Subtle convergence? Locating similarities between Chinese educational reforms and global quality assurance and evaluation trends

Abstract

Purpose

Different aspects of the globalisation of Chinese basic education have been examined in recent studies. This paper aims to contribute to this research base by examining the relationship between global quality assurance and evaluation (QAEVAL) trends and reforms in the Chinese basic education system.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant research literature in English and Chinese was reviewed to assesses whether a movement of increasing convergence with global QAEVAL policy contents and policy instruments has taken place in China following the introduction of the so-called “equality education”. A guiding theory regarding the basic features of QAEVAL was used to conceptually structure the findings of the authors.

Findings

The findings indicate that several subtle convergences are evident in China with global trends in QAEVAL, but a few notable exceptions are also evident.

Research limitations/implications

Albeit the research indicates certain convergence, the authors acknowledge that further research is still needed to examine causal mechanisms of QAEVAL policy convergences and the processes and logic through which global trends are localised.

Originality/value

Both the importance of QAEVAL in global education governance as well as China’s importance to world affairs are increasing. However, so far, the effects of QAEVAL policies on China’s education system have not been thoroughly examined. This paper can serve as a concise starting point for examining the topic more deeply.

Citation

Suominen, O., Kallo, J., Rinne, R. and Fan, Y. (2017), "Subtle convergence? Locating similarities between Chinese educational reforms and global quality assurance and evaluation trends", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 146-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-12-2015-0043