| From the movement of young children studying in the United States in the Qing Dynasty in 1872 to the Boxer Indemnity Scholarship Program in 1909,the study abroad in modern times has gradually come into people’s vision,and the history of study abroad has also become an important research field.The study of overseas students during the period of the Republic of China,especially their dissertations,reflects their academic level and practical concern,which is of great research value.In the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China,a considerable number of overseas students became outstanding in all walks of life after they returned to China,among which pedagogy is an extremely important field.After returning to China,the overseas students majoring in pedagogy devoted themselves to the education cause,which promoted the development of modern education in China.Zhang Pengchun is one of the representative figures.At present,most of the studies on Zhang Pengchun are in the fields of drama and diplomacy,less in the field of education.Therefore,this paper will analyze the ideological origin of Zhang Pengchun’s doctoral thesis,explore the educational ideas in his doctoral thesis and the influence and guidance of these educational ideas on his later educational practice,and extend the enlightenment to modern education.In addition to the introduction and conclusion,this paper is divided into four chapters,the main content is as follows:Chapter 1 analyzes the ideological origin of Zhang Pengchun’s doctoral thesis from the perspective of his teaching practice before his doctoral study,the influence of his supervisor on him during his doctoral study,and the doctoral dissertations of some American students engaged in educational research at the same time.Before studying for a doctor’s degree,Zhang worked in Nankai School,during which he delivered many lectures.Some important points can be sorted after summarizing in his lecture:cultivating students’ patriotic and nation-saving feelings,highlighting the importance of physical activities for students,improving students’ learning methods and other abilities,emphasizing the cultivation on personal character,moral and social responsibility.During his doctoral studies in Teachers College of Columbia University,Zhang was deeply influenced by the educational ideas of William H.Kilpatrick and John Dewey,and often discussed with other American students who were devoted to educational research at the same time.All these factors contributed to the formation of Zhang’s educational ideas.Chapter 2 starts with Zhang Pengchun’s doctoral thesis "Modernization of China through Education" and explores his educational ideas.In his doctoral thesis,Zhang Pengchun mainly put forward suggestions on the planning of modernized education and curriculum structure,as well as a series of standards,which all reflect his educational ideas.First,Encourage students to expand their life circle and cultivate their ability of production and organization;Second,provide equal opportunity and focus on the needs of students.Third,try to adapt to humanism and cultivate artistic creativity.As for how to implement the curriculum reform,Zhang suggested three steps of investigation,evaluation and inspection,as well as separating general training from specialized training.Chapter 3 combines Zhang Pengchun’s teaching practice in Tsinghua University and Nankai School to explore the influence and guidance of the educational ideas in Zhang Pengchun’s doctoral thesis on his teaching practice.In Tsinghua University,Zhang Pengchun mainly carried out the following teaching practice:setting up the mode of public examination to select students to study in the US,encouraging students to understand Chinese culture,and inviting Chinese scholars to join the teaching staff.In Nankai School,Zhang studied curriculum reform,opened modern drama,English competition and other activities and advocated new educational means such as radio,film and television.These educational ideas and suggestions have been reflected during his return to China to teach at Tsinghua School and Nankai School and in turn these teaching practices further test and consolidate his teaching ideas.Chapter 4,on the basis of the first three chapters,further refines Zhang Pengchun’s educational ideas and practices,and excavates their modern significance.In today’s world,Zhang Pengchun’s educational ideas can still provide enlightenment and guidance for education,including carrying out a variety of school activities to cultivate students’ abilities in various aspects and keeping pace with the times,using the Internet and other new teaching technologies rationally,broadening the teaching channels and constantly exploring to improve the course content. |
