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26th Academic Luncheon of International Education Achieves Success

On June 6, 2025, Zhejiang University hosted the highly anticipated 26th Academic Luncheon, an event dedicated to fostering scholarly dialogue within the field of international education. The luncheon took place in Room 108 of Building 31 on the Yuquan Campus, with Mr. Wu Jian serving as the host. In attendance were distinguished figures including Professor Tang Xiaowu, the Vice Dean of Teaching, and twenty-two international Chinese language teachers from the university's teaching center.

The focal point of this academic gathering was Dr. Liu Tiruo, whose presentation was titled 'An Analysis of the National Education System Construction for Chinese Students from the Perspective of Policy Tools.' In her report, Dr. Liu emphasized that educating students about China's national conditions is vital not only for cultivating international talent who appreciate China's culture but also for promoting a positive image of China around the globe and enhancing mutual understanding among various civilizations.

Dr. Liu's research examined 25 national education policy documents issued at the national level since the beginning of the new era. Utilizing the classification theory of policy tools developed by Rothwell and Zegveld, she categorized these tools into three distinct types: supply type, environment type, and demand type. This methodological framework facilitated a comprehensive two-dimensional analysis of the interrelations between policy tools and their corresponding content, leveraging NVivo software for coding and quantitative analysis of relevant policy texts.

Through her analysis, Dr. Liu uncovered a diverse array of policy tools utilized in the development of a national education system for international students in China. However, the study noted a significant imbalance in the intensity of tool usage. While the policy content encompassed a broad range of topics, the focus on individual areas varied considerably. Furthermore, the findings indicated that there was an unequal distribution of policy tools and content when examined from an intersectional perspective.

To foster the high-quality development of China's national education system in this new era, Dr. Liu proposed several recommendations. These included the rational allocation and enhanced utilization of policy tools to create a synergistic effect, the enrichment of the policy content construction system to ensure a balanced focus, and the optimization of the alignment between policy tools and content. Such measures aim to improve the overall effectiveness of policy implementation.

Following the presentation, an engaging dialogue ensued, with Professor Tang Xiaowu, Yu Qian, Teacher He Yun, and other attendees sharing their perspectives and inquiries with Dr. Liu. The exchange was marked by enthusiasm and insightful discussions, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that encapsulated the spirit of academic collaboration. The successful event concluded with warm applause from participants.

(This lecture was funded by the School of International Education at Zhejiang University, dedicated to the professional development of teaching staff.)