Perceptions of school life among a sample of Chinese children in Hong Kong
ABSTRACTMany studies have focused on the negative aspects of transition from kindergarten to school, such as bullying and difficulties adjusting to school life. Fewer studies have asked children to talk about both positive and negative aspects of school life across time. This study explores children’s perception of positive and negative aspects of school during the last month at kindergarten, first three months and last month in Year 1. Gender differences in children’s perceptions of life in Year 1 are explored. Positive and negative aspects of school included peer interactions, learning, rules, environment, school activities and teacher–child interaction. Other positive aspects of school also included parents’ or siblings’ engagement in school activities, teachers’ praise and pupils’ roles. This paper provides robust information for educators and parents to use as a reference for developing effective strategies to help children adapt to school life.
Amidst calls from the Holmes Group and the Carnegie Forum on Education and the Economy for substantial edu cation reform, a group of administrators and a group of teachers were asked to express their support or opposition to these propos als. The responses raise some questions about the proposals' chance for suc cess.