EdUHK Donates 'The Analects of Confucius and Modern Society' to Local Secondary Schools and Public Libraries
EdUHK Donates 'The Analects of Confucius and Modern Society' to Local Secondary Schools and Public Libraries
Supported by the Quality Education Fund, in 2015 Professor Si Chung-mou, Head of the Chinese Language Studies Department of The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), led a research team to carry out a project on “The Analects of Confucius and Modern Society”. The project explored the important relationship between the Analects and society in the 21st century through experimental teaching and extracurricular language activities. A compilation of the experimental material, a book entitled “The Analects and Modern Society”, has been published, with copies recently presented to all secondary schools, universities and public libraries.
The Analects is a collection of quotations recording the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples. The book records the ancient codes of Chinese culture for beginners, covering morals, courtesy, knowledge acquisition, loyalty and forgiveness, filial piety, making friends and ways of getting along with others and the world. Drawing on these principles and with local and overseas experts serving as advisors, the research team conducted experimental teaching in 17 Hong Kong secondary schools.
The key activities of the programme included developing the syllabus, preparing experimental materials, establishing a website, training teachers and carrying out experimental teaching. Also organised were supporting activities such as cultural lectures, workshops, Chinese camps, micro-film production competitions, a research forum and international symposiums. The programme attracted participation of secondary school teachers and students from Hong Kong as well as global experts and scholars.
Participating school teachers managed to master the skill of editing experimental materials, changing their teaching methods and assessment approaches, and using assessment step by step. Students indicated that they were able to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Their learning and self-cultivation were enhanced through a process of reflection and understanding themselves.
At the programme’s completion the research team spent two years compiling the experimental material into “The Analects and Modern Society”. Laid out in three sections, the book first covers Confucius' political thoughts before moving on to Confucius' philosophy of life and finally his education career. The book covers a wide range of subjects with distinct themes and focuses on real lives. Readers should be able to use the new book to integrate the Analects into their daily lives.
“The Analects of Confucius and Modern Society” was published by the Chung Hwa Book Co. (H.K.) Ltd at the end of April this year. A book launch was held at EdUHK on April 29 with a turnout of over 130 participants. An electronic version of the book is now available on the programme website at http://www.eduhk.hk/analects/ .
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