English Curriculum and Assessment for Basic Education in China

Abstract

This chapter traces the historical development of English curriculum in basic education in the People’s Republic of China. The author situates changes in English curriculum development and educational reform within six periods of Chinese educational history as classified by Shi (我国基础教育课程政策发展变化的历史轨迹 [Tracing the historical development of curriculum policies in China’s basic education]. 中国教育和科研计算机网. Retrieved from http://www.net.edu.cn/20011113/3009495.shtml, 2001): (a) the Soviet period, (b) the exploration period, (c) the destruction period of the Cultural Revolution, (d) the restoration period when China began its opening up and modernization, (e) the compulsory education period starting in 1986, and (f) the quality education period beginning at the turn of the twentieth century. The author next introduces the most recent English curriculum standards, with a special focus on issues related to assessment. Finally, the chapter outlines major curricular challenges for China’s English instruction at the basic education level.