Rsearch On The Improvement Of The Professional Ability Of School-based Curriculum For Hong Kong Kindergarten Teachers

School-based curriculum development is one of the focal points of curriculum reform in mainland China and Hong Kong.It is also the development trend of elementary curriculum reform worldwide.The prerequisite for a successful school-based curriculum is the capability of teachers in developing school-based curriculum.The reform of school-based curriculum is indeed partially decentralizing from the government to schools and teachers,and empowering teachers to gain autonomy in curriculum development,so that curriculum development is no longer the exclusive rights of the academic professionals and the officials.Teachers are then playing an important role in school-based curriculum development.In terms of this cooperative mode in participating in the school-based curriculum development,teachers are not only empowered with autonomy in deciding the school-based curriculum and teaching method,but also face new requirements.As part of the elementary education,preschool education is the beginning school education and life-long education.Along with the implementation of elementary education reform,kindergarten curriculum reform in China has also been extensively initiated.In September 2001,"Guidelines for Kindergarten Education(Trial)"(known as "Kindergarten Guidelines")was issued form the Ministry of Education,clearly stating that kindergarten teachers should take the children's need into consideration to formulate and implement a practical school-based curriculum based on school belief.In this respect,it indicated the importance of kindergarten school-based curriculum development in China,and also acknowledged the role and function of kindergarten teachers in developing school-based curriculum.Expectation of developing school-based curriculum in secondary schools,primary schools and kindergartens was the large-scale education system and curriculum reform in Hong Kong in the 21st century.Apart from that,the Hong Kong government has launched the Free Quality Kindergarten Education policy since 2017.The policy pointed out that kindergartens have to meet the requirements stated in the "Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide"(2017)that it is importance to develop a child-oriented school-based curriculum.It also put forward that kindergarten teachers must take part in the school-based curriculum development.This implies that kindergartens and teachers are empowered with the responsibility and position to develop the school-based curriculum.However,teacher's ability in developing the curriculum has also been raised.Kindergarten teachers have to change from a passive curriculum executor to an active curriculum developer,playing an active role as a curriculum developer,a designer,a reflective practitioner,or even a researcher.Since the development of school-based curriculum involved a deep understanding of the curriculum theory and mastery of professional skills that kindergarten teachers find it difficult and challenge.In review of the local and foreign literature,there are indeed numerous problems in kindergarten and teachers during the process of school-based curriculum development.Kindergarten teachers face a lot of difficulties,questions and the lack of ability,etc.,are exactly the main obstacles in developing the school-based curriculum.What problems would kindergarten teachers face in developing school-based curriculum?What abilities should kindergarten teachers equipped with?What strategies can promote kindergarten teachers' ability in developing school-based curriculum?These are the crucial pending for investigation.Up till now,research on kindergarten teachers' ability in school-based curriculum development is extremely inadequate,and research on strategy enhancing kindergarten teachers'ability in developing school-based curriculum is even rarer.In addition,research on the ability of Hong Kong's kindergarten teachers in developing school-based curriculum is relatively scarce,and research on enhancing kindergarten teachers' ability in developing school-based curriculum is also very rare since the curriculum reform in 2017.Therefore,this dissertation discussed the current situation of Hong Kong's kindergarten teachers in developing school-based curriculum and enhancement of kindergarten teachers' ability become significant.The dissertation concluded the experience of Hong Kong's kindergarten teachers developing school-based curriculum and enhancing kindergarten teachers' ability in school-based curriculum development.It is believed that it would give a great reference to Hong Kong's kindergarten,and the future development of Hong Kong's kindergarten teachers in developing school-based curriculum and on-site training.Apart from that,promotion of kindergarten school-based curriculum development,enhancement of kindergarten teachers' ability in developing school-based curriculum,encouragement to kindergarten teachers to participate in school-based curriculum development,and analysis of kindergarten teachers' ability,etc.,mentioned in this dissertation are all indispensable requirements for the professional development of kindergarten teachers.Therefore,from the theoretical level,this dissertation contributes to the sector the deeper understanding to the meaning of develop:ing kindergarten school-based curriculum,the problems of kindergarten teachers developing school-based curriculum and enhancing their ability in developing the curriculum.Moreover,it also provided some reference for the Hong Kong government and training institutions when they are designing programme content on the school-based curriculum development.Theories proved that school-based curriculum can facilitate the professional development of kindergarten teachers,this dissertation tried to elaborate through theories and empirical evidence in two aspects from the Hong Kong early childhood education point of view:I.To understand the situation and difficulties of Hong Kong's kindergarten teachers in developing school-based curriculum,questionnaires and interview were carried out at over 130 kindergartens regarding their ability,understanding,attitude and difficulties;?Took the role as a curriculum professional applied action research approach,targeted on teachers difficulties and determine strategies from teachers perspective,and took "On-site Professional Support Services" to intervene one Hong Kong kindergarten to enhance their ability,understanding,attitude in developing "child-oriented"school-based curriculum.Cases and suggestions were also provided in this research.It is believed that it would be a valuable reference for teachers who are in service and prior to service training,and also the reference for colleges and kindergartens in developing school-based curriculum.The results of this research is aim to enhance the ability of kindergarten teachers in developing school-based curriculum.First of all,the author believes that kindergarten teachers should be equipped with theories and skills prior to the job.Second,apply professional school-based training to in-service teacher,integrate with the school's curriculum,and apply action research skills to tackle the problems in school-based curriculum development from the teacher'^perspective.By bridging the gap between theories and practice,design appropriate supportive strategies according to the ability of the kindergarten teachers and provide practical and effective school-based curriculum development experiences,so that it fits well to the change of children's learning ability,cultivate kindergarten teachers' ability and assist kindergarten teachers to change from a passive role into an active role throughout the process.