Taiwan Education at the Crossroad

"This long-awaited book, Taiwan Education at the Crossroad: When Globalization Meets Localization, is a valuable contribution that fills a void in the study of Asian education." - Comparative Education Review ". . . a detailed case study of the transformation and development of the Taiwanese education system in the wake of globalization, internationalization, and localization from pre-school to higher education . . . the authors, who are educationists themselves, have made a sincere effort to narrate insightfully the transformation and development of education in Taiwan from the bottom to the top." - Journal of Educational Planning and Administration ". . . Taiwan Education at the Crossroad . . . will undoubtedly serve as an indispensable reference for those seeking to understand not only the historical evolution, structure and future of the Taiwanese educational system, but also the powerful influences of globalisation and localisation on educational systems worldwide." History of Education 'Compared with the well-documented education on the opposite side of the Taiwan Strait, this volume serves as a timely and useful reference for teachers and students in the studies of educational development in Chinese societies. It has provided a comprehensive account of Taiwanese education in both historical and global perspectives.' - Rui Yang, Faculty of Education, the University of Hong Kong 'Nowhere is the tension between global and local more historically present and pronounced as in Taiwan. Chou and Ching trace Taiwan's colonial history and context to present a portrait in the perspective of the new world dynamics, interpreting the place of education in political relations circumscribed by situations of conflict, in this case, the Taiwan (Formosa) Strait. This book will take its place in the comparative literature of Education.' - Robert Lawson, Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University 'This valuable book gives many insights into recent educational developments in one of East Asia's most dynamic societies, as globalization interacts with features of localization unique to Taiwan. It also deals in a candid and illuminating way with the educational dimension of ongoing relations between Taiwan and China, depicted as 'cross-straitization,' with economic integration and intensifying communication at all levels moving forward in remarkable ways.' Ruth, Hayhoe, Professor, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto

Author Chuing Prudence Chou: Chuing Chou is Professor in the Department of Education at National Cheng-Chi University, Taiwan.

PART I: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES Globalization as a Notion or Reality? Localization and Taiwan Taiwan's Country Profile The Establishment of Modern Education System Education Reform Era (From 1994 Onwards) PART II: EDUCATION AT THE DIFFERENT LEVELS Taiwan School System Educational Statistics Course Programs Availability Educational Funding Features Teacher Education Shadow Education PART III: TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY IN TAIWAN Pre-School Education Primary Education Secondary Education Higher Education PART IV: LOCAL RESPONSE TO GLOBAL IMPACT ON EDUCATION REFORM The 1994-96 Educational Reform Master Plan University Law for Academic Autonomy and Quality Assurance World Class Research University Project International Student Recruitment Policies Education Adjustment After Access to WTO and ECFA Decentralization of Teacher Preparation Program Establishment of Multiple-channels for University and Senior High School Admission Nine-year Integrated Curriculum Reform Recent Planning of the Twelve Basic Education Program Other Local Reform Schemes Local Responses to Global Challenges Conclusion