Teachers' views on a new general education program in Hong Kong: Qualitative data collected over two years

Based on focus group interviews, this study examined teachers' perceptions of the General University Requirements (GUR) implemented at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) in 2012/13 and 2013/14 academic years. Twenty and 40 teachers who taught GUR subjects in 2012/13 and 2013/14 academic years, respectively were interviewed in focus groups for their views about the GUR. Results suggested that the teachers generally had positive views of the GUR subjects regarding the content, teaching and learning methods, and assessment system. The teachers also perceived the GUR subjects to be beneficial to students' all-round development including intrapersonal (e.g., self-reflection and problem-solving) and interpersonal competencies (e.g., leadership and oral communication). Besides, in the second year of GUR implementation, teachers had deeper understanding regarding GUR contents, benefits, and evaluation system. Meanwhile, the teachers also expressed concerns and challenges in teaching GUR, which implied directions for further improvement of GUR program.