《Public Opinion Of The Times》 And Controversy On Education Reform In 1930s

《Public opinion of the times》was a weekly magazine established in 1932, with professors from Nanjing Center University as its main editor. As its establishment in times of national calamity, what happened during the time had a deep impact on it. The articles published on it mainly focus on political system, calling for the face of the national calamity and supporting totalitarian politics lead by Kuomintang government, as well as education, economy and social development and many other aspects at that time. Most of its contributors are Kuomintang parties; therefore it can be regarded as an in-system field of commentary of intellectuals.Intellectuals around《Public opinion of the times》put forward their criticism and suggestions on the main educational policies carried on by Kuomintang government. And educational issues published on it mainly reflect reforms carried out in 1930s. The intellectuals discuss disadvantages of education system in 1930s, the Student Strike of National Central University happened in 1931 and Education partification carried out by Kuomintang government at that time. They believe that the bankrupt of education, unbalanced subject setting and distribution in universities and employment difficulties in an reflection of the disadvantages of educational system. They point out that the basic reason behind the Student Strike is the shortage of education funds and dissatisfaction of principle appointment from students. They hold different opinions on the issue of Education partification, and it relate to some reasonable parts in The Three People's Principles which can be used for reference.Most of the contributors for《Public opinion of the times》are professors, so they paid more attention on the issues of education itself. They advocate that education should maintain relatively independent. And these educational experts share alike opinions on some issues that trigger controversy, such as arts and engineering, they against its suspension by ChenGuoFu and the intervention of non-professors in Kuomintang authorities. On account of the Prevalence of the establishment of vocational education, these contributors think differently from those who in Kuomintang government and in society. They kept clear recognition and pointed out that an investigation before establishment is necessary to predict problems likely to happen during its establishment. They also paid attention to the primary and secondary education because of its special roles. They said that the low quality of textbooks, graduate examination influence physical and mental health, and pointed out that all these disadvantages would have a great impact on the further development of the whole educational system.Although most of members of《Public opinion of the times》are Kuomintang parties, not all of them approve the educational policies of Kuomintang government. In more cases they discuss educational issues on the problems itself, but not just gave unprincipled support to Kuomintang government. The intense criticism to the government may by one of reasons that lead to its forced closure.