Liberal studies fires up social awareness among students

It has been claimed in the past that students and young people in Hong Kong generally have little interest in current affairs. By this reckoning, it follows Hong Kong youth has a minimal understanding of civic and world affairs. This assertion may have had some validity in days gone by, but it is not such a relevant point today.

As native English-speaking teachers (NETs), my colleagues and I have been privileged to witness the rise of liberal studies as a subject as part of the new secondary school syllabus over the past eight years or so. Some NET colleagues may have even had the opportunity to teach liberal studies as a subject, either on their own or as part of a team with local colleagues.

What this has really meant is a burgeoning social awareness among Hong Kong youth. Teachers are exchanging anecdotes about the greater interest shown by students in local and international affairs. The image of indifferent Hong Kong youngsters is passé. It has been superseded, in many instances, by a greater sense of civic responsibility. Now the idealism of this new generation in Hong Kong could serve as a role model for the youth in many NETs' home countries.

To cite an example, there is the current "hot potato" issue of the central government's ruling on the options for Hong Kong's planned Chief Executive election in 2017. My own students seem well-informed about it and have talked of little else in class all week.

It has been heartening to see teachers from a wide variety of disciplines, and not just liberal studies, promoting civic participation and focusing on the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

There has also been a crossover effect for current affairs in the core teaching subject of English.