The Creeping of Neo-Liberal Influences into Teacher Education Policy: The Case of Hong Kong
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The Creeping of Neo-Liberal Influences into Teacher Education Policy: The Case of Hong Kong Sylvia Y. F. Tang
De La Salle University 2014
Abstract Neo-liberal values have pervasive influence on education and teacher education around the globe. By analyzing findings from document analysis and interview with key policy actors as well as reviewing other academics’ work, this article examines the penetration of neoliberal ideas through policy content, selection of policy instruments, process of policy production and policy outcomes in teacher education in Hong Kong. The study reveals that neo-liberal values have driven large-scale education reforms with English as a key concern and Government’s exertion of greater power to influence teacher education policy in the policy ecology. Regarding entry into teaching, the paradoxical policy content is manifested in the ‘‘open market’’ of teacher preparation, absence of regulatory mechanism in relation to professional standards yet mandatory requirements on language teachers. With the use of ‘‘economy’’ and ‘‘mandate’’ as policy instruments, the Government has exerted greater power to influence teacher education policy. The process of policy production associated with mandatory requirements for language teachers is characterized as a change of approach from ‘‘coercion’’ to ‘‘soft landing’’. Policy outcomes, including preparation of language teachers and repercussions for the teaching profession, are discussed.
S. Y. F. Tang (&) Department of Education Policy and Leadership, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China e-mail: [email protected]
While the Hong Kong case adds to understanding of the impact of neo-liberal values through linkages between global trend and local realities, it may provide a narrative for those in other contexts and countries to explore and reflect on local understandings of policy trajectories in teacher education. Keywords Teacher education policy Education Policy Neo-liberalism English language teachers
Introduction Teachers’ work is seen as instrumental in producing a wellqualified labour force to enhance the nation’s position in the global economy. This kind of neo-liberal thinking drives governments in some Western countries to exert greater influence over teacher education than in the past. While policy means and ends are shaped by neo-liberal influences, policies appear in forms mediated by circumstances of local contexts of different countries. By analyzing the policy content, policy instruments, process of policy production, and policy outcomes in the policy ecology, this article examines how neo-liberal influences creep into teacher education policy in Hong Kong. It will add to a greater understanding of the impact of neo-liberal values through linkages between global trend in teacher education and local realities of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong case can be an illustration of Webb et al.’s (2004) view ‘‘in an increasingly global age, changes in countries in different contin
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