Course of Learning Experience Outside the Classroom (CLOC): Internship Experience in Alternative School has Successfully Concluded

The Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL) successfully concluded the Course of Learning Experience Outside the Classroom (CLOC): Exploring Alternative Education: Internship Experience in Alternative School on 6 June 2025.

This course was offered and designed for full-time undergraduates, specifically targeting those in Years 1, 2, and 4 of BEd programmes and Years 1, 2, and 3 of non-BEd programmes. Participants were allowed to serve as assistant teachers for seven school days at RTC Gaia School (鄉師自然學校), a representative alternative school in Hong Kong. Throughout the course, participants not only assist schoolteachers in classroom instruction but also help to lead students in experiential learning activities both on and off campus. Some participants even had the opportunity to join team workshops with teachers, attend the school’s unique “Life Assembly” (生活會議) and “Life Court” (生活法庭) sessions, and take part in the school graduation camp. Through various formal and informal campus life activities, participants witnessed how the teachers and students of this alternative school actively create and practice a desirable learning life.

Our participants shared their insightful experience:

This time, I personally experienced the teaching philosophy and strategies of the nature school, and the whole process left a deep impression on me: Firstly, I realized that students can actually learn autonomously and explore learning experiences on their own. Secondly, the communication between teachers and students can be so harmonious, natural, and intimate. - Ada (Student of EdUHK)

After interning at the nature school, I discovered that children's curiosity and eagerness to learn are actually innate and don't need to be forced. Sometimes they might not follow instructions, but that doesn't mean they don't want to learn. It could be that the learning method or level isn't suitable, or they might have more important issues to resolve, such as emotional distress or something happening at home. - Winnie (Student of EdUHK)

They believe that every student is special and there is no need to label certain students as different. In fact, everyone has their own unique needs, so there is no need to specifically label any particular group. This perspective on students is one of the most profound things I learned during my internship. - Yan (Teacher of RTC Gaia School)

The Courses of Learning Experience Outside the Classroom (CLOC) are initiated by the Student Affairs Office (SAO). They aim to bring a fresh perspective to students’ university experience, breaking free from the conventional classroom setting. Click here to learn more about the course.