The Impact of the Medium of Instruction on Students' Learning in Physics at the Senior Secondary Level in Hong Kong

Abstract

This research is a 3-year longitudinal study which investigated the impact of the medium of instruction (Chinese and English) on the students' learning in science in Hong Kong secondary schools. The data collection included conceptual tests, examination results and in-depth interviews with teachers and students. The significance of the present study is to provide a better understand of the benefits in using Chinese as medium of instruction (CMI). While the traditional and conventional approaches of research concerning MOI were mainly based on quantitative results, for example students' examination scores, passing rates of schools in different subjects related to MOI, the focus of the present study put the emphasis on the qualitative results. Indeed, the results reflected the impact of MOI on the student learning motivation, quality of performance in group projects, individual and group presentation of works and contribution of idea in discussion forum. The paper also argued that the mixed mode of instruction was more popular for Hong Kong secondary school students.