Overview
| Certificate in PDP on Scientific Concepts and Pedagogy for Science Education in Primary Schools | |
|---|---|
| Programme Code | CWP021* |
| Mode of Study | Full-time Block Release |
| Duration | 2 Weeks |
| Venue | Tai Po Campus |
| Programme Leader | Dr CHOI Tat Shing Paul |
| Programme Enquiries | Miss MAN 2948 8972 |
Remarks: the programme code will be changed to BWP152 after programme registration.
Programme Aims
Upon successful completion of this programme, participants will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the goals underlying the Primary Science curriculum and the curriculum knowledge from General Studies to Primary Science;
- understand the content knowledge and relevant pedagogical techniques about the four strands in the Primary Science curriculum for effective implementation in the classroom;
- identify opportunities in Primary Science curriculum to nurture learners’ curiosity and interest in Science, develop inquiry skills and other generic skills;
- design and implement appropriate formative and summative assessments in Primary Science.
Programme Structure
The programme comprises two core courses:
Curriculum and Pedagogy in Primary Science (2 credit points)
This course equips teacher participants to design and implement effective Science teaching in Hong Kong primary schools with reference to the three overarching goals of Primary Science education in Hong Kong. The course will first introduce the curriculum knowledge of Primary Science. Participants will be able to transform the curricular goals into classroom setting. The course will then introduce science inquiry process, engineering design cycle, project-based learning, problem-based learning, the integration of Science learning with STEAM education, and other related instructional design and pedagogies to enhance teacher competence in planning and implementing Science/Engineering learning activities. The course will also show examples on how different approaches can be employed to assess student learning in Science. After completing the course, participants are expected to demonstrate pedagogical literacy and competency necessary for the development and implementation of the Primary Science curriculum.
Scientific Concepts in the Natural World (2 credit points)
This course aims to provide participants with the necessary disciplinary knowledge and the appropriate attitudes required for teaching Primary Science. The Nature of Science will be introduced to help participants distinguish science from pseudoscience, and engage in scientific inquiry. Participants will explore and investigate various themes in natural science. In Strand 1 “Life and Environment”, the focus will be on cells and levels of organisation within living organisms, including basic cell theory, basic cellular structures, human organs and organ systems, and a basic understanding of inheritance concepts. In Strand 2 “Matter, Energy and Changes”, fundamental concepts such as forces will be introduced. In Strand 3 “Earth and Space”, participants will be provided with an introduction to geology, astronomy and aerospace technology. The course will incorporate daily life examples and highlight the contributions of some influential scientists/researchers, demonstrating the relevance of Science to our society. After completing the course, participants are expected to demonstrate scientific literacy and have a comprehensive understanding of the disciplinary knowledge necessary for the development and implementation of the Primary Science curriculum.
Medium of Instruction
The medium of instruction is mainly Chinese (Cantonese) and will be supplemented by English where appropriate.
Programme Duration
| Cohort(s) | Period of Study |
|---|---|
| 1 | December 2024 (2 Weeks) 1st week: 9 - 13 December 2024 2nd week: 16 - 20 December 2024 |
| 2 | April 2025 (2 Weeks) 1st week: 7 – 12 April 2025 2nd week: 14 – 17 April 2025 |
| 3 | June 2025 (2 Weeks) 1st week: 9 - 13 June 2025 2nd week: 16 – 20 June 2025 |
Entrance Requirements
To be eligible for admission, applicants should be:
- in-service primary school teachers who will be teaching Primary Science; and
- nominated by principals of their serving schools.
Award
To be awarded a Certificate of Completion, participants must at least obtain a pass in all course assessment tasks and successfully fulfill the attendance requirement (80%) and/or assessment requirements as stipulated by the programme.
Other Information
This Government-funded programme is supported by the Education Bureau (EDB). Schools which release teachers to take this programme are eligible for appointing supply teachers, if deemed necessary. Government and aided schools shall contact the EDB for detailed arrangements. Private and DSS schools shall make their own arrangements for the employment of supply teachers.
Remarks: Each school can recommend more than one teacher.
