develop children's critical thinking(批判思想) and language skills through different topics. Lily, graduated from the University of Hong Kong majoring in English literature, wants to become an English teacher. She found a job in an English learning centre for children last month. She observes how the native English speakers teach local kids English and is taking a certificate course on education after work.
One day, a lady walked into the learning centre and made some requests.
Lily: Hello Madam. My name is Lily. How can I help you?
Louise: Hello. May I know what kind of courses do you offer?
Lily: sure. Here is the leaflet(傳單) introducing our courses.
Louise: Oh! Lily! It sounds familiar. You must be the girl in the next class in secondary school!
Lily: oh! You must be Louise! Let me show you around.
Lily didn't expect to see her secondary school friend again at work. This learning centre is conveniently located in a popular shopping mall. She immediately showed Louise around.
Lily: Here is the classroom.
Louise: It's nice and colourful.
Lily: We put a lot of thought into the colour of the centre. We believe positive visual stimulation(視覺刺激) and a tidy room can keep us focused on learning. Images of nature make us feel so peaceful.
Louise: That's very thoughtful of you. How about the teaching tool?
Lily: There are a lot of different tools.
Louise was very impressed by their colourful toys, games and books more for kids. Quality teaching resources can definitely help teachers in class.
Louise: I like the pattern of the mat!
Lily: We sterilise(消毒) all the tools and the mat before and after class, It's a safe and hygienic environment for children.
Louise: That sounds great!
Lily explained to Louise that the youngest student here was two years old. They offer a large variety of English courses tailor-made(度身訂造) for children. Lily believes that punishment(懲罰) is not effective to encourage learning while a good reward system will help children learn what is expected of them. For instance, rewarding(獎勵) kids for good behavior and appropriate for the situation is an important motivation. However, material and monetary rewards are not at all appropriate. Going to the park or playground, allowing them to play with friends are examples of appropriate rewards. One has to learn being a good parent too!
Please visit http://wwpenglishcolumn. blogspot.com to watch the video and learn some common phrases in English. ■By Lily POON
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