Best Evidence in Chinese Education

Which Teaching Modalities Are More Effective in Promoting Deep Learning among Junior Secondary School Students

2026-05-16T14:52:52+00:00

Deep learning is a learning approach that is highly advocated in China’s basic education curriculum reform. Based on a survey of 1,277 junior secondary school students from 12 schools in S City, Jiangsu Province, China, this study seeks to explore the effects of teaching modalities on deep learning of students at the junior secondary level. Analysis methods include OLS regression and random forest. The study’s results reveal that inquiry-based teaching has the most significant positive effect on student deep learning, though with gender differences; that differentiated instruction is the most frequently used teaching modality and positively affects student deep learning; that didactic teaching makes the smallest difference to student higher-order learning and integrative learning; and that cooperation-focused teaching positively affects student integrative learning, but its impact on student reflective learning is minimal.

The Effects of Excessive Homework Loads on Social-Emotional Development in Compulsory Education Students: An Analysis Based on a Survey of 123 Primary and Secondary Schools in 12 Cities in China

2026-05-16T15:01:27+00:00

Based on the data from a survey of 123 primary and secondary schools across 12 cities in 11 provinces in China, this study aims to investigate the effects of excessive homework loads on social-emotional skills in Chinese compulsory education students using the method of propensity score matching, with a view to providing empirical evidence to support student social-emotional development.

Scientific Literacy Development among Chinese Primary and Secondary Teachers: Current States and Improvement Strategies

2026-05-16T15:09:13+00:00

This study investigates the current state of scientific literacy development among Chinese basic education teachers with a sample of 6,569 primary and secondary teachers from 27 provincial administrative regions across China, using scientific literacy assessments, group comparisons, OLS regression, and other research methods. It also examines the factors related to teacher scientific literacy and proposes improvement strategies, aiming to provide a basis for policies for upgrading the teaching workforces and building a nation with powerful education.

The Impact of Teacher Instructional Behavior on Student Learning Engagement: An Analysis Based on GTI Shanghai Data

2026-05-16T15:28:29+00:00

In the context of the implementation of the Double Reduction policy, exploring how in-class teaching can enhance students’ learning efficiency has become particularly imperative. Based on the data of Shanghai students from the OECD’s Global Teaching Insights (GTI) project, the study examines the impact of teacher instructional behaviors on student learning engagement from the students’ and teachers’ perspectives, respectively, using hierarchical linear modelling.

How Generative Artificial Intelligence Promotes the Cultivation of Higher-Order Thinking Skills: A Systematic Review of 68 Empirical Studies

2026-05-16T15:34:00+00:00

High-Order thinking skills (HOTSs) are necessitated in advanced cognitive activities, including creative thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, and more. HOTSs cultivation in education has garnered wide attention in academia. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), with its features of multimodal generation, personalized interaction, and expanded support, has the potential to open new pathways for fostering higher-order thinking. Nevertheless, its misuse could lead to technology dependence, hindering deeper cognitive development in learners. How to effectively leverage GenAI to promote the cultivation of HOTSs has become a salient subject in current educational research and practice. This study is a systematic review of high-quality empirical research on the subject conducted in China and other countries since November 2022, aiming to find answers to key questions such as “Which HOTSs can GenAI help foster in learners?”, “How does it foster them?” and “What are the outcomes of GenAI use?”, with the goal of providing theoretical and practical insights for cultivating top-notch innovative talents.

How to Enhance the Application Effectiveness of the “Smart Primary and Secondary Education of China” Platform? An Analysis Based on a Nationwide Survey

2026-05-16T15:36:42+00:00

The introduction of “Smart Primary and Secondary Education of China” platform has been a national strategy for the country to promote the digital transformation of education and improve the quality of its basic education. Based on the nationwide survey of 10,359 primary and secondary teachers from 25 provincial administrative regions, this study investigates the factors influencing the use of the national platform among Chinese basic education teachers. The study is grounded on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and the information systems success model. Analytical methods include structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).