Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my views about whether textbooks should be used in Liberal Studies, a core subject in NSS. There has been much discussion on the topic, yet people’s opinions diverse. In the following, I will discuss the pros and cons of using textbooks in studying Liberal Studies and the most effective way to study this newly introduced subject.
First, the aim of studying Liberal Studies is to raise the students’ awareness of social issues and develop their critical thinking skills. Using textbooks which provide the fundamental framework and key concepts of the subject can facilitate students’ learning. The textbooks also provide different perspectives of different stakeholders of various issues in different places or countries. Thus, students can study the correct affairs from multiple angles with concepts learnt. For example, regarding the issue of determining the quality of life in Hong Kong, the textbooks state that we can consider a wide range of factors, including economic, political, cultural and environmental ones. Then, students are encouraged to draw knowledge from different disciplines while doing the analysis of the issues. The process develops their own views and constructs their personal knowledge.
However, as Hong Kong is a rapidly changing society, the information of the textbooks may be outdated, especially that of some topics about technological advancement. Students may not be able to obtain the information of the most recent hot issues in society from the textbooks. Also statistical data from surveys, policies of the government will be changed from time to time. As a result, worksheets concerning current affairs or other supplements should be used to enhance students’ learning. But using these handouts and other supplements only is not a good idea as the design of them is not as systematic as that of the textbooks.
To conclude, the textbooks of Liberal Studies are useful to a certain extent. To study this subject well, however, we should study the textbooks as well as paying attention to recent social issues by watching new reports or reading newspapers. In this way, not only will we be able to consolidate what we have learnt in textbooks, we can also apply our knowledge in the analysis of the issues. The two means of learning can complement each other, forming the best way to learn.
In the end, I would like to point out that no matter in what ways we study the subject, effort must be paid. ‘A man reaps what he sows.’ I hereby would like to give advice to all students in Hong Kong: work hard, play hard!
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong
Chris Wong