How to make inquiry-based humanities learning work

As a retired geography teacher, I read with interest the report ("Learning through inquiry for humanities"; Sept 14).

The regular revision of the humanities syllabuses shows that these subjects are "living" subjects that have changed with time, and ensures that students are trained to meet the challenges ahead. However, for inquiry-based syllabuses to be effectively carried out, two factors are vital.

First, the teachers should be interested and committed enough to carry out the new approach, even if it is more challenging and, perhaps, more time-consuming. Second, schools must be supportive of humanities teachers.

With three periods a week - each lasting up to 40 minutes - allocated for each elective humanities subject, it is unlikely that a teacher can find sufficient time to work on this new approach successfully. Schools should consider allocating more periods for the elective humanities.

It is time to elevate the status of the humanities.

Kan Beo Lan (Ms)

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