Probing into the Hong Kong English language education system : the English language proficiency readiness for workplace of secondary school-leavers

Abstract

Students’ English language proficiencies and readiness attract lots of attention from society due to the language’s special status in society (Bacon-Shone & Bolton, 2015). In this study, researches will be conducted to look into the curriculum, teachers and students to understand the education system. To organize findings, two theoretical models are employed, they are Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecology model (1997) and Cone of Learning Model (1969). Students are at the centre of the study while researchers are in an attempt to study factors and variables around them. With the theoretical support, the study further develop on the English Language Education Curriculum Framework (2017), three core strands of the curriculum are identified, they are “knowledge strand”, “interpersonal strand” and “experience strand” (CDC, 2017). The study will look into the rationale of these three strands and see how they are being applied in local education context. Further looking into other layers of Bronfenbrenner’s model, the workplace-school interface is also studied to look into the current transition process. The level of readiness is also investigated through categorizing readiness into cultural readiness, content knowledge readiness, attitude and value readiness and career readiness. This is to comprehend the situation systematically and hence suggestions can be put forward. The design of the study is give an overview of the situation as the literature in this area is relatively in scarce. It is hoped that the study can raise the awareness on this research area as great significance and impact will be brought to the education field.