Local parents believe their children's character development matters more than grades, a recent survey has revealed.

The Coalition of Education-Concerned Parents commissioned the University of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Program to conduct the survey in January which canvassed the views of 1,017 local parents.

According to the survey, nurturing good character and learning ability, like the ability to think independently, is considered the most important goal of education by 30 percent of the parents.

Only eight percent said getting into college is the most important.

The results echo the findings of a focus group that good academic performance is not the only concern for parents.

In April and May, 53 parents took part in the focus group organized by the coalition.

"Many parents understand that the purpose of education is to bring out the best qualities in children," said Lui Tai-lok, sociology professor at the Chinese University who led the focus group.

Many parents in the focus group said they wanted a more flexible education system, he noted.

Some said the current education system fails to cater to the learning needs of individual students.

For example, some children are reluctant to do their homework because they have already learnt everything taught in class; and some smart children may score poor grades simply because they cannot focus in class.

Some parents mentioned that they are unhappy with the rigid management in some schools.

Most of the parents thought the ideal learning environment should be one where children can learn more flexibly.

Member of the coalition Gilbert Tam said they will arrange a meeting with the Education Bureau to voice the parents' concerns and suggestions.

The survey also found that parents do not have much faith in the local education system which places too much emphasis on grades.

(HK Edition 05/29/2008 page1)