English Language – Interactive Strategies to Integrate NSE and Values Education

Date: 10^th November, 2025

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Hannah Standring and Craig Robertson from the EDB NET Section for a dynamic and highly interactive 3.5-hour workshop designed specifically for English teachers. This marks our second year participating in the School-Based Support Programme offered by the NET Section, and the excitement was palpable!

Workshop Highlights

The workshop utilized EDB NSE and values education materials to explore innovative approaches for integrating these vital components into our curriculum.

Starting Strong with ‘Cold Talk’
Kicking things off, Mr. Lam, Ms. Yuen, Ms. Peng, and Mr. Kan engaged participants in a “Cold Talk”.  Teachers took part in a lively group discussion on the panda economy—without making any notes! This encouraged spontaneous dialogue and interaction, with fellow English teachers providing constructive feedback. Following that, Ms. Chan, Ms. Cheung, Ms. Jazz, and Mr. Cheung took their turn, followed by VP Ng, Ms. Pang, Ms. Leung, and Mr. Lau, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

Exploring Concepts with ‘Chalk Talk’
Next was the ‘Chalk Talk’ (or silent discussion), where participants roamed the classroom, generating questions about five images linked to the panda economy. Employing the previously learned ‘See-Think-Wonder’ approach, five symbols were introduced to help organize thoughts systematically and inspire deeper inquiry.

Engagement through ‘Hot Talk’
Finally, Mr. Lam, Ms. Yuen, Mr. Kan, and Ms. Cheung demonstrated ‘Hot Talk,’ leading an engaging group discussion where participants could reference their notes taken through various methods, enriching the collaborative learning environment.

A Special Visit and Future Collaboration

The workshop concluded with a visit from Principal Ng, who brought his support and enthusiasm to the session. English teachers found the hands-on nature of the workshop incredibly practical, allowing them to apply what they learned directly to their own English lessons.

Immediately following the workshop, Mr. Lam, Ms. Chan, and Ms. Peng brainstormed a co-teaching double lesson focused on these strategies for 4E2. This lesson, in collaboration with Hannah and Craig, is scheduled for 18th December, 2025, and will be video recorded for open classroom and professional development purposes.

Looking Ahead

We are eagerly anticipating Part 2 of the workshop, slated for 4th March 2026! Let’s continue to explore, learn, and enhance our teaching practices!