'i – Journey' Paid Non-local Study Leave Scheme for Teachers (3rd & 4th Cohort)

The Finnish education system is internationally acclaimed for its innovative and learner-centred approach, with a strong emphasis on the holistic development of students. Central to its National Core Curriculum is the cultivation of transversal competences, such as multidisciplinary and creative competence, interaction competence, and societal competence, that prepare students for lifelong learning and the challenges of the 21st century. Notably, under the domain of multidisciplinary and creative competence, students are guided to develop self-directed learning skills, fostering their curiosity and learning-to-learn skills. To learn more about the Finnish educational approach, a group of 20 dedicated principals and teachers embarked on a professional learning journey to Turku, Finland, a city known for its rich educational heritage and forward-thinking schools.

Through this Turku-based programme, the participants gained an in-depth understanding of the Finnish education system and related policies. They explored pedagogical approaches to nurture self-directed learning in diverse classroom settings, drawing insights from Finnish practices through school visits, participating in hands-on workshops, and engaging in professional exchanges with educational experts and frontline teachers in Finland.

After completing their learning journey in Finland and returning to their schools in Hong Kong, the participants integrated their newly acquired knowledge with their own professional experience to implement school-based projects tailored to the unique learning needs of their students and the development priorities of their schools. These initiatives have successfully promoted self-directed learning, bringing a positive impact to learning and teaching in the schools.

The Australian education system is widely recognised for its robust and evidence-based approach to learning and teaching, with an emphasis on supporting student learning through data-informed practices and personalised instruction. A key focus of this approach is the enhancement of teachers’ assessment literacy, including the capacity of teachers to design, interpret, and utilise assessments effectively to support and monitor the progress of student learning. With strengthened assessment literacy, teachers are better equipped to apply a broader range of assessment for and as learning strategies, enabling them to identity student needs and adapt their teaching for greater impact.

To learn more about the assessment policies and practices in Australian schools, a group of 18 committed principal and teacher participants embarked on a professional learning journey to Perth, Australia.

Through this Perth-based programme, the participants gained first-hand insights into the Australian education system and policies, while deepening their understanding of assessment theories and practical application. They attended lectures, visited schools, participated in hands-on workshops, and engaged in professional exchanges with educational experts and frontline teachers in Australia. Through these learning activities, the participants explored innovative strategies for developing authentic assessment tools, analysing student data to support student learning, and fostering a culture of constructive feedback across diverse classroom settings.

Upon returning to their schools, the participants adapted the insights gained in Perth to design and implement school-based projects suitable to the unique contexts of their serving schools. These initiatives have successfully strengthened assessment practices and contributed to more student-centred learning and teaching.