Knowing China
Based on over five decades of accumulated knowledge, this invaluable book offers an insight into China through its history, culture, people, economy, education, science and technology, as well as government and political system.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Knowing China
Chapter 5: Education, Science and Technology
To describe China's education system I will begin with its historical background, from imperial China to the Republic of China and then to the early years of the People's Republic of China. Concerning the current system, I will discuss educational institutions at different levels, with emphases on higher education, the role of government and non-government educational institutions, the characteristics of China's universities, their students, and the prospects for improvement. I will also discuss family education briefly. Then I will turn to science, and to technology. The Chinese have tried very hard to promote education, science and technology for the purpose of modernizing their country and for economic development. They have succeeded to a large extent, and further improvement can be expected in the future.
Historical Background of Formal Educational Institutions
It is useful to provide some historical background of China's formal educational systems before discussing its current state. Beginning with the Han dynasty, China had a civil service examination system to select government officials. This system was modified and perfected in the Tang and subsequent dynasties. In the Qing period, there were different levels of examinations, analogous to the present-day primary, secondary and university levels. To advance in society, the main channel was to pass the examinations at various levels. Government officials were accorded the highest status in society, and merchants a low status. In addition, money and wealth came with government positions. Families dreamed of their children passing these examinations at the highest level possible. Education therefore became very...
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