The Education Commission members met today and discussed issues related to small class teaching, which has aroused great concern in the community.

Ms Wong said the commission does not object to small class teaching, which should be seen as just one of many ways to enhance the quality of education.

However, there appears to be no clear conclusion from the many studies on this issue with regards to the effect on students' learning. It is apparent that substantial benefits are likely only when small class teaching is accompanied by changes in classroom practices, including the curriculum and teachers' training.

Knock-on effect

She said there are calls for an early implementation of small class teaching due to the continuous decline in the relevant age population.

"However, we must also be aware of the financial commitments that small class teaching would entail as there will be a knock-on effect on other educational improvement measures which also require an input of resources," Ms Wong added.

According to the blueprint of the Education Reform, there are other improvement measures, which include curriculum development, teacher training and professional development, as well as reforming the academic structure of senior secondary and university education, all of which are being or are to be implemented according to the resource strategy.

Ms Wong said: "This means that small class teaching cannot be rushed into, without a careful and thorough consideration of, among other factors, the allocation of resources. This is to ensure that the limited resources for education are used on the most cost effective and competitive education items."

The commission supports the Education & Manpower Bureau to study the issue and assess its benefits and to identify the support necessary for maximising benefits.