Program overview
Educational Principles is the core foundational major in education. Simply put, it explores the questions of 'what education is, why it exists, and how it works.' Here, you won't directly learn how to teach a math class; instead, you'll delve into the essence, purpose, and value of education, as well as its relationship with society, culture, and human development. Core courses include Principles of Education, Philosophy of Education, Sociology of Education, History of Education, and Educational Research Methods. You'll also explore areas like Curriculum and Teaching Theory, Moral Education Principles, and Education Policy Analysis. This major is ideal for students who are curious about educational issues, enjoy reading and thinking, and want to understand the 'logic of teaching' rather than just 'teaching techniques.' Chinese universities have a strong theoretical tradition in this field, such as Beijing Normal University, East China Normal University, and Nanjing Normal University. Many professors have long been involved in national education reform research, and courses incorporate real-world Chinese educational cases—like urban-rural education gaps, Gaokao reform, and online education—showing you how theory translates into practice.