Educational evaluation in China: An analysis of current practices

Abstract

The Chinese educational system is being challenged to play a pivotal role in the four modernizations. In recent years much effort has been put into educational reform, but much remains to be done. The intent of this article is to discuss the role that evaluation can play in the improvement of the Chinese education system. Although it is claimed frequently that evaluation is a new topic in China, it is more accurate to say that the jargon or language may be new and that various types of evaluation have been and are being conducted at all levels of the Chinese educational system. Results from a recent survey and case studies of evaluation practices in primary and secondary schools in Shanghai will be described to justify this view. The importance of blending present practices with approaches from the West also will be highlighted. The article will conclude with a description of current developments in educational evaluation in China.