Higher Education Reform

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The Higher Education Reform Project for China aims to improve the quality and relevance of undergraduate basic science and engineering programs through integrated reform activities in curriculum and teaching methodology. There are three project components. The first a) renews and restructures the science and engineering disciplines by reducing narrow specializations, restructuring academic programs of study, and introducing new integrative science and engineering courses; b) adopts student-centered learning strategies, updates textbooks, makes laboratories, computer facilities, and library resources more readily accessible; and establishes well-equipped integrated laboratory centers and c) upgrades teachers and staff in support of reforms such as providing continuous training and promoting information exchange among staff. The second component funds innovative forms of cooperation. The third component funds project activities that support institutional capacity for change such as a) policy-based research studies; b) course and textbook revision; c) development of electronic teaching and learning materials; d) nationally-organized technical assistance that trains implementation personnel; e) overseas study tours and workshops; and f) overall coordination, monitoring, and evaluation.