Policy-Driven Development and the Strategic Initiative of One-Million Enrollment Expansion in China's Higher Vocational Education. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fan, Xiaoxian
• Other Names: Silova Iveta guest-editor.; Rappleye Jeremy guest-editor.; You Yun guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: ECNU review of education. Volume 3:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 179
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: China's higher vocational education -- development stage -- one-million enrollment expansion -- policy incentives; Education -- China -- Periodicals; Education -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 370.951
• DOI: 10.1177/2096531120903879
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2096-5311

Abstract

Purpose: This article explores the relationship between governmental policy and the development of higher vocational education in China. Design/Approach/Methods: The article begins with a textual analysis of dozens of policy documents on higher vocational education issued by the Chinese government since 1999. Findings: The article argues that the development of higher vocational education in China has been largely policy-driven. This development can be divided into four stages: scale development, quality improvement, capacity building, and systemwide enhancement. The transition between each of these developmental stages was marked by new policy initiatives undertaken by the Chinese government. Originality/Value: The government's recent efforts to expand higher vocational education enrollment by one million students have significant implications for China's higher vocational education. Additionally, the proposed "1 + X" model—which attaches equal importance to academic education and skill training—may represent the beginning of a new stage in the development of higher vocational education in China.