FE36/203 The University of Hong Kong Faculty of Education

Faculty Research Fund – Project Report Form

A final report for each project/allocation of funds must be submitted within six months from the end of the academic year in which funding was allocated. A copy of this report must be attached to your next application of faculty research funding, if any.

(1) Allocation Name of fund holder(s): Dr Chu, S K W

Year in which funding was allocated: 2005-2006 (1st round) Amount awarded: $18,560

Project title: A Study on Inquiry-based Learning in Primary Schools Through Librarian-teacher Partnerships

(2) Summarise the project/research activities to which this funding contributed (in no more than 100 words)

This study examines the effects of implementing an inquiry-based learning model through librarian-teacher partnerships on students’ development in various skills including reading and writing in a local primary school. Harada and Yoshina (2004a, b) have shown the benefits for students to move from rote to inquiry learning. However, rote learning is still the dominant way of learning in Hong Kong primary schools. School librarians and teachers can work together effectively in guiding students’ inquiry learning. This study will involve the school librarian, and teachers in General Studies, Chinese, and IT in implementing the inquiry- based learning approach for primary 4 students.

(3) List outputs arising from the funding

(a) Publications (please list title, co-authors, if any, and publication date)

Published:

Planned:

 A conference paper will be presented at the International Association of School Librarianship conference in July 2007.  Title: A study on inquiry-based learning in a primary school through librarian-teacher partnerships  Authors: Chu, Sam; Tang, Wing Chi Queenie, Chow, Ken; Tse, Shek Kam

 The above conference paper will then be revised and be submitted to a high quality international journal  under a similar title  and with the same authors: Chu, Sam; Chow, Ken; Tse, Shek Kam; Tang, Wing Chi Queenie

(b) Research collaborations Significant partnerships or institutional relationships:

 The principal investigator collaborated with a primary school principal, Dr Ken Chow, and an expert in students’ reading abilities, Prof. Shek Kam Tse, on this research.

(c) Intended/submitted application(s) for other source (please list the title, fund source, submission date and result, if any)

 An application for allocation from the Competitive Earmarked Research Grant for 2007 – 2008 has been submitted.  Title: A study on inquiry-based learning in primary schools through a partnership of four parties - General Studies teachers, school librarians, Chinese teachers, and ICT teachers Signed by fund holder(s): Date:

Signed by Associate Dean Date: (Research):

Please return the completed form to Miss Norris Liu, Office of Research, Rm125 Hui Oi Chow Science Building.