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This paper reports on the impact of a compulsory credit-bearing experiential learning (EL) block embedded into an initial teacher education (ITE) programme in Hong Kong. Student teachers engage in extended participation with community-based projects, aimed at enhancing their understanding of real-world environments, expanding their capacity to integrate theory and practice, and broadening their global outlook. The projects include community placements in Hong Kong, as well as regional learning opportunities. Qualitative data from a hundred participants reveal important outcomes in terms of pedagogical development, students’ understanding of diverse others and enhanced reflective practices. The paper attends to global changes in education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Class size research suggests that teachers do not vary their teaching strategies when moving from large to smaller classes. This study draws on interviews and classroom observations of three experienced English language teachers working with large and reduced-size classes in Hong Kong secondary schools. Findings from the study point to subtle differences between teachers’ perceptions and their subsequent classroom practice. Implications for professional practice and development are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes the professional growth of two teacher educators. It notes obstacles to teachers’ professional development, and investigates the factors which make some teachers less vulnerable to challenges. The paper observes that teacher educators who engage in self-study can reach a renewed understanding of their roles both in and beyond the classroom. The 3-year study on which the paper focuses aims at self-improvement, and takes the form of ongoing and reflective interaction with pre-service and in-service teachers in a post-graduate diploma course at The University of Hong Kong. Data were gathered from multiple sources: the collaborative lesson-planning experiences with the student–teachers, lesson observations, student–teachers’ post-lesson reflections, retrospective interviews, and various types of online communication. The paper explores what constitutes the inner power of student–teachers and how the teacher educators can play a more vital role in connecting the disconnected teachers by empowering them to turn obstacles into opportunities. Through the journey and dynamics of co-learning with the student–teachers and teachers at schools, the paper further discusses how these obstacles have become opportunities for the teacher educators’ mutual gains in professional growth and inner strength. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]