Chao, "The primary school curriculum in China (1949--1993)," 1994

Chen-Chou Chao, Ph.D.

Abstract (Summary)
The main purpose of this study is to answer two important questions concerning the primary school curriculum in China (1949-1993). The first question deals with the major factors which affected the primary school curriculum in China around the past years. The second question deals with how the primary school curriculum was reformed in the past years and how the primary school curriculum of China will be designed in the future.

To answer these two questions, the researcher reviewed the literature about the curriculum of primary school in China and based on this review, the findings fell into several categories: the first is related to the curriculum in the five educational reforms, the second concerns the major factors which affected the primary school curriculum; the third deals with the similarities and differences in the primary school curriculum between Taiwan and China.

This research recommends that the primary school curriculum should concern both the traditional culture and the modern information together, with less ideological influences, and enhance the democratic concepts in the primary school curriculum, foster student's merit and virtue, broaden student's global view, and improve the teacher's professional knowledge.

Future research will emphasize the investigation of the individual subject of the primary school curriculum, will research the connection between the primary school and the junior high school curriculum, will compare the primary school curriculum in China with other advanced countries, and will research the problems of primary school teachers in China. (Copies available exclusively from Micrographics Department, Doheny Library, USC, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0182.)

Advisor: Broussard, Vernon