The rise of alternative education in China and the U.S.

In pace with the great enrichment of social resources and the rapid development of science and technology, a large number of educational patterns continue to emerge, providing educators and parents with a broad range of alternatives. Yet in the absence of an effective assessment system, more researches have to be conducted to testify the outcome of the new methodologies.

The Beijing Center has paid close attention to education in the 21st century. At the eleventh discussion of the Center's Education Panel Series on November 6, three distinguished education practitioners shared their opinions on chances and challenges in the sector and the rise of alternative education in China and the U.S.

Panelists included Angela Curry, Director of AP Program at RDFZ with 17-year experience in international education; Richard H. Gehman, Founding Head of UCCG School in Beijing, who served as a school principal in the U.S. for over 30 years; and Xinyue GUO TC ’17, Founder of Heart Space and President of Xi'an Federation of Innovation and maker education.

During the discussion, three panelists thoroughly addressed four issues: 1) whether Chinese society at large ready to adopt and endorse the rising movement of alternative approaches in education, despite its long-lasting tradition of education system; 2) how to improve vocational abilities of Chinese educators, especially their performance in class; 3) what makes a good parenting and examples; and 4) whether Chinese leadership will deliver on its promise of curriculum and assessment reforms.