Talking Points: should a mainland study tour be part of the local curriculum?

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Compiled by Jamie Lam
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Hate it when you can’t talk back? Well, you can with Young Post. Have your say and share with students around Hong Kong

Compiled by Jamie Lam |
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Domingo Leung, 16, Henrietta Secondary School

I don’t think it’s necessary. Some students feel uncomfortable when going to the mainland, so they may skip the visit or even behave badly during the tour. Therefore, they may not learn anything – this defeats the original purpose of widening students’ horizons. But what if the destination were changed to other places, such as Britain or Singapore? Without a doubt, students would enjoy going to these places more, and they would benefit immensely from it.

Ada Yin, 18, Workers’ Children Secondary School

This is a really good idea. It seems that we always get information about our country from the internet or TV. If we went to the mainland, we could have first-hand experience of what’s happening there. We could compare our past learning experiences to what we actually saw on the tour. But I don’t think the tour should be made compulsory for all students. A lot of people will oppose such a ruling.

Regina Cheng, 18, Cheung Chuk Shan College

It’s a good move, but the itinerary has to be transparent, and students should be given a choice to go on the trip or stay behind in Hong Kong. By exposing them to the country’s development and people’s living conditions, students would get a better understanding about our motherland and be more tolerant towards mainlanders. A study tour could also help them to think independently, instead of being influenced by stereotypes or political propaganda.

Henriette Wohlschlaeger, 16, SKH Lam Woo Memorial Secondary School

Who would want to spend their entire school life in the classroom, if they had a chance to travel? In my opinion, we could learn the most when leaving our comfort zone and the setting of our daily lives. This way, you could challenge what you have learned so far, and sharpen your critical thinking skills.

I also believe that you could never really understand a topic teachers talk about in school if you have never really been in touch with it. For example, the Liberal Studies lessons address many mainland issues, but you could hardly comment on them if you have never really been there. Besides, a study tour would be welcomed by students who don’t get to travel a lot.

Bobo Or, 17, Workers’ Children Secondary School

l think making a mainland study tour part of the local curriculum would be very meaningful. Hong Kong students are spoiled, and they take things such as food, water and good hygiene for granted. A trip to the mainland would make them realise that we have a lot of resources that many others lack. Then we would learn to cherish our resources and complain less about the government and society.

Shirley Yi, 16, Workers’ Children Secondary School

It will be a suitable opportunity to clear up misunderstandings for students from both places. They can see how the other group really lives and promote cultural exchange. It will be very interesting to see a new education system too.

Edited by M.J. Premaratne

In our next Talking Points, we'll discuss:

What's one piece of advice you would give to your parents about parenting?

We are now accepting your answers for this topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age, and school, along with a nice, clear selfie (make sure it’s not blurry), to [email protected] by lunchtime on Monday. Don’t forget to include “Talking Points” in the subject line.

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