Civic leaders have called on the government to ease the burden on pupils assigned too much homework and parents shelling out for their children’s extra tuition.
At a meeting of the Northern District Community Service Consultative Council, members urged the government yesterday to take heed of the mainland’s Double Reduction policy in order to enhance the local education system.
Council member Chung Kin San said that the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DESDJ) should refer to the Double Reduction policy by “comprehensively” reducing the amount of homework as well as strictly regulating off-campus training to reduce parents’ education expenditure burden.
Chung also suggested that the percentage grading system should not apply to primary students below Primary 4. Furthermore, Chung noted that parents and students should change their perspective and consider choosing vocational high schools or colleges in order to reduce youth unemployment rates.
According to fellow council member Si Yat, the DSEDJ should take note of the Double Reduction policy in order to improve and cultivate students’ creativity and independent learning abilities as well as to foster the education sector’s high-quality development.
Fellow councillor Chan Chi Weng referred to the Made in China 2025 concept and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation Information for All Programme, pointing out that information technology and thinking are vital skills for civil society’s future development. Chan underlined that the government should refer to successful cases to establish a public platform for local residents to enjoy learning.
Made in China 2025 is a national strategic plan and industrial policy of the Communist Party of China to further develop the nation’s manufacturing sector.
Double Reduction policy refers to a reduction in homework and time spent on after-school private tutoring for children from kindergarten to ninth grade. It was issued by the Ministry of Education in Beijing last year, The Macau Post Daily reported.
