School of Continuing and Professional Studies The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

What will you be doing at the age of 70? Travelling around the world? Bringing up your grandchildren? Or hanging out in the city with your loved one?

When he turned 70, retired Putonghua teacher Mr. Hon Wai-san went back to school, taking a master's programme jointly offered by CUSCS and the Beijing Language and Culture University. The programme is called "Master of Education Programme in Curriculum and Teaching Methodology (Teaching Chinese as a Second Language) (Cycle 3)". Mr. Hon was inspired by his daughter, Ms. Jessica Hon, alumna of the same programme.

What's more, Mr. Hon he is currently studying for a doctorate degree at Nankai University in Tianjin.

"The Beijing Language and Culture University is renowned in the field of teaching methodology of teaching Chinese as a second language," he said. "The programme helped me to know more about the difficulties that Hong Kong people have in learning Putonghua." His master's dissertation was highly praised by the Faculty and boosted his confidence to pursue a doctorate degree. He hopes that his research into Chinese linguistics can help Putonghua teachers in Hong Kong improve their teaching skills.