Introduction and Background

The learning environment in Ying Wa College is generally ideal, with academic discussions often held during lunch periods and after school in certain classes.  Various class-based study groups also exist where students share notes and revision tips on different subjects.  Exam-wise, numerous students has achieved 5**, the highest grade possible, in the HKDSE examination over the years, even with one getting 7 of them.

That being said, it is noted that students in general showed some level of deficiency in time management, as exhibited by fatigue during lessons and the prevalence of “deadline fighting” practices, owing to the addictive properties of social media and the lack of training in this field.  By extension, more sharings can be provided in various areas of self-improvement, such as stress regulation.  The performance in language subjects could also be improved by practicing regularly.  

In light of the above, we would like to form a Learning Club which focuses on subject learning and self-improvement.   This proposal aims to illustrate the measures which could be used to enhance students’ abilities and in turn improve the studying atmosphere of the College.

Recommendation 1 : Weekly Chinese / English Writing Practices

The key to mastery in both language and content for writing is to 1) read extensively, 2) practice from time to time.  However, there is insufficient incentive for students to practise writing on their own, due to: 1) lack of free time, 2) social media being addictive, 3) and the time-consuming nature of compositions.  The same could be said for reading long novels.

This problem could be circumvented by shortening writing tasks.  The execution should be similar to Chinese “小練筆” exercises, where students are briefed on target skill sets and given related examples, then write several sentences.  Peer reviews shall be conducted after the session to provide immediate feedback.  The use of AI tools (e.g. you.com, ChatGPT .etc) are also encouraged to enhance different skills, particularly in English. These writing sessions may take place after school or during lunch for no more than 30 minutes.

Recommendation 2 : Note making

Notes could vastly benefit learning by condensing textbook knowledge into several pieces of paper in the long term.  For systematic subjects with a fixed curriculum (e.g. Mathematics and Physics), notes could act as a quick review for specified topics before important examinations, possibly with practice questions and answering skills.  For relatively disorganised subjects (e.g. Chinese, English and CS), skills are often taught “by experience”.  Hence, an organised “note” is even more valuable.

Teams with members specialising in a particular subject would be formed.  Notes consist of 1) a chapter summary, 2) question types, 3) answering skills for systematic subjects, i.e. an exam-based approach.  Assistance from teachers might be necessary for humanities subjects.
Recommendation 3 : “Study room” scheme

Due to the lack of living space in Hong Kong, the study of most students is often located at a place with many distractions, the most common of which is social media, alongside other environmental sounds.  By ensuring a learning-friendly environment for students, the effectiveness of studying could be improved.

An existing classroom could be easily transformed into a study environment by 1) having relaxing music in the background, 2) allowing electronic notes, 3) providing better lighting, and 4) occasional snacks and drinks for relaxation.  A nap session for 15-20 minutes could also be held after school.

By extension, ways to eliminate distractions in home to simulate a study-like environment could also be suggested to students.  These methods include 1) using ANC (active-noise cancellation) headphones, 2) Earplugs, or 3) ensure desk tidiness

Recommendation 4 : Digital Detox programme
It is really common for current students to be obsessed with their phones to scroll through social media or play video games.  This action leads to several negative impacts, such as decreasing standards in academics or worsening relationships with parents.  Additionally this may cause a sense of emptiness psychologically.
The Digital Detox programme doesn’t necessarily need students to cut down on using their devices. Instead, it provides various challenges for students so as to divert their attention and make their lives more meaningful.  Specifically, a challenge card would be drawn after school every day to expose participants to new things.The end goal of this project is to make students aware of the dangers of digital addiction and inspire them to find new ways of living.  
Apps such as “Digital Detox” and a reward / punishment system could be introduced to better enforce the scheme.  Participants may take part in activities such as meditation, journaling, producing art, photography and more.


Recommendation 5 : Time management sharings and methods

Quite a number of students have been concerned about their time management due to the massive amount of extracurricular activities and/or homework, quizzes, which has led to an unsatisfying result in examinations. Seeing that, some methods to solve the problem which could be shared are shown below:
Always complete your homework before enjoying video games(recommendation 3 can be reviewed).
Ensure that your results are satisfactory while there is sufficient time left behind before joining extracurricular activities.
These methods would indeed take a lot of effort. However, after they are adopted, they would probably be able to handle all the things and enjoy a wonderful school life.

Recommendation 6 : Reading list

Reading has numerous benefits, from expanding knowledge and vocabulary to reducing stress.  However, this activity is not popular in students due to the limited leisure time available to them and the rising popularity of social media.  In light of this, a recommendation list of books shall be set up, mainly focusing on short books with approximately 100-150 pages.  Other online sources like shadow libraries (Anna’s Archive .etc) could also be used to make the process more convenient.  Another activity which could be accompanied is a book sharing programme, in which students take turns reading and sharing a book in the list to others.  That way, the key points and messages can be shared amongst the group to broaden their horizons.

Recommendation 7 : Relaxing activities

The fast-paced studying environment in Ying Wa could lead to students feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially during examination periods.  Taking a short break for some relaxing activities during these moments could help students prevent burnout and reduce stress.  These activities range from short meditation, journaling, or art sessions before large examinations to long outdoor expeditions during holidays. Collaborating with social workers could benefit the project as they could provide professional input and possibly some level of promotion.

Recommendation 8 : News sharing

Students now have less insight on the current world landscape.  This is due to a number of factors, including the replacement of Liberal Studies with CSD, which focuses more on facts and only has a pass / fail grading system rather than a grade scale with multiple notches.  A group focusing on researching politics could not only ___ but also __.  Hour-long gatherings, possible with former Liberal Studies teachers, shall be held weekly or biweekly, before which a student does research on a certain topic.  Important topics which could be covered include the USA (e.g. 3G1A problems: Gender, God, Gun and Abortion), Israel and Palestine war.

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Provide more elaboration and details when possible.