New Horizons

Abstract

According to the Chinese Language Syllabuses for Hong Kong (Curriculum Development Council, 1990), the teaching of Chinese composition should begin at Primary Three, and this guideline is generally observed in the mainstream primary schools. However, in some international schools, when, Chinese is taught as a second/foreign language, the teaching of Chinese composition begins at Primary One. This means that the second language writers in international schools start writing Chinese text earlier than those whose mother tongue is Chinese, and it is possible that they will learn and develop their writing skills faster.

This research set out to study the composition teaching-learning process in three international schools. It was found that teachers of Chinese in these schools used a teaching approach different from the traditional approach use in the mainstream schools. They provided the pupils with opportunities tor active exploration with writing in Chinese; the also had high expectations of the pupils and gave them the necessary support and encouragement. The pupils developed confidence as writers and enjoyed the ownership of their writing. The teachers also allowed the pupils to use some kind of 'interlanguage' when necessary.

_{[ Chinese version | Index | New Horizons | Other Journals | Faculty Home Page | Enquiry ]}

Mail any comments and suggestions to en@fed.cuhk.edu.hk.