From Scale to Quality: Experiences and Challenges in Teacher Education in China

Abstract

Purpose: This essay examines the history of China’s teacher education policies, summarizes the Chinese experience of teacher education reform, and frames the major challenges facing teacher education reform in China today. Design/Approach/Methods: This relies upon a detailed analysis of the teacher education policies implemented by China since 1978. It also explores the actual practice of Chinese teacher education reform by examining the ways in which such reforms have contributed to the overall reform of China’s basic education system. Findings: Chinese teacher education places emphasis on the cultivation of teachers’ devotion to education and the importance of improving the teaching skills of normal college students. An effective teacher governance mechanism is the institutional guarantee for the positive role of teachers. However, the absence of comprehensive universities in the open teacher education system and a lack of autonomy for teachers in the performance management system are major challenges facing teacher education in China. Originality/Value: This essay has outlined the most current and recent reform efforts in China’s teacher education. It also explores how such efforts fit into the larger scheme of basic education reform in China.