Modern Interpretation of the Essence of Ancient Chinese Education

Author: Zhang Shufeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: China is a nation that places great importance on education. Even if we count from the time of the Duke of Zhou, who established rituals and music, created the Imperial University and Primary School to educate the nation, and set up schools for local education, Chinese school education has a history of over 3,000 years. If we acknowledge that China is a nation with a continuous history and a unique spirit and creative ability, then we cannot fail to take a fresh look at traditional Chinese education, because everything that was created is the result of a traditional education that has endured for over 3,000 years. When ancient Chinese idealists discussed issues of teaching and learning, they always used simple language and straightforward analogies. The Classic of Education is a specialized work on pedagogy from over 2,000 years ago, and it nearly covers all aspects of teaching and learning. The six principles of teaching and learning it summarizes (preventive principle, timeliness principle, sequential principle, observation principle, principle of nurturing strengths and correcting weaknesses, and heuristic principle) are all emphasized in modern educational works. Such a "monumental work" contains only over a thousand words. Its simplicity of language and richness of content are unmatched by contemporary educational works. Why don’t our educators read it? The educational works of Chinese sages are not difficult to understand. The Classic of Education, On Learning, On Teachers, On Education, and others are all full of charm and can be recited effortlessly. As you recite these masterpieces of teaching and learning and savor the essence of classical Chinese culture, you will unconsciously be influenced by the wisdom of the sages—this is a truly delightful experience. This is the charm of Chinese culture. "Connecting the past and the present to plant its roots, integrating the East and the West to flourish its leaves" is the path that should be followed to promote and develop our education.