Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2017

Keywords

Qualifications framework (QF), Specification of generic (foundation) Competencies (SGC), Unit of competency (UoC), Curriculum innovation, Trade-related materials, Vocational English

Abstract

This paper examines, through a case study, how the Specification of Generic (Foundation) Competencies – English (SGC-Eng) provides clear and objective standards for developing language curricula. A suite of 30 in-service English certificate programmes using 18 Units of Competency (UoCs) were launched for various industry sectors in the Vocational English Enhancement Programme1 (VEEP) from 2012 to 2015. It offers a unique experience and the best opportunity to study the value of the SGC-Eng in organizing and delivering vocational English modules. Descriptive accounts and documentation on the VEEP were analysed to shed light on the potentials and inadequacies of the SGC-Eng. They revealed very significant strengths in customizing programmes to suit different target learners; allowing multiple articulation pathways to higher levels or across different skills and UoCs; compartmentalizing learning to bite sizes; and offering a model of common currency for language learning courses across the territory. They also pointed out certain inadequacies of the programme which could be attributed to some inherent characteristics of the SGC-Eng.

Source Publication

International Conference on Open and Innovative Education (ICOIE), The Open University of Hong Kong

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