Language Learning Support Section

Abstract

R & D Background

Purpose & Design

Action Plan

Findings & Analysis

Implications

Remarks

> Abstract

This project was the concerted efforts of the teachers of Ho Lap College (sponsored by the Sik Sik Yuen) to help the students of their two weaker S2 classes to develop an interest in and essential skills required for (1) seeking information from English news and magazine articles and (2) evaluating the reliability of the source of information critically, which are crucial skills for the senior secondary level.

The findings from the students’ feedback in questionnaires and their reflections, as well as the teachers’ observations during lessons indicated that:

the students’ interest and confidence in reading English articles were enhanced;
the majority of the students could recognise and apply their knowledge of the text features and organisation of hard news and feature articles to help themselves to acquire information from the texts more effectively and efficiently;
most of them found the reading and vocabulary strategies for handling more challenging texts introduced in the project helpful to them; and
they were aware of the importance of reading texts critically and forming questions to evaluate the reliability of the information.

The results implicate that a knowledge in text features, reading and vocabulary strategies for handling more challenging texts and thinking tools, such as graphic organisers and key questions to ask in critical reading, can help even junior secondary students, who are not very strong in English, to appreciate and learn through authentic up-to-date articles on current affairs.