Unruly students in Hong Kong are the product of a failed education system devoid of rich reading

Philip Yeung says the rowdy student protest at Baptist University shows secondary schools have failed to cultivate a moral compass in young people. A rich reading programme for both teachers and students would remedy this

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Lau Tsz-kei, Baptist University student union president, apologises for his use of foul language during a stand-off on campus, after talks with the school to resolve the row over compulsory Mandarin courses. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 9:49am, 25 Jan 2018Updated: 7:17pm, 25 Jan 2018

Student rowdyism has erupted again in Hong Kong, this time at Baptist University with students crossing another red line while protesting against the university’s mandatory Mandarin test for graduation. Their behaviour was gangsterish, physically intimidating language teachers in a rant peppered with profanities.

If these are the fruits of the 3-3-4 reform (six years of secondary plus four years of university), then we are in trouble. These ugly episodes speak to the dismal failure of secondary education which encompasses the formative years. By the time students arrive at the tertiary level, their behaviour pattern is set. The university is reduced to a remedial role. All talk of “whole person” education by tertiary institutions rings hollow.

How a compulsory Mandarin course caused chaos at Hong Kong Baptist University

University of Hong Kong students try to break into a meeting of the governing council in January 2016. Photo: Sam Tsang

Where have we gone wrong? The outbreaks of offensive behaviour are more than just the exuberance of youth. They show a callousness and cruelty that underline a grave moral deficiency. While our schools and education officials are consumed by academic performance, the relentless pursuit of grades has turned teachers into drill masters, not mentors as they should be. Teachers are not seen as role models, only instructors with little moral authority. Rote learning is dysfunctional, producing students who are functionally semi-literate, tongue-tied and incapable of critical or creative thinking.

What are we to do? For one , suspend all efforts to drum knowledge of the Basic Law into young minds. It is a dull, meaningless and ultimately futile exercise. It may even turn students against any respect for our mini constitution.

Unruly students in Hong Kong are the product of a failed education system devoid of rich reading

Philip Yeung says the rowdy student protest at Baptist University shows secondary schools have failed to cultivate a moral compass in young people. A rich reading programme for both teachers and students would remedy this

How a compulsory Mandarin course caused chaos at Hong Kong Baptist University

Suspended student chief will still try to go to classes, and defends role in Mandarin row

Hong Kong students fight off drowsiness during Basic Law speech