Professor Tao Dongfeng, of Capital Normal University in Beijing has an op-ed piece posted today on UPI Asia. Professor Tao argues:
In my opinion, the fundamental problem of China’s education system now is a warped understanding of the purpose of study, of the concept of education and of ideas about human beings and society. These produce an unreasonable program of study. Due to the historic lag in China’s process of modernization, as well as the emphasis on economics and development that are prevalent in the modern world, these have taken precedence in the education system. China claims to focus on both the spiritual and material aspects of modernization, and emphasizes “overall development” of students as an educational goal.
However, in practice, there is an emphasis on some subjects while others are neglected. There is a pragmatic trend in education that stresses technology and examination scores. This results in a one-sided focus and also the mechanization of educational methods. The problem of middle and primary schools are therefore the over-emphasis on these points, and the imbalance in education.
One can sympathize with his lament. It’s been said before. The Qing official Chen Hongmou (1696-1771) was one of the most