China & World Economy  / 86–104, Vol. 24,  No. 3, 2016

Implementation of Teacher Training

in China and Its Policy Implications

Hongyan Liu, Chengfang Liu, Fang Chang, Prashant Loyalka*

Abstract

This study describes the current teacher training system in China, including the prevalence of teacher training, the types of training, training content and the ways that training is delivered. The paper presents subjective evaluations of training for principals and teachers using four diverse datasets. The results show that the National Teacher Training Project (NTTP) deviates from official policy objectives in several respects. The subjects of training programs and training content are not fully compliant with policy objectives. In addition, training opportunities are offered to a smaller proportion of rural teachers than urban teachers. It is found that the proportion of teachers and principals satisfied with the NTTP is lower than that for other types of training. Therefore, measures should be taken to increase training opportunities for rural teachers and to ensure the quality of training for all teachers.

Key words: China, program implementation, teacher training
JEL codes: I20, I25, R10