CHINA

China currently has the largest education system in the world. To understand it, one must begin with understanding the three traditions that shape Chinese education systems: the legacy of Confucianism and the Mandarin system; the legacy of Western-influenced education; and the legacy of Soviet higher education. Even with these three traditions, the influence of ‘Gaokao’, which is the national entrance examination to higher education, has deeply influenced Chinese society as it safeguards equity and promotes social mobility. Explore how all of these things come together in “China: An Overview” from Education in East Asia.

Challenges in education

While there is universal compulsory education in China, education is not tuition-free. Families must pay fees in order to have their child attend school. In this policy report, the authors’ research suggests that school fees affect not only schooling choices, but also migration choices for many across the nation.

Teacher education

“Before this parents’ meeting, I believed that rural parents did not attach great importance to education. I was wrong. They pay much attention to education; the only dilemma was that they do not know how to deal with their children’s education and support their learning.”

Discover the responsibility and complexity of leading an urbanizing rural school by reading the account of the novice principal of Zhatang Primary School.

Play

The role and status of play and its viewpoint on how it affects human development varies around the world. In New Zealand, practitioners are expected to have an understanding of play and believe that children learn by using their resources creatively. In Wales, play is regarded as fundamental in a curriculum. For an example of a play-based curriculum, read about The Foundation Phase, which emphasizes on balancing child-led and adult-led activities in early childhood education.