Implementing education system reform: Local adaptation in school reform of teaching and learning

Abstract

This paper has two purposes: first, to investigate centre- periphery, and within-school relationships and processes by which Vietnam schools undertake system reform implementation; second, to develop the explanatory power and complementarity of two theories – complex adaptive system theory and loose-tight coupling. Main findings - schools’ internal enablers driving reforms were shaped by external enablers; a plethora of internal enablers then worked in concert to implement the intended reforms (eg. the take-up of student-centred teaching and learning); in the local adaptation process, school culture and professional development were pre-eminent. Conclusions – complex adaptive system theory was validated in how Vietnam schools locally adapted policy.