A Study of the School-Based Curriculum Tailoring Scheme (Chinese Subject)

Abstract

Since 1994, the Curriculum Development Institute has organized the School- Based Curriculum Tailoring Scheme. Ten secondary schools have participated in the scheme to tailor-make the Chinese Language Curriculum for their schools. This study tries to evaluate the rationale, texts, and writing materials of these school-based curricula of Chinese Language. Texts analysis and interviews were conducted in the study. It is found that the teachers of these schools have devoted much effort to develop their curriculum with limited supply of resource and manpower. They used a thematic approach in the tailoring. Model texts were well chosen to teach target-oriented writing. The teaching in these schools was generally effective. However, extended reading was not emphasized. Most of the exercises did not demand high order thinking. Research support is needed for future development.