Yoyo Li Yan Wing, a graduate of full-time Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Early Childhood Education), presented her Honours Project at the PECERA-HK Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of HKSAR Establishment cum 22nd PECERA Annual Conference this month.
The conference gathers early childhood educators and researchers from across the Pacific.
Yoyo’s project, Young children’s gender stereotype stories and in-service teachers’ perception towards children of different genders: implications for Hong Kong kindergarten teacher education programs, explores gender stereotypes among young children and how kindergarten teachers handle gender issues.
“Preschool period is a vital stage for young children to form the concept of gender and cope with gender stereotypes. Yet, such topics are not always discussed in Hong Kong’s kindergartens,” Yoyo talked about why she chose to focus on gender.
“I wonder if teacher training in Hong Kong could further help future kindergarten teachers acquire more skills to cope with gender issues. I hope my research can provide some successful cases for pre-service teachers to understand how their attitudes and responsive pedagogy can help break down young children’s gender bias.”
She also thanked her supervisor, Dr Lam Ho Cheong, for all his guidance and support throughout the research process.
As Yoyo’s achievement illustrates, we encourage our students to explore the wider world. We aim to nurture future teachers who care about the well-being of young children by taking teaching and learning to the NEXT LEVEL.
