Research

This page provides a comprehensive list of

academic research and reports relating to the teaching of Chinese to children from non-Chinese speaking backgrounds.

Click on the icons below to read the full reports.

Hong Kong Unison publishes a comparative study on second language education policies overseas

Dec 30, 2021
1 min

Hong Kong Unison publishes a comparative study on second language education policies overseas

Hong Kong Unison releases a comparative study on language education policies which support second language learners from K1 to P3. The...

The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address

CALHK

Oct 5, 2021
1 min

The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address

Paragraph 146: Non‐Chinese Speaking Students 146. To encourage non‐Chinese speaking parents to send their children to local...

Hong Kong Unison: Submission to C.E. Policy Address Consultation (2021).

CALHK

Sep 30, 2021
1 min

Hong Kong Unison: Submission to C.E. Policy Address Consultation (2021).

Read full paper by clicking on the link below :

HKU | Using Chinese social media in classroom teaching materials can boost student motivation

CALHK

Jun 25, 2021
1 min

HKU | Using Chinese social media in classroom teaching materials can boost student motivation

Incorporating Chinese social media into classroom teaching materials can enhance Chinese learning for motivation for CAL students. In...

Audit Commission Hong Kong | EDB should step up monitoring of school receiving the NCS Grant.

CALHK

Mar 30, 2021
1 min

Audit Commission Hong Kong | EDB should step up monitoring of school receiving the NCS Grant.

Audit Commission Hong Kong, Director of Audits report No 76: The number of students from non-Chinese speaking families attending local...

EOC | Calls for urgent action to develop Chinese as a second Language Curriculum.

CALHK

Mar 4, 2021
1 min

EOC | Calls for urgent action to develop Chinese as a second Language Curriculum.

Equal Opportunities Commission submission to the Legislative Council February, 2021. Page 8: On the educational challenges of...

EDB | Funding for learning and teaching of Chinese for NCS students in the 2021/22 school year.

CALHK

Dec 31, 2020
1 min

EDB | Funding for learning and teaching of Chinese for NCS students in the 2021/22 school year.

EDB funding for schools admitting 'NCS' students. See table below. View EDB Circular here:

The Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address

CALHK

Nov 25, 2020
1 min

The Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address

Supplement: Chapter 8. Caring Society. Page 129 The HKSARG WILL: Continue to provide NCS students with the support for Chinese language...

CALHK

Oct 8, 2020
1 min

CALHK Submission: HKSARG Policy Address Consulation 2020

CALHK Submission to HKSARG Policy Address Consultation, 2020.

Oxfam Hong Kong | Study on the Challenges Faced by Mainstream Schools in Educating Ethnic Minorities

CALHK

Dec 31, 2019
1 min

Oxfam Hong Kong | Study on the Challenges Faced by Mainstream Schools in Educating Ethnic Minorities

The most comprehensive report to date describing the challenges faced by NCS students and their teachers.

EOC | Closing the Gap: Report of the Working Group on Education for Ethnic Minorities

CALHK

Aug 31, 2019
1 min

EOC | Closing the Gap: Report of the Working Group on Education for Ethnic Minorities

Plug the gaps in the existing system in order to have in place a full-fledged Chinese-as-a second language curriculum.

Oxfam Hong Kong | The research report on the non-Chinese speaking kindergarteners learning Chinese

CALHK

Aug 26, 2019
1 min

Oxfam Hong Kong | The research report on the non-Chinese speaking kindergarteners learning Chinese

Unfortunately, we have seen an insufficiency in the government’s support to the non-Chinese speaking students’ early childhood education.

Hong Kong Unison | Submission to Policy Address Consultation 2019 on Equal Rights and Education

CALHK

Jun 30, 2019
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Submission to Policy Address Consultation 2019 on Equal Rights and Education

EDB should require kindergartens which received NCS grants make reporting transparent to safeguard the accountability of the funding

Hong Kong Unison | Ethnic Minority Parent Opinions- support measures, Kindergarten education scheme

CALHK

May 31, 2019
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Ethnic Minority Parent Opinions- support measures, Kindergarten education scheme

The Chinese foundation of the children built in KGs does not give ethnic minority parents confidence to send their children to a mainstream

HK Policy Research Institute | Study for Chinese proficiency of the non-language subjects textbooks

CALHK

Feb 28, 2019
1 min

HK Policy Research Institute | Study for Chinese proficiency of the non-language subjects textbooks

Over 60% of non-Chinese speaking students reported that they could not effectively cope with non-language subjects.

Office of The Ombudsman Hong Kong | Government's Support for non-Chinese speaking Students.

CALHK

Feb 18, 2019
1 min

Office of The Ombudsman Hong Kong | Government's Support for non-Chinese speaking Students.

Recommendations include: EDB to conduct prompt and regular reviews on the effectiveness of the Learning Framework, and strengthen the...

Hong Kong Unison | Submission on Report of HK under (ICERD)

CALHK

Nov 18, 2018
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Submission on Report of HK under (ICERD)

even though the Learning Framework has been implemented since 2014, there...

Hong Kong Unison | Review of learning and teaching of Chinese for ethnic minority students in HK

CALHK

Apr 30, 2018
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Review of learning and teaching of Chinese for ethnic minority students in HK

A comprehensive review of learning and teaching of Chinese for ethnic minority students in Hong Kong 2006-2016 Hong Kong Unison

The Zubin Foundation | Securing a good start for students of Chinese as an additional language at KG

CALHK

Apr 30, 2018
1 min

The Zubin Foundation | Securing a good start for students of Chinese as an additional language at KG

Linguistic and racial segregation in HK kindergartens Reading and writing present the greatest challenges

HKSARG | Hong Kong Poverty Situation Report on ethnic minorities 2016

CALHK

Feb 6, 2018
1 min

HKSARG | Hong Kong Poverty Situation Report on ethnic minorities 2016

In terms of language abilities, SAs were generally more proficient in English than in Chinese,

Hong Kong Unison | Research report on "Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Framework"

CALHK

Jan 31, 2018
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Research report on "Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Framework"

accountability of the enhanced funding of the Education Bureau for the implementation of "Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Learni

Hong Kong Unison | Report on Adequacy of School Information in school profiles for ethnic minorities

CALHK

Dec 31, 2017
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Report on Adequacy of School Information in school profiles for ethnic minorities

Not all schools that admit NCS students include information in the school profiles on support measures for NCS students.

CALHK

Nov 30, 2017
1 min

HKSARG | 2016 Population By-census

When analysed by age group, ethnic minorities’ ability in writing Chinese was similar to that in reading the language.

The Zubin Foundation | Primary School Education for NCS students with Special Educational Needs

CALHK

Nov 26, 2017
1 min

The Zubin Foundation | Primary School Education for NCS students with Special Educational Needs

Research into the challenges of SEN CAL children learning Chinese in HK schools

Hong Kong Unison | Accountability of Kindergarten Quality Review Report for EM community

CALHK

Oct 31, 2017
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Accountability of Kindergarten Quality Review Report for EM community

At least 5 KGs had up to or more than half of NCS students in its student composition, and 1 KG separated NCS from Chinese

Journal of Research in Reading | Phonological information helps NCS students learn to read Chinese

CALHK

Jul 9, 2017
1 min

Journal of Research in Reading | Phonological information helps NCS students learn to read Chinese

"Teachers should assist NCS children in using phonological knowledge, eg Cantonese pinyin system, in learning to read and write chinese

Legislative Council Secretariat | Fact Sheet: Poverty of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

CALHK

Jun 7, 2017
1 min

Legislative Council Secretariat | Fact Sheet: Poverty of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

The Chinese language requirement in the recruitment of civil servants was considered to be a hurdle for EMs.

The Education University of Hong Kong | Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All

CALHK

May 18, 2017
1 min

The Education University of Hong Kong | Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All

Provisions for learning Cantonese as a second language at such schools are often limited, with lack of curriculum support and resources

The Bauhinia Foundation | Improving prospects for Non-Chinese speakers in HK

CALHK

May 10, 2017
1 min

The Bauhinia Foundation | Improving prospects for Non-Chinese speakers in HK

A comprehensive summary of the challenges faced by students from non-Chinese speaking backgrounds being education in the local school system

EDB | School-specific Grants under the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme 2017/18 School yr

CALHK

Jan 15, 2017
1 min

EDB | School-specific Grants under the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme 2017/18 School yr

The amount of the full-year grant for the 2017/18 school year is $363,510 for each eligible Scheme-KG.

HKSARG | Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide: Joyful Learning Through Play... (2017)

CALHK

Dec 31, 2016
1 min

HKSARG | Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide: Joyful Learning Through Play... (2017)

Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide: Joyful Learning Through Play... (2017)

EOC | Subcommittee on Rights of Ethnic Minorities Education for Children of Ethnic Minorities

CALHK

Dec 11, 2016
1 min

EOC | Subcommittee on Rights of Ethnic Minorities Education for Children of Ethnic Minorities

EDB to set up a dedicated unit looking into all education issues of NCS students in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

EdUHK | EdUHK Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong Briefing paper #3

CALHK

Nov 29, 2016
1 min

EdUHK | EdUHK Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong Briefing paper #3

Concerns over the current framework include too much of a focus upon language skills for exams, including reading and writing in Cantonese.

HKSARG | Press ReleasesLCQ13: Chinese language education for non-Chinese speaking students

CALHK

Nov 29, 2016
1 min

HKSARG | Press ReleasesLCQ13: Chinese language education for non-Chinese speaking students

HKSARG is committed to facilitating adaptation to the local education system & mastery of the Chinese language.

HKEdU | EdUHK Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong

CALHK

May 5, 2016
1 min

HKEdU | EdUHK Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong

Ms Phyllis Cheung reported only seeing one school where minority language students who had difficulty learning Chinese were placed in the sa

Oxfam Hong Kong | Survey on the Enhanced Chinese Learning and Teaching Support For NCS Students

CALHK

Dec 31, 2015
1 min

Oxfam Hong Kong | Survey on the Enhanced Chinese Learning and Teaching Support For NCS Students

hree quarters of schools with nine or fewer NCS students did not apply for additional funding; close to 30 per cent did not know about ...

The Zubin Foundation | The Status of Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong.

CALHK

Sep 22, 2015
1 min

The Zubin Foundation | The Status of Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong.

HK's education system is failing ethnic minority children. Lack of Chinese language skills and lack of inclusion are the main barriers for

Bilingualism: Language and Culture: An investigation of cognitive & metalinguistic correlates of...

CALHK

Jun 29, 2015
1 min

Bilingualism: Language and Culture: An investigation of cognitive & metalinguistic correlates of...

Vocabulary knowledge was a key correlate of Chinese word reading...vocab knowledge predicted children's subsequent reading skills

Hong Kong Unison | Research on Ethnic Minority Parental Choice in Primary School Selection in HK

CALHK

May 31, 2015
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Research on Ethnic Minority Parental Choice in Primary School Selection in HK

Ethnic minority parents did not prefer their children enter racially segregated schools.

HK PolyU & Unison | A research report on the education of South Asian ethnic minority groups in HK

CALHK

Apr 30, 2015
1 min

HK PolyU & Unison | A research report on the education of South Asian ethnic minority groups in HK

A research report on the education of South Asian ethnic minority groups in HK

Hong Kong Unison | Research on Kindergarten Support and Attitudes towards Ethnic Minority Students

CALHK

Apr 30, 2015
1 min

Hong Kong Unison | Research on Kindergarten Support and Attitudes towards Ethnic Minority Students

Unison explores if kindergartens provide non-discriminatory kindergarten admission policies to enable equal learning opportunties

Oxfam Hong Kong |Survey on Chinese Learning Challenges of Ethnic Minority Kindergarten Students

CALHK

Nov 30, 2014
1 min

Oxfam Hong Kong |Survey on Chinese Learning Challenges of Ethnic Minority Kindergarten Students

Survey on the Chinese Learning Challenges faced by South Asian Ethnic Minority Kindergarten Students from Low-Income Families

City U | 60% of ethnic minorities in high school have only primary-level Chinese proficiency

CALHK

Jul 13, 2014
1 min

City U | 60% of ethnic minorities in high school have only primary-level Chinese proficiency

More than 60% of students from ethnic minority groups in Hong Kong evaluated that their Chinese proficiency is only comparable

Brock University | Teaching and Learning Chinese as an Additional Language, challenging terminology

CALHK

Dec 31, 2013
1 min

Brock University | Teaching and Learning Chinese as an Additional Language, challenging terminology

The use of CAL generates a positive, wholistic, and encouraging implication that promotes better understanding and connotation of respect

SUPPORTING ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS LEARNING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN MULTILINGUAL HONG KONG

CALHK

Oct 31, 2012
1 min

SUPPORTING ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS LEARNING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN MULTILINGUAL HONG KONG

The use of differentiated learning materials in the classroom ... succeeded in attracting and interesting all of the students in the class.

EDUHK | 'No Child Left Behind': Does It Apply to Ethnic Minority Students in Hong Kong?

CALHK

Feb 24, 2012
1 min

EDUHK | 'No Child Left Behind': Does It Apply to Ethnic Minority Students in Hong Kong?

Journal of Psychological Science | Small wins big: Analytic Pinyin skills promote Chinese reading.

CALHK

Jun 24, 2010
1 min

Journal of Psychological Science | Small wins big: Analytic Pinyin skills promote Chinese reading.

The findings indicate that pinyin is potentially an ideal measure of phonological awareness

EdUHK | What we can learn from the school experience of ethnic minority students?

CALHK

Jan 31, 2009
1 min

EdUHK | What we can learn from the school experience of ethnic minority students?

he 3 types of schools admitting children from non-Chinese speaking backgrounds and the impact on the way they learn Chinese.

Research

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This page provides a comprehensive list of

academic research and reports relating to the teaching of Chinese to children from non-Chinese speaking backgrounds.

Click on the icons below to read the full reports.

Hong Kong Unison publishes a comparative study on second language education policies overseas

The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address

Hong Kong Unison: Submission to C.E. Policy Address Consultation (2021).

HKU | Using Chinese social media in classroom teaching materials can boost student motivation

Audit Commission Hong Kong | EDB should step up monitoring of school receiving the NCS Grant.

EOC | Calls for urgent action to develop Chinese as a second Language Curriculum.

EDB | Funding for learning and teaching of Chinese for NCS students in the 2021/22 school year.

The Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address

CALHK Submission: HKSARG Policy Address Consulation 2020

Oxfam Hong Kong | Study on the Challenges Faced by Mainstream Schools in Educating Ethnic Minorities

EOC | Closing the Gap: Report of the Working Group on Education for Ethnic Minorities

Oxfam Hong Kong | The research report on the non-Chinese speaking kindergarteners learning Chinese

Hong Kong Unison | Submission to Policy Address Consultation 2019 on Equal Rights and Education

Hong Kong Unison | Ethnic Minority Parent Opinions- support measures, Kindergarten education scheme

HK Policy Research Institute | Study for Chinese proficiency of the non-language subjects textbooks

Office of The Ombudsman Hong Kong | Government's Support for non-Chinese speaking Students.

Hong Kong Unison | Submission on Report of HK under (ICERD)

Hong Kong Unison | Review of learning and teaching of Chinese for ethnic minority students in HK

The Zubin Foundation | Securing a good start for students of Chinese as an additional language at KG

HKSARG | Hong Kong Poverty Situation Report on ethnic minorities 2016

Hong Kong Unison | Research report on "Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Framework"

Hong Kong Unison | Report on Adequacy of School Information in school profiles for ethnic minorities

HKSARG | 2016 Population By-census

The Zubin Foundation | Primary School Education for NCS students with Special Educational Needs

Hong Kong Unison | Accountability of Kindergarten Quality Review Report for EM community

Journal of Research in Reading | Phonological information helps NCS students learn to read Chinese

Legislative Council Secretariat | Fact Sheet: Poverty of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

The Education University of Hong Kong | Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All

The Bauhinia Foundation | Improving prospects for Non-Chinese speakers in HK

EDB | School-specific Grants under the Free Quality Kindergarten Education Scheme 2017/18 School yr

HKSARG | Kindergarten Education Curriculum Guide: Joyful Learning Through Play... (2017)

EOC | Subcommittee on Rights of Ethnic Minorities Education for Children of Ethnic Minorities

EdUHK | EdUHK Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong Briefing paper #3

HKSARG | Press ReleasesLCQ13: Chinese language education for non-Chinese speaking students

HKEdU | EdUHK Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong

Oxfam Hong Kong | Survey on the Enhanced Chinese Learning and Teaching Support For NCS Students

The Zubin Foundation | The Status of Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong.

Bilingualism: Language and Culture: An investigation of cognitive & metalinguistic correlates of...

Hong Kong Unison | Research on Ethnic Minority Parental Choice in Primary School Selection in HK

HK PolyU & Unison | A research report on the education of South Asian ethnic minority groups in HK

Hong Kong Unison | Research on Kindergarten Support and Attitudes towards Ethnic Minority Students

Oxfam Hong Kong |Survey on Chinese Learning Challenges of Ethnic Minority Kindergarten Students

City U | 60% of ethnic minorities in high school have only primary-level Chinese proficiency

Brock University | Teaching and Learning Chinese as an Additional Language, challenging terminology

SUPPORTING ETHNIC MINORITY STUDENTS LEARNING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN MULTILINGUAL HONG KONG

EDUHK | 'No Child Left Behind': Does It Apply to Ethnic Minority Students in Hong Kong?

Journal of Psychological Science | Small wins big: Analytic Pinyin skills promote Chinese reading.

EdUHK | What we can learn from the school experience of ethnic minority students?