ASSIGNMENT HMEF5033

MAY SEMESTER 2013 HMEF5033 - COMPARATIVE EDUCATION ASSIGNMENT

This Assignment is in Two (2) Parts: Part A and Part B. PART A: Weighting: 20 marks The Task: This assignment in Part A will give you the opportunity to read and critically review the issue related to Comparative Perspectives of Shadow Education in Hong Kong. The Assignment: Read the assigned article and answer the TWO (2) questions that follow: Bray, M. (2013). Benefits and Tensions of Shadow Education: Comparative Perspectives on the Roles and Impact of Private Supplementary Tutoring in the Lives of Hong Kong Students. Journal of International and Comparative Education, 2:1, 18-30. Question 1 10 Marks Using your own words, state five (5) aspects of shadow education addressed in the article. (10 marks) Question 2 10 Marks According to Bray (2013), private supplementary tutoring may contribute to students achievement, but it also maintains and exacerbates social inequalities, diverts resources from other uses, and can contribute to inefficiencies in education systems. a) Discuss the above statement with regards to how private supplementary tutoring can lead to the following: Maintain and exacerbate social inequalities Contribute to inefficiencies in education systems. (4 marks) b) Discuss how the Ministry of Education in your country has addressed the issue of supplementary private tutoring for the poor. (6 marks)

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PART B Objective of Assignment The objective of this part of the assignment provides you the opportunity to compare and contrast a number of significant educational issues and concerns at both the national and international levels. You will be required to gather information from various sources and write an extended-response report of about 20 30 pages. The Task: Writing a Comparative Study Report Read the questions given and select ONE topic of your choice and interest. Then compare and contrast it based on the given context. 1. A comparative analysis of Shadow Education / Private Supplementary Tutoring in South East Asia. (Choose any TWO South East Asian countries). 2. Issues and challenges in Implementing School Based Assessment in Asia. (Choose any TWO Asian countries). 3. Issues and challenges in addressing Sex Education in Schools between developed and developing countries. (Choose any ONE country from each category). 4. A comparative analysis of Gender and Education between developed and developing countries. (Choose any ONE country from each category). 5. A comparative study of Student-Teacher Ratio and Its Implication to Teaching and Learning between developed and developing countries. (Choose any ONE country from each category) 6. A critical look at Women Leadership in Education in the East and West nations. (Choose any ONE country from each category) 7. A comparative study of Policy on Pre School Education in East and West nations. (Choose any ONE country from each category) 8. Pedagogical Competencies of Teachers: Issues and Concerns. (Choose any TWO countries) 9. A comparative analysis of Internationalisation of Higher Education. (Choose any TWO countries). 10. A comparative and critical study of School Effectiveness: Accountability and Improvement. (Choose any TWO countries) (40 marks)

ASSIGNMENT HMEF5033

GUIDELINES TO ASSIGNMENT (PART B) STEP 1 First, read all the given questions and select a topic of your choice and interest Once you have decided on your research focus, select two countries from one region. Example: o South East Asia (e.g. Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore etc.) o Asia (e.g. Maldives, India, Indonesia, Philippines etc.) o East (China, Japan, Singapore, etc.) o West (Poland, UK, France etc.) o Developing countries (e.g. Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand etc.) o Developed countries (e.g. USA, Australia, Finland, etc.) Keep in mind that the countries you select must have certain common characteristics so that they are worthy of comparison. Next understand the demands of the task, highlighting what is expected. Example: o A comparative analysis of Shadow Education / Private Supplementary Tutoring in South East Asia. (Choose any TWO South East Asian countries). List aspects related to the topic concerned. See Example below

What Is Shadow Education? Implications for Policy Makers SHADOW EDUCATION Issues and concerns: Costs, Tutors etc. Intensity, Mode, Subjects Groups and Approaches Benefits & Challenges of Shadow Education Role of Shadow Education

STEP 2 Research on the topic concerned by reading journal articles and other scholarly publications such as books, magazines, circulars, documents and Country Reports. Do not use Wikipedia as a source. Surf the internet to obtain information from both national (Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education tec.) and international organizations (e.g. UNESCO, OECD, the World Bank and WEI - World Education Indicators)

ASSIGNMENT HMEF5033

STEP 3 Read and synthesize the information that you have read List down the similarities and differences between the chosen countries Next, organise your answer based on the educational issue in the question. See example below:

Begin with an introduction on the issue concerned

Give a brief introduction of Country A

Provide a brief Introduction to Country B

Conduct a Contrastive Analysis List the similarities on the issue that is being discussed between Country A and Country B List the differences between Country A and Country B

Conclude with a critical overview of the issue

Discuss the progress of your work on myVLE sharing and comparing both interesting information and challenges you encounter during your academic journey.

STEP 4 Write your first draft keeping in mind the task at hand and the writing conventions of a research report. Remember your answer should demonstrate not only the depth of your understanding and knowledge of the issue at hand but also the educational scenario and setting of the country/ countries selected in your discussion. Get someone to proof read the draft and make necessary corrections. When proof reading, pay attention to the following aspects: 4

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o o o o

Content Your response to the question should cover all the aspects within the scope of the study. Language Check your work for language accuracy (grammar) Spelling Keep to the British English Language Spelling (RP) Punctuation symbols and marks such as comma, period, open and close inverted commas that indicate structure and organization of written language

STEP 5 Your assignment must be submitted in the form of a printed report. Your final report should be between 20 30 pages (excluding references and appendices) Your final report should be written using the APA style and format. Surf the Internet for the latest information of the APA Style and format. Give your report a suitable title. Remember a good title is specific and it tells what, when and where the study was conducted. A title can have a sub title giving a clear view of the issue being investigated. Examples: o Comparative Perspectives on Citizenship Education in the USA and the UK o Wang, J. & Lin, E. (2005). Comparative Studies on the U.S. and Chinese Mathematics Learning and the Implications for Standards-Based Mathematics Teaching Reform. Educational Researcher. Vol.34, No.5, 3-13. Given below is an example of the format for your final report o PRELIMINARIES Cover Page Title Page Acknowledgments (if any) Table of Contents List of Tables (if any) List of Figures (if any) Abstract (one paragraph) INTRODUCTION (1-3 pages) Introduction to issue that is being (e.g. Shadow Education) Review of Related Literature Focus / Aim of Report Rationale for chosen countries (e.g. Singapore and Malaysia both in South East Asia) Scope of Report Definition of Terms COUNTRY A (3-5 pages) Introduction to Country A Brief historical, geographical & cultural description 5

ASSIGNMENT HMEF5033

Current information on issue that is being discussed (e.g. School Based Assessment in Country A - provide facts, figures, views, relevant literature and recent findings )

COUNTRY B (3-5 Pages) Introduction to Country B Brief historical, geographical, cultural description Current information on issue that is being discussed (e.g. academic restructuring in institutions of higher learning in Country B- provide facts, figures, views, relevant literature and recent findings ) CONTRASTIVE ANLAYSIS (6-10 pages) List the similarities on the issue that is being discussed between Country A and Country B List the differences on the issue that is being discussed between Country A and Country B Provide relevant facts & figures using tables and charts Conclude with a summary of impact / major findings CONCLUSION (2-3 pages) Restate the issue investigated Provide a summary of the main findings Recommendations for further investigation Conclusion REFERENCES Provide a list of all references cited in report Use American Psychological Association (APA) Format and Style to cite references Where possible use latest references (year 2005 onwards) APPENDICES Include circulars, tables, charts, figures etc. that are relevant sources for information to the report but not centrally important Label Appendices for easy reference (e.g. Appendix 1, Appendix 2 etc)

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NOTE: The assignment report (Part B) should be between 20 30 pages in length. It should be typed on A4 paper using 12-point Times New Roman font with 1.5 spacing Assignments (Part A and Part B) MUST be submitted by Seminar 5 (21 July 2013). Marks will be deducted for submission of assignment after 21 July 2013. Submit a softcopy of your assignment on-line through myVLE and a hardcopy to your facilitator. Plagiarized assignments will be rejected. Surf the various websites available on the Internet to learn more about Plagiarism. A grade of zero would be given to students who plagiarize.