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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Faculty 2

Introduction and Welcome 3

Overall Programme Structure & Objectives 4

MEd: Fields of Study in 2013/14 intake 6

PCAES: Fields of Study in 2013/14 intake 6

Electives 7

Research Methods 8

Dissertations and Projects 9

Guidelines for Dissertation Supervision 10

Project by Independent Study 11

Research Ethics Requirement 12

Procedures for Applications for Ethical Approval 15

Assessment and Assignments 16

Grade Descriptors & Assessment Criteria 17

Criteria for Award of Distinction 18

Plagiarism 19

Procedures for Deferment of Assignments 19

Attendance and Punctuality 21

Leave of Absence 21

Guidelines on Student Use of Personal and Institution-related Data 22

General Information 22

Typhoons & Rainstorms 24

Office Hours 25

Contact Details 25

Campus Map 27

2

Welcome to the Master of Education (MEd) Programme at the University of Hong Kong. The MEd

Programme is often seen as a continuation of the professional studies which students commenced

during their training as teachers. It is that; but for many students it is also the first step in an

academic study of education and in educational research.

Many of our MEd students are front-line teachers at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Others are school administrators, teacher educators, civil servants, or professionals in other

categories. Their enthusiasm and commitment to education have prompted them to seek a broader

and deeper understanding of the domain in which they work. By the end of their studies, our

graduates have not only enriched their knowledge but have also developed greater insights into

what education can and should be. These insights enrich students' personal careers, but they are

also important to society as a whole. We must shape together an educational system that is sound,

forward looking, and suited to changing circumstances.

We are glad to have you with us in the programme. We wish you every success in your studies and

in your career during the years ahead.

MESSAGE FROM THE FACULTY

3

Congratulations upon your decision to further your education through the Master of Education Programme at the University of

Hong Kong. We hope your studies are useful and interesting; and that they provide an important stage in the continued growth of

your professional skills and understanding. This Handbook includes the modules on offer this year, the schedule of classes,

regulations regarding assessment, associations and facilities available to graduate students, and many other things. Please read it

carefully, and keep it for reference this year and next.

The Faculty of Education was formed in 1984, replacing the School of Education, but its origins date back to the Department for the

Training of Teachers, created in 1917 in the Faculty of Arts. By 2001, the Faculty had three departments (Education, Curriculum

Studies and Speech & Hearing Sciences) and one unit (Physical Education and Sports Science) but in September 2002, the

departments were consolidated to form one unitary Faculty while the PESS Unit has become part of the new Institute of Human

Performance, although its degree programmes are still under the auspices of the Faculty.

The Faculty offers opportunity for study in the following programmes:

Ed.D., M.Phil., Ph.D. Research

M.Ed., M.Sc., M.A., PCAES Coursework

P.G.D.E. Coursework

B.Ed., B.Sc., BA&BEd, BSc&BEd Coursework

In-Service Courses Coursework

Prof. Steve Andrews, the Dean of the Faculty of Education has appointed six Associate Deans and 3 Assistant Deans:

Prof. Peter Kutnick, Associate Dean (Research)

Prof. Brendan Weekes, Associate Dean (Research Higher Degrees)

Prof. Nancy W Y Law, Associate Dean (Development)

Dr Angel M Y Lin, Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching)

Dr Ida A C Mok, Associate Dean (Local Engagement)

Dr Ming Fai Pang, Associate Dean (Cross-border/International Engagement)

Dr Alice S L Wong, Assistant Dean (Programmes)

Dr Rui Yang, Assistant Dean (Research Projects and Centres)

Dr Tammy Y L Kwan, Assistant Dean (School-University Partnership)

Academic staff of the Faculty is grouped into seven Divisions, each with an elected Head:

Chinese Language and Literature (Dr Mark S K Shum)

English Language Education (Dr Fiona Hyland)

Information and Technology Studies (Dr Daniel Churchill)

Learning, Development and Diversity (Prof. Lifang Zhang)

Policy, Administration and Social Sciences (Prof. Wing Wah Law)

Science, Mathematics and Computing (Dr Benny H W Yung)

Speech and Hearing Sciences (Dr Sam Po Law)

The Faculty of Education offices, including the offices of the Dean of the Faculty and the Faculty Secretary, are located on the

ground floor of the Hui Oi Chow Building (HOC G-03). The Programme Office is located on the 2nd floor of the Runme Shaw

Building (RMS 219). The Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences is located on the 5th floor of the Prince Philip Dental Hospital.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong is internationally recognized for its highly qualified and dedicated staff,

its excellent state-of-the-art facilities, its commitment to extending and deepening knowledge and informed practice through

research, and its close ties of service and cooperation with fellow educators in Hong Kong and the rest of China, as well as

internationally.

We believe the opportunities the university offers for postgraduate study are unparalleled in this part of the world. The extent to

which you benefit from these opportunities is, quite properly, up to you as a mature student capable of making decisions and setting

priorities in your academic, professional, and personal life. The members of staff of the Faculty of Education look forward to

working together with you for the enrichment of Education as a field of study, and the betterment of our community.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2010-2011

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

4

Overall Structure and Objectives

The major objectives of the MEd programme are to provide you with a general understanding of education as a field of study; to

encourage focused mastery of your chosen area of specialization; and to equip you with the skills to understand and conduct

educational research.

The MEd Programme can be completed over one academic year of full-time study, or two but no more than four consecutive

academic years of part-time study. There are two parallel strands within the MEd programme: Specialist strand and Generalist

Educational Studies strand. Both strands consist of ten modules. Classes for taught modules are generally held on weekdays,

from 6:00p.m. or 6:30 p.m. for 2.5 hours or 3 hours per session in the academic year 2013-2014.

For the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies programme (PCAES), it consists of a specific sequence of three

MEd modules normally to be completed within one to two academic years, or no more than four consecutive academic years

(subject to its availability of designated specialist modules).

Some modules are separately taught and assessed: specialist, research methods and elective modules, while project or dissertation

will be assessed as a single unit, under the supervision of project lecturers or dissertation supervisors.

Students in

Specialist strands

Students in

Educational Studies

strand

Students in

English

Language

Studies

Students in

Chinese

Language

and

Literature

Dissertation

option

Project

option

Dissertation

option

Project

option

Research methods 2 2 2 2 2 2

Specialist/Core module 4 4 1 1 4 4

Elective module 1 3 4 6 3 3

Dissertation 3 --- 3 --- --- ---

Project --- 1 --- 1 1 1

Total module number 10 10 10 10 10 10

Specialist Modules

These modules comprise the specialist knowledge areas for which you applied to the programme. They are listed under each

specialist title later in this Handbook. All specialist modules must be completed successfully for your degree.

Research Methods (2 modules equivalent)

All students must complete an integrated research methods course, consisting of methods of enquiry and research in the form of

lectures and specialism-based seminars in your first year studies. A series of research workshops will be scheduled in Semester 2 to

support those students planning to choose the dissertation option in Year 2.

General Electives

Elective modules introduce you to the intellectual frameworks of education presented by philosophers, historians, sociologists, and

psychologists, and to other areas of study that give you a deeper understanding of topics related to your specialization. Electives

also provide you with the opportunity to study things in which you simply might be interested, without any immediate direct

relevance or usefulness, in order to broaden your general appreciation of education.

PROGRAMME OF STUDIES

R E A D T H I S S E C T I O N V E R Y C A R E F U L L Y !

5

Dissertation (3 modules equivalent) / Project (1 module)

Students undertaking the specialist strands with a dissertation or project option will have to confirm their choice for either doing a

dissertation (equivalent to 3 modules), or a project (1 module) and two elective modules, to their Course Coordinators normally by

the end of the first year of studies. Normally, the dissertation or project is scheduled for completion in the second year of studies.

English Writing Workshops

The Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) will provide our MEd first year students with a series of English writing workshops

to facilitate their academic writing skills in their first year studies. The English Writing workshops are entirely OPTIONAL for

first year MEd students which consist of 5 sessions in 5 different topics on academic writing. The English writing workshops will

focus on academic writing skills, including citations, attribution and plagiarism, argumentation, literature review and dissertation

writing. English Writing Workshops is optional to students while non-local full-time students who do not have similar English

writing skills training before are recommended to attend. Registration is available online during August 21 - 31, 2013 at

http://web.edu.hku.hk/onlineforms/programme/workshop/registration.php. The Enrolment List will be posted on the MOODLE

system by September 9, 2013 at the course room [MED-PCAES Programme Information].

The workshop schedule in 2013-2014 is as follows:

(Please note that September 17 (Tuesday, 6:30-9:00pm) is a plenary session on the topic “How to avoid plagiarism” for all the

groups to attend)

Group A: (Mon., 1:30-4 pm) Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 7 & Oct 21, 2013;

Group B: (Tue., 1:30-4 pm) Sep 24, Oct 8, Oct 15 & Oct 22, 2013;

Group C: (Thu., 1:30-4 pm) Sep 26, Oct 3, Oct 10 & Oct 17, 2013;

Group D: (Mon. 6:30-9 pm) Sep 23, Sep 30, Oct 7 & Oct 21, 2013;

Group E: (Tue., 6:30-9 pm) Sep 24, Oct 8, Oct 15 & Oct 22, 2013;

Group F: (Wed., 6:30-9 pm) Sep 25, Oct 2, Oct 9 & Oct 16, 2013;

University Calendar 2013-2014

Regulations and Syllabuses governing the MEd Degree and PCAES, including curriculum, dissertations and examinations, can be

found in the University Calendar 2013-2014, which can also been browsed / downloaded directly from our Faculty websites:

http://web.edu.hku.hk/programme/med/docs/MEd_2013_RS-Jun7_2013.pdf for MEd programme, and for PCAES

programme at http://web.edu.hku.hk/programme/pcaes/docs/PCAdvEdStud_2013_RS-July17_2013_updated.pdf. You are

strongly advised to become familiar with these provisions and read the relevant regulations very carefully, as they are strictly

adhered to by the Faculty.

6

The Master of Education (MEd) programme is a taught postgraduate programme with various specialisms to be

offered in each academic year. The following specialisms listed the Specialist Strand and the Generalist Educational

Studies Strand are offered in the 2013/2014 intake:

Specialist Strand:

1. Chinese Language and Literature (CLL)

2. Chinese Language Education (CLE)

3. Comparative and Global Studies in Education and Development (CGSED)

4. Designing Powerful Learning Environments (DPLE)

5. Educational Administration and Management (EAM)

6. Early Childhood Education (ECE)

7. English Language Education (ELE)

8. English Language Studies (ELS)

9. Higher Education (HE)

10. Information and Communications Technology in Education (ICTE)

11. Language Across the Curriculum (LAC)

12. Liberal Studies (LS)

13. Mathematics Education (ME)

14. Psychological Studies in Education (PSE)

15. Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL)

16. Teaching and Learning Chinese Language (TLCL) {an offshore programme in Singapore}

Generalist Educational Studies Strand:

17. Educational Studies (ES)

You may refer to the MEd Syllabuses for details of the course requirements in respective specialisms from the Faculty

of Education weblink: http://web.edu.hku.hk/programme/med/docs/MEd_2013_RS-Jun7_2013.pdf.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies is a taught postgraduate certificate which is articulated to

the Master of Education (MEd) and/or Master of Science (Information Technology in Education) and Master of Science

(Library Information Management) programmes. The following specialisms are available in the 2013/2014 intake:

1. Career Education and Counselling (CEC)

2. Gifted Education and Talent Development (GETD)

3. Educational Studies (Individual programme)

You may refer to the PCAES syllabuses for details of the course requirements in respective specialisms from the

Faculty of Education weblink: http://web.edu.hku.hk/programme/pcaes/docs/PCAdvEdStud_2013_RS-July17_2013_updated.pdf.

MEd Fields of study (2013-2014 intake)

PCAES Fields of study (2013-2014 intake)

7

General Information

1. Normally, students registered for PART-TIME MODE of study will be required to complete 4 to 5 modules in Year 1

study and the remaining modules in Year 2 study. For FULL-TIME MODE of study, students will have to complete the

taught modules and Dissertation/Project requirements (totally 10 modules) within an academic year.

Important! For students on part-time mode of study who prefer to extend the MEd studies beyond two academic years,

please provide your STUDY PLAN to the Programme Office for record, before the beginning of your first year study so that

the office can follow up course enrolments for students concerned in each academic year.

2. Generally, students opting for the dissertation track in “Specialist strands” need to complete only ONE elective module,

but FOUR elective modules for students in “Educational Studies strand” in MEd studies. Students opting for the project

track in “Specialist strands” have to complete totally THREE elective modules, normally ONE elective in Year 1 and

TWO more electives in Year 2; but for students opting for project track in “Educational Studies strand”, it will be totally

SIX elective modules, normally TWO or THREE electives in Year 1 and the remaining THREE or FOUR electives in

Year 2, subject to students’ preferences and time availability.

3. Students in the English Language Studies specialism are required to complete THREE specialist electives in English

subject knowledge based aspects to meet the SCOLAR requirements, as directed by their Course Coordinators.

4. Students in the Chinese Language and Literature specialism are required to complete THREE specialist elective in

Chinese subject knowledge based aspects to meet the SCOLAR requirements, as directed by their Course Coordinators.

Change of Elective

Generally students are not allowed to change electives after your selected electives have been approved and finalized in August.

However, your application will be considered only when there are still quotas for the elective modules, and when the grounds for

your change of elective are justified, and approved by the lecturers concerned on or before the second teaching session.

Application for change of elective will NOT be considered after the second teaching session of the module.

In order to change your elective, you can obtain a form "Application Form for Change of MEd Elective" from the Programme

Office counter at Room 219, Runme Shaw Building. This form requires you to get the written approval of the lecturer in charge

of the elective to which you want to transfer and that of the lecturer of the module you intend to leave before the second teaching

session of the module. Note that your new choice may already be fully subscribed, so do not assume your transfer will be

approved automatically.

Please return the form after obtaining the approval from both new and current module teachers with their signatures. Return the

completed form to the Programme Office counter for the Programme Director’s endorsement. If your transfer is approved, the

Programme Office will notify students, and update their course enrolment online immediately.

ELECTIVES

8

(i) MEDD6014 Methods of Research and Enquiry (2 modules equivalent)

(Core module for all MEd students at first year study)

This module provides a systematic introduction to educational research methods, with a particular emphasis on critical reading and

understanding of a variety of approaches to research in education, including methods of data collection and analysis.

Class Specialism/Field of study Lecturer(s) Schedule

1A Chinese Language Education (CLE) Prof S K Tse, Dr W M

Cheung

Semester 1,

Friday evening

1B Chinese Language and Literature (CLL) Dr Y K Law, Dr K M Lee Semester 1,

Friday evening

1C &

1D

Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL)

(1 FT group and 1 PT group)

Dr Bennan Zhang, Dr C Lai Semester 1, Friday

morning and Friday

evening

1E English Language Education (ELE) Dr Yuen Yi Lo Semester 1,

Friday evening

1F English Language Studies (ELS) Dr Yongyan Li Semester 1,

Friday evening

1G Language Across the Curriculum (LAC) Dr Yuen Yi Lo Semester 1,

Friday evening

1H Generalist Educational Studies strand (ES)

Dr Chad Lykins Semester 1,

Wednesday evening

1K Comparative and Global Studies in Education

and Development (CGSED)

Semester 1,

Friday evening

1M Designing Powerful Learning Environments

(DPLE)

Semester 1,

Friday evening

1N Early Childhood Education (ECE) Semester 1,

Friday evening

1P Educational Administration & Management

EAM)

Semester 1,

Friday evening

1Q Higher Education (HE)

Semester 1,

Tuesday evening

1R Liberal Studies (LS) Semester 1,

Friday evening

1S Mathematics Education (ME) Semester 1,

Friday evening

1T Psychological Studies in Education (PSE) Semester 1,

Friday evening

1U Information & Communications Technology in

Education (ICTE)

Semester 1,

Friday evening

(ii) Dissertation & Project seminars (RM2) will normally be arranged in Semester 2 by respective Course Coordinators. Each

student is expected to fulfill 12 hours of Dissertation & Project seminars.

(iii) Research Methods Skills seminars and workshops (RM2) will normally be arranged in Semester 2, during April, May and

June. Detailed workshop arrangements will have to be finalized and will be uploaded onto MOODLE system under the course room

[MED-PCAES Programme Information] and/or circulated to students by email for registration at the beginning of Semester 2.

Each student is expected to fulfill 12 hours of Research Methods Skills seminars & workshops.

RESEARCH METHODS MODULE

9

MEDD8999 Dissertation (3 modules equivalent)

(Word length: 12,000 – 20,000 words)

Your dissertation is of particular importance. Apart from the fact that nearly one-half of your program is in dissertation modules,

your dissertation is the culmination of the knowledge and skills you should have acquired in your course work and assignments.

Although you need not submit the title of your dissertation officially until the second semester of your second year, you should by

the end of your first year have at least a general notion of your area of study, the problem you wish to pursue, and the kind of

research methods you intend to use. You should also have completed a draft research proposal as part of your preparation. This will

allow you to begin collecting materials for your review of the relevant research literature during the summer months between your

first and second academic years. The Course Coordinators and lecturers in your specialization will liaise with you directly about the

identification of a dissertation problem, and the selection of a dissertation supervisor, which should be finalized by the end of your

first year.

Normally students are required to present and discuss their dissertation plans in dissertation seminars in the first semester of the

second year. Given normal progress, dissertation title shall be submitted in March for approval and dissertation shall be completed

and submitted by the end of August in the final year, and the degree awarded at Convocation in November/December of the same

year. Please refer to the “Timeline and Guidelines for MEd dissertation option (MEDD8999)” for detailed arrangements.

Students are required to maintain regular contact with their supervisor during the course of their dissertation and to submit

drafts and samples of data for discussion and feedback. This is not only to ensure continuing support for the student, but also to

authenticate the students’ work, i.e. to ensure the material produced by students is all their own work.

Regular contact is defined as face to face or other forms of contact (e.g. email) at least once a month, or more frequently. Any

student who fails to maintain regular contact with their supervisor and/or fails to make satisfactory progress on their dissertation

may be asked to appear at a progress review meeting, comprising the Chief Examiner, the Supervisor and Course Coordinator.

In addition, students are required to keep all drafts, original data and other evidence of the authenticity of the work for at least one

year after examination. MEd regulations also allow for examiners to prescribe an oral examination on the subject of the dissertation,

which will be implemented if there is any doubt as to the ownership of the work.

DISSERTATION AND PROJECT

10

Guidelines for Dissertation Supervision

The Responsibilities of MEd Students

a) To read these Guidelines so that they are aware of what they can expect of the University and what the University expects of

them and their supervisors.

The relationship between you and your supervisor is a very personal one, which only you can fully understand and make

successful.

b) To attend relevant courses, seminars and workshops that are arranged for MEd students. MEd specialisms will put on a

dissertation seminar module and tutorials will be arranged. These are intended to enable you to commence and conduct your

research more efficiently and effectively.

c) To conform with the University’s and the Faculty of Education regulations

d) To execute the research, associated writing and thesis production with sufficient diligence to ensure that their studies can be

completed within the period of study specified

The MEd dissertation is a test of your ability to initiate, develop, conduct and report research.

e) To establish an agreed manner of working with supervisors and to follow an agreed timetable.

Different people interact in different ways that cannot be prescribed by regulations. Agree a way of operating supervision.

You will often be the one to initiate meetings and you should go to them well prepared and with a clear idea of what needs

to be discussed and what needs to be decided.

f) To maintain contact and meet with your supervisor at sufficiently regular intervals to permit work to progress in a

satisfactory and timely manner by, for example, presenting draft chapters at agreed specified times.

The frequency of contact will depend on the nature of the study and the particular situations of the student and the

supervisor. Contact may be more frequent at one point in the research e.g. the beginning and less frequent at other times.

They may be face to face or through e.g. e-mail. However, the normal expectation would be contact with your supervisor at

least twice a month.

g) To give the supervisor sufficient notice and sufficient time to comment on research findings or written work, including thesis

or chapter drafts.

Supervisors have many other responsibilities in addition to you and it is unreasonable to present them with work without

prior notice and than expect them to provide detailed comment and criticism ahead of all other demands on their time.

h) To observe the standard of ethical requirements and comply with the ethical guidelines.

Dissertation Supervisor’s Responsibilities

a) To read these Guidelines so that he or she is aware of what is expected of the MEd student and what the MEd student

expects of them.

The relationship between you and the MEd student is a very personal one and will only profitable when both parties work

at making it successful.

b) To help the student in managing his or her time effectively so that the research is completed on time.

c) To establish an agreed manner of working with you and to follow an agreed timetable.

d) To maintain contact and meet with you at sufficiently regular intervals to permit work to progress in a satisfactory and

timely manner by, for example, commenting on draft chapters at agreed specified times.

It is not the role of the supervisor to act as a proofreader or editor but the supervisor will point out areas for attention.

e) To discuss your suggestions as to the direction the study might take and provide some general advice on initial literature

sources and methods.

It is important to recognize that the dissertation is the student’s and that the student must learn to make and stand by his or

her own decisions. Nonetheless the supervisor has an important role in pointing out areas for attention.

f) To advise on problems raised by the student.

11

MEDD8998 Project by Independent Study (1 module) (Word length: 4,000 – 5,000 words)

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to build on or extend interests developed in other areas of

education by undertaking an individual project by independent study.

The project must clearly represent an eighth of a year's full-time academic work. Examples include the development, trialling and

evaluation of a curriculum unit over a semester with an accompanying analysis and reflection (at least 2,000-2,500 words), a

small-scale research project, an extended literature review of an issue or topic of significance in education, a relevant professional

development activity with an accompanying analysis and reflection, a case study of learning or teaching, or any other project

which meets the requirements of postgraduate level work, i.e. it must be intellectually demanding and require reading of the

research and professional literature. Although the assessable product(s) arising from the project may be based on the participant’s

own practice, straightforward reports or records of classroom practice with no reference to other work in the field are not

acceptable. Collaborative work is permitted, provided the individual contributions can be clearly assessed.

The project and its outcome(s), including the product(s) to be assessed, must be negotiated with the designated lecturer normally

by the end of the third week of the semester and a contract (see below) completed and signed by both student and lecturer. In some

situations students may be asked to prepare a bibliography or some other background material as part of the initial development of

their assignment topic before it can be formally approved.

Normally students will meet once with the lecturer at the beginning of the semester, they may regularly liaise with each other as a

group, such as, a self-study group of four to six students working on common areas of interest. Upon requests from project

lecturers for students to communicate within their group, we may establish an online community for internal group

communications, exchanging information and posting regular progress reports over the semester. Alternative means of

intra-group communication may also be employed, including email, telephone, and/or face to face meetings. Designated project

lecturers may monitor the discussions and provide feedback for individuals as appropriate.

This is not a dissertation, nor a taught module, so there will not be any regular meetings with the lecturer once you have had

your project approved.

MASTER OF EDUCATION

POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED EDUCATION STUDIES

MEDD8998 Independent Project

CONTRACT

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name of student : University number :

E-mail:

2. TITLE OF PROJECT:

3. RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES OF PROPOSED PROJECT:

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT AND TIMELINE / KEY DATES:

(Outline proposed activities or steps to be completed, key readings, dates and people other than yourself involved – attach additional information if

necessary)

5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

(Outline proposed outcomes, including detailed description of proposed assessment and deliverables (Final Report to be 4,000- 5,000 words or the equivalent))

To be discussed WITH and approved by lecturer by the end of the third week of the semester enrolled.

Copy of project outline to be retained by all signatories and submitted with official cover sheet and assignments.

No assignments will be accepted without a signed, approved project outline.

Signature of student:

Date:

For office use only Signature of lecturer: Date:

12

RESEARCH ETHICS REQUIREMENTS

(a) Ethical Requirements

All members of the University, including dissertation Master’s students, are under an obligation to observe the

highest standards of professional conduct. Failure to do so, not only defeats the object of scholarly enquiry,

but brings both the researcher and the University into disrepute. The need for researchers to comply with strict

ethical guidelines is especially important where the pressure to complete dissertations promptly may generate a

temptation to neglect or relax normal practices.

The Faculty Research Ethics Committee (FREC) is responsible for safeguarding research participants,

students conducting research projects and researchers in or affiliated with the Faculty of Education by formally

applying accepted principles and procedures for the conduct of research involving human and animal subjects.

These principles are enclosed for your information. Dissertation Master’s students are required to submit an

application for ethical clearance to undertake any pilot or dissertation study involving human or animal subjects.

Details of the procedures, application guidelines and application forms can be obtained from

http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics. An information session on ethics procedures for each dissertation

Master’s course will be held in first semester. Details will be circulated to students by email.

The FERC is in the process of authorizing Programme Directors (or Cohort Coordinators in the case of the

MEd) to approve ethics applications for dissertation Master’s students enrolled in the Faculty, however the

same application processes must be followed for all students, the supervisors’ approval must be sought, and a

soft copy of the completed approved application sent to the FREC for endorsement. In turn, the FREC reports

to the University Human Research Ethics Committee for Non-Clinical Faculties (HRECNCF).

(b) Principles Guiding the Ethical Integrity of Research

□ General Principles

The following principles guide the Faculty Research Committee and all researchers in the Faculty of Education

with respect to the ethical integrity of research:

1. Integrity

The ethical integrity of research implies that the conduct of all researchers is characterized by a respect

for self and others, a willingness to accept responsibility for the consequences of one’s decisions, and by

the principles of goodness, rightness, fairness and honesty.

A respect for others implies that researchers accord appropriate respect to the rights, dignity, and worth

of all researchers and subjects involved in the research.

2. Competence

Researchers should undertake only such research that they and their fellow researchers and research

students are competent to, so that the safety of all research participants, and the ethical integrity of the

research, might not be compromised for reasons of incompetence.

3. Professional and Scientific Responsibility

Researchers should conduct their research in a professionally and scientifically responsible manner.

Such responsibility is commensurate with the ethical integrity of the research. Researchers should

accordingly design, conduct, and report research in accordance with recognized principles and standards

of scientific competence and ethical research.

13

4. Social Responsibility

Researchers should be aware of their professional and scientific responsibilities to the community and the

society in which they work and live, and to the human community in general. Researchers should in

their research seek to advance not only the science of their discipline, but also, ultimately, human welfare.

5. Concern for Others’ Welfare

Researchers should, at all times and above all other research priorities, be concerned with the welfare

and interests of those participating in the research. Researchers should thus take reasonable steps to

implement appropriate protection for the rights and welfare of research participants and other persons

affected by the research.

6. Proportionality of Risk

Research involving human subjects should not be carried out unless the importance of the objectives is in

proportion to the inherent risk to the subject. Potential hazards should be predictable, and should never

outweigh the benefits of the research.

□ Research-Specific Issues

1. Informal Consent

Researchers should obtain the appropriate informed consent of research participants, in language that is

reasonably understandable to research participants, and that is appropriately documented.

2. Inducements

Inducements to participate that are offered to potential research participants should be appropriate and

commensurate with standard practice.

3. Deception

Researchers should not conduct a study involving deception unless they have determined that the use of

deceptive techniques is justified by the study’s prospective scientific value, and that equally effective

alternative procedures that do not use deception are not feasible.

Researchers should never deceive research participants about significant aspects that would affect their

willingness to participate, such as physical risks, discomfort, or unpleasant emotional experiences. If

deception issued, researchers are obliged to debrief subjects on the nature of the deception as soon as is

practically possible.

4. Invasiveness

Researchers should ensure that my invasive procedures are kept to a minimum, and involve minimal

discomfort and no physical or other risk to research participants.

5. Commitments

Researchers should take reasonable measures to honour all commitments they have made to research

participants.

6. Sharing of Information

Researchers should provide a prompt opportunity for participants to obtain appropriate information about

the nature, results, and conclusions of the research.

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

Researchers should at all times seek to respect the privacy of research participants, and to maintain

confidentiality in all matters related to individual research participants.

(c) Application Procedures for Ethics Clearance

Application for ethics clearance must be made on the form Application Form for Ethical Approval, which is

obtainable from the Human Research Ethics Committee for Non-Clinical Faculties via

14

http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics. The application should be concise, but contain sufficient

information for the Supervisor, the authorized FREC delegate and the FREC to be able to appraise the

research from an ethical perspective.

If instruments for the project are in Chinese, an English translation must be included or a description of the

nature of the instrument in English. Copies of consent or assent forms should also be appended along with any

additional information on the interaction with subjects, such as payment, gifts, recruiting advertisements, etc.

One soft copy only of the completed form with relevant attachments should be submitted to the authorized

FREC delegate [Course Coordinator for your specialism] before data collection begins, for authorization

and onward transmission to the Faculty Research Ethics Committee for endorsement and record.

*** STATEMENT ABOUT IMPORTANCE TO OBTAIN ETHICAL APPROVAL ***

All members of the University, including staff members, research postgraduate, taught postgraduate and undergraduate

students are under an obligation to comply with the highest standards of professional conduct. All research conducted

by members of the University involving human participants and the use of vertebrate animal subjects must be

referred to the appropriate ethics committee for review. For undergraduate and taught postgraduate students of the

Faculty of Education, such review is done by the Faculty Research Ethics Committee.

If the research study for your dissertation or final-year project involves human participants or the use of personal data,

you are required to obtain ethical approval for the study prior to data collection. You are required to initiate

discussion with your supervisor/tutor in charge as early as possible on how to prepare your application. The application

must be submitted to the Office of Research in good time, normally 4 weeks before the planned data collection. Details

about application procedures, the application forms and letter templates are downloadable at the Faculty's website:

http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics.

Any research data collected prior to formal ethical approval granted by the Faculty Research Ethics Committee must not

be used in any part of your dissertation/project. If you have collected research data before obtaining ethical approval, you

may be given a Fail grade for the dissertation/project.

MEd students doing Dissertation/Project

For one-year full-time and currently Year 2 students, after you have discussed ethics application with supervisors and

obtain their endorsement, you will have to complete the application form for ethical clearance and send the completed

form and a soft copy to the Office of Research of the Faculty of Education via email to Ms Carol Wong, carolw@hku.hk.

Application forms for Dissertation and Project can be downloaded from the University of Hong Kong website:

http://web.edu.hku.hk/research.php?ethics.

Students undertaking Dissertation (MEDD8999) have to fill in the form FE3/1011 amended “Application Form for Ethical Approval (For TPG Students in Faculty of Education)” to apply for ethical clearance and approval from the Office of Research (at Room 125, Hui Oi Chow Science Building, via email to carolw@hku.hk) prior to your data collection.

Normally, the clearance procedure will be completed in about four weeks after your submission of the application form for ethical approval.

Students undertaking Project by Independent Study (MEDD8998) have to fill in the form FE6/912 “Application Form for

Ethics Review of Taught Postgraduate Independent Project” to seek ethical approval from the Project Lecturer prior to

your data collection, and finally to submit the completed application form after Project Lecturers’ endorsement to the

Office of Research (c/o Ms Carol Wong, carolw@hku.hk) for record.

15

16

Purpose of assessment

The primary purpose of assessment is to support student learning, hence there is a clear and explicit relationship between stated

assessment tasks and expectations, module objectives and module content in the MEd programme. Assessment tasks are carefully

designed to recognize, motivate and encourage deep learning, and to incorporate a clear developmental perspective which

recognizes and supports students’ growing competence over the course of the programme.

Variation in assessment tasks within and across the programme is encouraged in order to maintain student interest, to cater for and

encourage different ways of student thinking and learning, to reflect the different academic and professional demands of different

modules as well as to foster student development and progression over the length of a programme.

Most modules are assessed by the satisfactory completion of written assignment of between 3,000-4,000 words or its equivalent.

Regular attendance and participation in class activities are also critical for success, and informal oral presentations and collaborative

activities are also encouraged.

Submission of Assignments

Please follow the instructions on submission of the assignment given by the teachers concerned as some teachers require submission

of electronic copy via MOODLE while some require students to submit assignments in hard copy.

The procedure for handing in MEd / PCAES assignments submitted in hard copy is as follows:

1. MEd / PCAES assignments (except those mentioned in 4. below) should be placed in the appropriate assignment-box outside

the Programme Office on the 2nd floor of the Runme Shaw Building ON or BEFORE the deadline. Do NOT hand in

assignments directly to lecturers, unless otherwise stated by individual teachers.

2. In the event of an emergency preventing you from meeting the deadline of a particular module, you MUST immediately notify

both the lecturer and the Programme Office about the delay and the reasons. Failure to do this will normally result in failure for

the module.

3. It is the responsibility of each student to make a back-up copy of each assignment. In case a student may claim that he/she had

placed the assignment in the box but it was lost, the student will need to produce another copy to the Programme Office within

the following day.

4. Exceptions

(a) Assignments set by staff of other departments/faculties. Please follow the instructions given by the lecturer concerned.

(b) Bulky assignments which do not fit into the box. Please follow instructions given by the tutor.

(c) Examinations/tests conducted in the lecture-room will be collected by the tutor.

(d) Dissertations should be submitted to the Programme Office counter to acknowledge receipt upon submission, on or before

the due date.

FINAL Assignment Deadlines for 2013-2014:

Semester 1 modules: January 13, 2014 (Monday) .

Semester 2 modules: May 12, 2014 (Monday).

Deadline for submission of MEd Project: July 31, 2014.

Deadline for submission of M Ed Dissertations: Full-time & Year 2 part-time students to submit the Title of Dissertation: March 31, 2014

Full-time & Year 2 part-time students to submit Dissertation: August 31, 2014

Important note:

Lecturers may vary the deadline for their course assignments but recommended to be NO LATER THAN the final assignment

deadlines (January 13, 2014 / May 12, 2014), except with prior approval from the Programme Director on special circumstances.

ASSESSMENT

17

Assignment Cover Sheet

An assignment cover sheet serves to provide basic information about the assignment such as the module code, the names of the

student and the teacher; to provide a location for the student declaration that it is his or her own work; and to provide a convenient

way of acknowledging receipt of the assignment to the student. All MEd assignments should be submitted with a standard

assignment cover sheet available for student collection from the Programme Office counter or downloaded from the Online

Teaching and Learning system (MOODLE) [MED-PCAES Programme Information].

GRADE DESCRIPTORS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

{ All the MEd results are reported on a five point grade scale: A, B, C, D, and F (Fail) only}

Common grade descriptors and assessment criteria have been established for all modules in the MEd and PCAES programmes to

enhance comparability and transparency in assessment across the program. The following five general criteria apply to the majority

of assessment tasks:

understanding of the task and key concepts/issues involved;

depth of analysis and/or critique in response to the task,

use of appropriate professional and/or research literature to support response;

structure and organization of response;

presentation of response according to appropriate academic and linguistic conventions.

In order to help students understand their own strengths and weaknesses as exhibited through the assignment submitted, feedback to

students will normally makes specific reference to these assessment criteria, although they may be adapted and contextualized to

suit the specific assessment task. A feedback sheet will normally be distributed by your lecturer with the guidelines for each

module assignment. You should then attach this feedback sheet immediately after your cover sheet when you submit your

assignment for marking.

Grade Descriptors

Please note that the grade descriptors are designed to be used holistically, that is, it is not envisaged that separate scores would be

given for each criteria. To achieve the designated grade the majority of criteria should be met. Depending on the format of the

assignment, one or two criteria may not be so relevant in which case this should be clearly indicated in the module guidelines and

specific assessment criteria. Lecturers are also free to add criteria or contextualize the above criteria to suit the particular demands

of their assessment task.

Grade A: Excellent

Overall, a very impressive and excellent piece of work, equivalent to a distinction. Includes the majority of the following features:

Demonstrates an understanding of the task which may be beyond what is expected, but which is always relevant.

Original perspective on the problems in question. Contextualization of sources and viewpoints and comprehensive

evaluation of contributions. Application of relevant theories in answering the question.

Use of wide range of relevant sources, well understood and critically evaluated.

Well structured and organized with a clear line of reasoning. Appropriate length.

Clear, articulate style with accurate spelling, word choice and grammar. Referencing follows consistent academic

conventions with all references fully and accurately cited.

Grade B: Good

Overall, a good and commendable piece of work. Includes the majority of the following features:

Demonstrates sound understanding of the task. Presentation of points and arguments generally relevant to the question.

Sustained commentary on evidence and materials used. Inclusion of appropriate critical perspective. Use of theoretical

models in a relevant way to answer the question.

Sound understanding of main sources of literature, well summarized and used in a critical and relevant way.

Clear structure and presentation. Control of length

Generally accurate spelling, word choice and grammar. Generally consistent and accurate referencing.

Grade C: Satisfactory

Overall, a satisfactory piece of work. Includes the majority of the following features:

Understands main point of the task. Most points and arguments presented are relevant to the question.

Adequate commentary on evidence and materials used. Some evidence of critical awareness. Use and understanding of

theoretical models, but in a fairly pedestrian way.

Adequate range of source material consulted. Clear understanding of the literature used.

Good structure and presentation, minor problems in organization do not impede communication. Control of length.

18

Comprehensible spelling, word choice and grammar, inaccuracies do not impede meaning. Generally consistent

referencing.

Grade D: Minimal Pass

Overall, a bare pass. Includes the majority of the following features:

Understanding of basic concepts and effort made to relate them to the question.

Argument mainly descriptive points and/or points which requires greater substantiation. More development of ideas

needed to sustain an argument. Identification of main issues, but little critical awareness.

Some evidence of reading and understanding of the literature, but range and /or relevance very limited.

Attempt made at coherent presentation, but ideas not well integrated.

Comprehensible spelling, word choice and grammar, although inaccuracies may sometimes impede meaning. Some

attempt at consistent referencing and control of length

Grade F: Failure

Overall, a very poor piece of work. Includes the majority of the following features:

Inadequate understanding or misunderstanding of task. Purely descriptive account with little or no analysis.

Irrelevant comments and/or assertions which are not supported by meaningful evidence. Little evidence of integration of

various sources to sustain an argument. Lack of any critical or appreciative framework.

Few relevant sources used and/or little use of literature.

Unstructured presentation and/or lack of coherence which impedes understanding.

Little or no attempt at consistent referencing. Major inaccuracies in grammar, word choice and spelling. Length

problematic.

GRADES

Grades are reported on a five point scale: A, B, C, D, and F (Fail). Once approved by the Board of Examiners for the Master of

Education degree, these grades will appear on your University transcript.

Final grades will be released to students through the Student Information System (SIS), under the HKU Portal at

https://hkuportal.hku.hk at My Page -> Enrollment -> View My Grades, shortly after the results have been approved by the

Board of Examiners by end of February, end of June and late September. Students will be notified via MEd Moodle and email of

the grade released dates later.

In accordance with the University General Regulations, there shall be NO appeal against the results of examinations and all other

forms of assessment.

All potential failures, all suspected plagiarism cases and all MEd dissertations are automatically double-marked by another

examiners. Assignments may also be double-marked for moderation purposes. Students failing in module(s) or dissertation should

immediately make arrangements to discuss the matter with the examiner concerned after the results in Semester 1, Semester 2 and

summer semester have been confirmed by Board of Examiners by end of February, end of June and late September respectively.

CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF DISTINCTION { applicable to the students admitted to 2012/2013 intake and before 2012/2013 intake only}

MEd Specialist strand

Dissertation option: ‘A’ grade on Dissertation, at least two ‘A’s in the specialist modules,

and no ‘D’ or ‘F’.

Coursework option: ‘A’ grade on Project, at least two ‘A’s in the specialist modules,

at least two ‘A’s in any other modules; and no ‘D’ or ‘F’.

MEd (Chinese Language & Literature) specialism: students are required to obtain two ‘A’s in the specialist modules and at least

three ‘A’s in any other modules.

MEd Educational Studies strand

Dissertation option: ‘A’ grade on Dissertation, at least two ‘A’s in any other modules, and no ‘D’ or ‘F’.

Coursework option: ‘A’ grade on Project, at least four ‘A’s in any other modules, and no ‘D’ or ‘F’.

In addition, candidates who have attained “Distinction” or an overall result of five ‘A’s and three ‘B’s or a better result

are also recommended for inclusion to the Dean’s Honours List.

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Warning: Plagiarism

Please note this warning! Plagiarism is perhaps the most common, and the most avoidable, reason for an assignment or

dissertation to be failed.

To plagiarize is to present as your own work materials copied or closely paraphrased from someone else (even a classmate or staff

member) without acknowledging the original author. Whether published or unpublished materials, from a noted authority or from

another student, directly appropriating the work of others without giving due and appropriate credit is plagiarism. Paragraph 5 of the

Regulations Governing Conduct at Examinations, published in the University of Hong Kong Calendar, Part 1, states that any

student who fails due to plagiarism may be referred to the University Disciplinary Committee, and may be resulted to

discontinuation of the studies.

Please refer to “What is Plagiarism?” at http://www.hku.hk/plagiarism/ and “Plagiarism and How to Avoid it” at

http://ec.hku.hk/plagiarism/ for more details.

Plagiarism is a serious matter. If you have any doubts about whether or not your use of sources constitutes plagiarism, ask

your lecturer or Course Coordinator immediately.

Warning: Submission of the Same Work More Than Once Submitting an exact copy or significant portions of another assignment in more than one module without explicit acknowledgement

is not acceptable and may result in an F grade. However, quoting from your previous or current work and including this in a new

piece of work is acceptable provided that this is explicitly acknowledged in the new body of work.

Warning: Late Submission of Assignments without Prior Approval To order to be fair to students who have submitted their assignments on time, and to encourage effective time-management skills,

late submission of assignment/dissertation without prior approval will normally receive the following penalties:

up to 3 days late: a full grade will be deducted from the grade the assignment would

otherwise have received;

more than 3 days late: the assignment will fail.

Deferment of Assignment Submission

If you are experiencing problems in completing an assignment, please contact your lecturer.

If, for some very serious reason, you believe you will not be able to submit an assignment on time, you must apply for a deferment,

stating your reasons for an extension with the following procedure:

- for a single assignment, apply to the lecturer concerned;

- for more than one assignment, apply to the Programme Director (via the Progamme Secretary for MEd/PCAES)

This request should be made well before the assignment deadline with causes provided for justification.

Deferment for medical reasons should be supported by a Doctor’s certificate.

20

Application to defer assignment deadline

(Students are required to (i) make application on the appropriate form prior to deadline, (ii) attach medical certificate or other supporting documents); and (iii) submit application to the Lecturer (for 1 assignment) or to the Programme Director (for more than 1 assignment)

One assignment only: Lecturer More than 1 assignment: Programme Director

Lecturer/ Programme Director considers whether the reasons given fall within one of the following circumstances: 1) medical reasons 5) unexpected personal crisis 2) childbirth 6) unexpected work-related crisis (part-time students only) 3) marriage 7) similarly serious reasons considered acceptable by the 4) death in family lecturer/ Programme Director

1) Lecturer (for 1 assignment)/ Programme Director

(for more than 1 assignment) approves application 2) Informs the Programme Office, and Programme

Office will inform the student and all parties concerned.

1) Lecturer (for 1 assignment)/ Programme Director (for

more than 1 assignment) do not approve application 2) Informs the Programme Office, and Programme

Office will inform the student and all parties concerned.

NO YES

1) If there are valid reasons for not submitting the assignment on time, but there is no valid reason for not seeking prior approval, then a full grade will be deducted.

2) Programme Director recommends grade to Programme Office for Board of Examiner’s approval and Programme Office will inform all parties concerned.

1) Penalty stands. 2) Programme Director

recommends grade to Programme Office for Board of Examiner’s approval and Programme Office will inform all parties concerned.

Late submission of assignment without prior approval

1 to 3 calendar days late** Programme Office informs student a full grade is normally deducted and advises students to refer to the Handbook on penalties and appeal procedures.

More than 3 calendar days late** Programme Office informs student the assignment is normally failed and advises students to refer to the Handbook on penalties and appeal procedures.

1) Student may submit a written appeal to the Programme Director not later than 10 calendar days before the Board of Examiners meeting (student may check with Programme Office to find out the date of meetings);

2) Programme Director will consider whether there are valid reasons for not submitting the assignment on time, and whether there are valid reasons for not making a prior application to defer the assignment deadline.

1) No penalty if there are valid reasons for not submitting the assignment on time and not seeking prior approval.

2) Programme Director recommends grade to Programme Office for Board of Examiner’s approval and Prof Office will inform all parties concerned.

Appeal

YES NO

No Appeal

** Late submission of assignment without prior approval:

(i) Assignment deposited in the assignment box before emptying at 9:00 a.m. on the day following the deadline will be considered as submitted on time; and

(ii) For assignments submitted by post, the post-marked date will be considered as the date of submission.

21

Attendance and Absence

You are required to attend all classes which may or may not be conducted face-to-face.

You will be assessed by diverse forms of assessment, including certain class activities, throughout their studies for continuous

assessment. Candidates who fail to participate in any in-class assessment will fail that particular assessment and may fail that

particular course where the assessment contributes to a high percentage of the overall result of the course.

You shall observe the Regulation G8 ‘Attendance and absence’ governing the application for leave of absence in the General

Regulations available in the University’s website: http://www0.hku.hk/tlearn/advising/uni_degree_reg.html.

Application for leave of absence should be sent to the Teacher concerned and the Programme Director in writing, together with any

supporting document, at the earliest opportunity. The application form can be downloaded from the Online Teaching and Learning

system (Moodle) MEd-PCAES Programme Information Blank Forms

Under certain circumstances, you will be regarded as having withdrawn from their studies in accordance with the Regulation

G8(c)(i) and (iii) which stipulate respectively:

G8(c)(i): … A student registered in a Faculty who has been absent, whether leave has been granted under this regulation

or not, for a period of such length as to make it impossible, in the opinion of the Dean of the Faculty concerned, for him

to complete his year’s work, shall not resume attendance in the same academic year, except with the permission of the

Board of his Faculty.

G8(c)(iii): … A student who is not permitted to resume attendance in the same academic year under the provisions of

clause (c)(i) of this regulation shall be regarded as having withdrawn from his studies with effect from the first day of his

absence but shall be re-admitted at the commencement of the next academic year to the same curriculum and year of his

previous registration. He may be required, before being re-admitted, to submit a certificate signed by a registered

practitioner to the effect that his state of health will permit him to resume and to complete his studies.

Where students’ performance in continuous assessment is unsatisfactory, they may be required to discontinue their studies, repeat

any part of a course or represent themselves for re-assessment in accordance with the Regulation G11 ‘Unsatisfactory performance

or progress’ which stipulates:

A student whose performance at examinations or in continuous assessment as may be held from time to time is

unsatisfactory, or in the case of a higher degree student whose progress is unsatisfactory, may be required by the Senate

(a) to discontinue his studies, or (b) to repeat any part of his course before being admitted to further assessments or

before being allowed to present his thesis or dissertation, or (c) to re-present himself for assessment without repeating

any part of his course.

You are expected to attend all classes. Class attendance is an important component of fulfilling module requirements, particularly

for those modules assessed by assignments and participation in class activities. If students must be absent due to unavoidable

circumstances, you should inform the module lecturer in advance. You must also make all necessary arrangements with the

module lecturer to complete the module readings and assignments. Failure to observe these requirements may result in a 'Fail'.

In accordance with Degree Regulations concerning leave of absence, you have to inform the teacher(s) concerned by completing a

Request Form for Leave of Absence for absence up to 2 days. An original copy of the medical certificate should be attached if leave

of absence is sought on medical grounds.

students who cannot attend for between three and seven days inclusive because of illness or non-medical reasons shall write to the

Programme Director, explaining your situation and asking permission for the leave at the earliest opportunity. When longer absence

is necessary or when absence from examinations is in question, students shall submit in writing an application for leave of absence

together with a certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

22

Students are subject to general obligations of confidentiality in regard to the personal and institution-related 1 data, information and

materials which they have accessed or obtained during their studies, practicum, research and other activities in respect of or in

connection with the curricula offered by the Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong.

In dealing with personal data, students are also required to comply with the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance

(Ordinance) (including the data protection principles) which cover, among others, the collection, retention, use, handling,

disclosure, storage, security and access in respect of personal data. Details of the Ordinance can be found at:

http://www.pcpd.org.hk/english/ordinance/ordfull.html. The Privacy Policy Statement of the University can also be accessed at:

http://www.hku.hk/siteguide/privacy_policy.html.

Without prejudice to the general obligations, a student must seek prior written approval from the relevant Course Coordinators

and/or Programme Directors if s/he intends to disclose any personal and institution-related information, data or materials to the

public or in any context that is not related to the curriculum to which s/he has been admitted.

Should any student be found not observing the above guidelines, s/he may be considered to be infringing the obligatory conduct by

inappropriate disclosure of such information, data or materials. Such an infringement will be subject to disciplinary actions.

1 Institution refers to the Faculty, the University and any other units or organisations (both internal and external).

Programme Information

(1) University Calendar: The Regulations for the degree of Master of Education (MEd) are in the University of Hong Kong

Calendar 2013-2014, which can also be browsed from the Faculty of Education website:

http://web.edu.hku.hk/programme/med/docs/MEd_2013_RS-Jun7_2013.pdf. These regulations cover requirements for completing

the Programme, provisions in case of failure, and so forth. You are strongly urged to acquaint yourself with these Regulations, since

they regulate all administrative procedures and academic requirements for the Programme.

(2) MEd Bulletin Board: The MEd Bulletin Board is located on the 2nd floor of the Runme Shaw Building, next to the

Programme Office counter. You should check it up regularly, as it may contain urgent messages, room assignments, information on

feedback, and so on. Our main means of making important announcements will be through the HKU Online Teaching and Learning

system (MOODLE) MEd-PCAES Programme Information. Please do remember to check your emails frequently for effective

communications, particularly any course teaching materials and updates from your teachers.

(3) Faculty of Education Homepage: The Faculty of Education’s homepage on the World Wide Web for students at

http://www.hku.hk/education/ has further information on the Master of Education Programme and the Student Handbook in

electronic copy for references.

(4) University’s Online Learning System (MOODLE): Students can access MOODLE via your HKU Portal account at

https://hkuportal.hku.hk/login.html --> My eLearning --> Moodle. Online Teaching & Learning System is currently used as a

platform for an interactive teaching, learning and discussion environment. Web-enhanced learning and teaching environment will

be set up for the modules before the commencement of a semester, and they are available to students with authorized access or to

the students who have enrolled for the modules. Once access is obtained, students are able to read module notes, view presentations,

and join discussions on the internet from any site at any time. Notes and presentation files can be downloaded too. It is a convenient

means of carrying out and sharing collaborative work, of participating in course-related discussions from the convenience of their

homes or schools, and of submitting their assignments electronically.

Computer Facilities

Computer facilities are available in Room 324 in the Runme Shaw Building, complete with software. Additional PC facilities are in

the Computer Centre, while Macintosh computers connected to laser printers are available on the second floor of the Main Library.

As a graduate student, you may be able to take advantage of University discounts to purchase your own computer equipment.

Although you are not required to use a computer, you will find that word processors, spread sheets, and other computer software

will help you meet the required standards of analysis, presentation, and English grammar and style. Also, it is not unusual for

lecturers to request a computer file on disc as well as a printed copy of your assignments.

As a graduate student, you are entitled to an account on the University's mainframe computers, which gives you, among other

things, access to the Internet, e-mail, the World Wide Web, and Usenet. It is increasingly common practice for lecturers and

students to communicate through e-mail, so you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this facility. A full description of

GENERAL INFORMATION

Guidelines on Student Use of Personal and Institution-related Data

23

e-mail and Web procedures is in a booklet available at the Computer Centre’s Inquiry Window on the second floor of the Run Run

Shaw Building or call 2859-2491 for enquiries.

Language Assistance

Many MEd students, sometimes returning to their studies after many years away, have difficulties writing their assignments in

standard, effective, academic English. To help you, the Faculty has arranged for a series of writing workshops for first year MEd

students. In addition, the University has provided a number of language facilities, including short courses, pamphlets on how to

write a dissertation, and walk-in computer-based English practice programmes. Contact the Centre for Applied English Studies at

Room B0660, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus.

University Libraries

Both the Education Library and the Main Library publish lists of references and resources in Education and the Social Sciences,

style sheets, guides to library services, and other helpful materials, including an extensive collection of reference materials in

education and related disciplines on machine-readable compact disks. The Libraries offer frequent orientations, short courses and

workshops to inform graduate students of the extensive resources available. You are encouraged and expected to use the full

resources of the University available to you in the preparation of your assignments and dissertation.

Registration for the Library Workshops is available online at http://lib.hku.hk/general/instruction.

University Health Service

All students who pay a composition fee are eligible to use the services of the University Health Service. These include outpatient

care, preventive care, physiotherapy, mental health care, and health education. Dental care is also available at reasonable fees. The

University Health Service is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Meng Wah Complex.

Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)

The Centre of Development and Resources for Students provides a very wide range of support services, information and resources

to help students integrate into campus life and to facilitate your study, such as student support in the aspects of accommodation,

student visa application, international students/exchange students, student finance, careers and placement, counseling and person

enrichment, student development etc. Details can be obtained from the CEDARS website http://www.cedars.hku.hk, or from their

office located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Meng Wah Complex.

University Bookstore

Textbooks and books for general reading are available from the University Bookstore, on the ground floor of the Run Run Shaw

Building. The University has negotiated a special rate of exchange that makes the prices offered by the Bookstore relatively

attractive. The Faculty strongly discourages the photocopying of textbooks.

Carparking

The Estates Office issues parking permit to part-time students in post-graduate programmes on a needs basis. The permit holder is

only allowed to park his/her vehicle during the following periods:

Weekday evenings: 17:00 to 23:59

Saturdays, Sundays, University and Public Holidays: 06:00 to 23:59

Application form [EF86(06/03)] for Evening / Weekend Parking Permit can be obtained from the Estates Office, Tel. 2857-8280, in

1/F, Knowles Building or via Estates Office's website http://www.hku.hk/estates/noticepage.htm.

Staff-Student Consultative Committee

This committee comprises the MEd Programme Director, the Course Coordinators, and student representatives elected from each

MEd specialist group. The Committee is an interactive channel for criticisms and suggestions to improve the programme. You will

be asked early in the academic year to elect a representative from your group. Each meeting will commence with informal group

discussion between student representatives, followed by a summary of key issues and recommendations in an interactive forum with

all Course Coordinators and the MEd Programme Director. Normally, MEd Staff/Student Consultative Committee will meet once

or twice during an academic year.

24

Typhoons and Rainstorms

Under the new procedures, all morning, afternoon and evening classes will be cancelled if either a Typhoon No. 8 (or higher) or

Rainstorm Black Warning Signal is hoisted or in force at or after 6:00am, 11:00am and 3:00pm respectively.

When Typhoon Storm Warning Signal No. 8 (or a higher number) or the Black rainstorm warning is hoisted, the following

arrangements will apply:

(A) For classes and examinations not yet started

If either of the warnings is hoisted or

in force at or after 6:00 am

All morning classes and examinations commencing before 2:00 pm will be

cancelled automatically.

If either of the warnings is hoisted or

in force at or after 11:00 am

All afternoon classes and examinations commencing at any time from 2:00

pm and before 6:00 pm will be cancelled automatically.

If either of the warnings is hoisted or

in force at or after 3:00 pm

All evening classes and examinations commencing from 6:00 pm onward

will be cancelled automatically.

(B) For classes and examinations already started

When Typhoon Storm Warning

Signal No. 8 or above is hoisted

All classes will be suspended immediately. All examinations to continue

until the end of that examination session.

When Black Rainstorm Warning

Signal is hoisted

All classes and examinations, except those held outdoors, will continue.

For outdoor classes and examinations, the responsible staff members on

the spot should suspend the activities immediately, ensure that all students

are taken to a safe place, and remain there until it is safe for them to return

home.

When Tropical Storm Warning Signal No. 3 or Red Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, it should be assumed that

all classes and examinations will be held as scheduled unless an announcement to the contrary has been made by the

University.

25

Faculty of Education offices:

Office hours: Main Office: Hui Oi Chow Science Building, Ground Floor Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Programme Office: Runme Shaw Building, Room 219 Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (only limited counter services will be available at the Programme Office) Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm**

{** Office hours on weekdays at the Programme Office will be extended until 7:00pm only

for the periods of September 2nd – 27th, 2013 and January 20th – February 21st, 2014}

General enquiries on MEd / PCAES programme issues, please contact the following:

MEd programme issues: 2859-1951 Email: medu@hku.hk

PCAES programme issues: 2859-2533 Email: pcaes@hku.hk

2012-13 Intake – Course Coordinators for Master of Education (MEd) programme

(1st year study in the academic year 2012/13, 2

nd year study in 2013/14)

Generalist Educational Studies Strand

Educational Studies: Dr Chad Lykins

Room 211, Runme Shaw 2241-5428 lykins@hku.hk

Specialist Strand

Chinese Language Education: Dr Y K Law

Room 618, Meng Wah Complex 3917-5299 yklaw@hku.hk

Chinese Language and Literature: Dr S Y Ho

Room 620, Meng Wah Complex 3917-2421 hosya@hku.hk

Teaching Chinese as a Second Language: Dr Bennan Zhang

Room 626, Meng Wah Complex 3917-5292 bennan@hku.hk

English Language Education: Dr Yuen Yi Lo

Room 124, Hui Oi Chow 2219-4290 yuenyilo@hku.hk

English Language Studies: Dr Yongyan Li

Room 122, Hui Oi Chow 2859-2415 yongyan@hku.hk

Language Across the Curriculum: Dr Angel Lin

Room 326, Hui Oi Chow 2859-2784 angellin@hku.hk

Educational Administration and Management: Dr H M Ng

Room 416, Runme Shaw 2859-2788 hmng@hku.hk

Educational Guidance: Dr M T Yuen

Room 112, Runme Shaw 2857-8542 mtyuen@hku.hk

Higher Education: Dr Anatoly Oleksiyenko

Room 317, Runme Shaw 2241-5339 paoleks@hku.hk

Information & Communications Technology in Education: Dr Jingyan Lu

Room 114, Runme Shaw 2241-5450 jingyan@hku.hk

Contact Details

26

Liberal Studies: Dr C K Cheung

Room 415, Hui Oi Chow 2857-8365 cheungck@hku.hk Science Education: Dr Alice S L Wong

Room 315, Runme Shaw 2859-1958 aslwong@hku.hk

Teaching Chinese as a Second Language: Dr Joseph W I Lam (2013 January intake, for Chinese language teachers in Singapore)

Room 619, Meng Wah Complex 3917-5282 jwilam@hku.hk

2013-14 Intake – Course Coordinators for Master of Education (MEd) programme (1

st year study in the academic year 2013-14)

Generalist Educational Studies Strand

Educational Studies: Dr Chad Lykins

Room 211, Runme Shaw 2241-5428 lykins@hku.hk

Specialist Strand

Chinese Language Education: Dr Y K Law

Room 618, Meng Wah Complex 3917-5299 yklaw@hku.hk

Chinese Language and Literature: Dr S Y Ho

Room 620, Meng Wah Complex 3917-2421 hosya@hku.hk

Teaching Chinese as a Second Language: Dr Bennan Zhang

Room 626, Meng Wah Complex 3917-5292 bennan@hku.hk

English Language Education: Dr Yuen Yi Lo

Room 124, Hui Oi Chow 2219-4290 yuenyilo@hku.hk

English Language Studies: Dr Yongyan Li

Room 122, Hui Oi Chow 2859-2415 yongyan@hku.hk

Language Across the Curriculum: Dr Angel Lin

Room 326, Hui Oi Chow 2859-2784 angellin@hku.hk

Comparative & Global Studies in Education & Development: Prof. Mark Bray

Room 312, Hui Oi Chow 2219-4194 mbray@hku.hk

Designing Powerful Learning Environments: Dr Jan Van Aalst

Room 320, Runme Shaw 2859-1956 vanaalst@hku.hk

Educational Administration and Management: Dr H M Ng

Room 416, Runme Shaw 2859-2788 hmng@hku.hk

Early Childhood Education: Dr Hui Li

Room 409, Runme Shaw 2241-5283 huili@hku.hk

Higher Education: Dr Anatoly Oleksiyenko

Room 317, Runme Shaw 2241-5339 paoleks@hku.hk

Information & Communications Technology in Education: Dr Jingyan Lu

Room 114, Runme Shaw 2241-5450 jingyan@hku.hk

Liberal Studies: Dr C K Cheung

Room 415, Hui Oi Chow 2857-8365 cheungck@hku.hk

Mathematics Education: Dr Ida Mok

Room 405, Runme Shaw 2859-2536 iacmok@hku.hk

27

Psychological Studies in Education: Prof. Carol K K Chan

Room 417, Runme Shaw 2859-1906 ckkchan@hku.hk

Teaching Chinese as a Second Language: Prof. S K Tse (2014 January intake, for Chinese language teachers in Singapore)

Room 615, Meng Wah Complex 3917-1960 sktse@hku.hk

Course Coordinators for Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Studies (PCAES)

Educational Studies (Individual programme): Dr Chad Lykins

Room 211, Runme Shaw 2241-5428 lykins@hku.hk

Career Education & Counselling / Gifted Education & Talented Development: Dr M T Yuen

Room 112, Runme Shaw 2857-8542 mtyuen@hku.hk

Liberal Studies: Dr C K Cheung

Room 415, Hui Oi Chow 2857-8365 cheungck@hku.hk

Science Education: Dr Alice S L Wong

Room 315, Runme Shaw 2859-1958 aslwong@hku.hk

CAMPUS MAP