A lot has been talked about University-school partnership these days and the Hong Kong Accelerated Schools Project is one of the pioneer projects developed from this concept. Inherent in this partnership is the spirit of equal but interactive contribution from either party. The success of this partnership depends, to a great extent, on the shared understanding of each other’s role. However, our experience in working with the HKASP schools over the past few months seemed to suggest otherwise despite our repeated stress on the nature of this partnership. There is a general tendency for the schools to look upon the HKASP team as a “doctor” with expert knowledge and skills to observe, examine and analyse the “symptoms” and then come up with an accurate “diagnosis” and “prescription” to cure the “sickness”. This kind of one-way dependency is anticipated at this early stage but should not be encouraged in the long run as it really goes against the spirit of partnership.

Rather, I would like to borrow the analogy of “experienced travellers” which I think aptly describes the ideal role of both the SDO and the ASP schools. Like the “experienced travellers”, we are supposed to explore and take risks. We actively seek uncertainty and in the course of this exploration, experience excitement and become involved in ways we never imagined. We should focus on goals while staying flexible to explore unexpected byways. Discovery frequently comes from breaking with the “itinerary” and going off the beaten track.

Travellers test themselves. And so must teachers and educators. We must recognise that we have to change and that we are part of the problem and its solution. Travellers leverage learning. And leveraging learning is an organisational and a personal imperative, no matter what your business, no matter what your aspirations, and no matter what your status or skills. Learning is the driving force behind us.

Success is a journey. Let us embark on this journey together and share the excitement and the joy derived from the adventure.

Reference:

White, Randall P. (1997). Seekers & Scalers : The Future Leaders, Training & Development, Vol. 51, no. 1, January 1997.