DIFFUSION OF WESTERN EDUCATIONAL IDEOLOGIES: THE CASE OF DALTON PLAN IN CHINA

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the diffusion of transnational educational innovation, analyzing the diffusion of the Dalton Plan in China. The Dalton Plan, developed by American educator Helen Parkhurst in the early 20th century, has seen a revival of interest in China after nearly one hundred years, having spread throughout the world including China in the 1920s. This research employed a qualitative single-case study of the Dalton Plan and its adoption in East-West School (EWS), an international division of a high school managed by a recognized Chinese state university. Ten experts, consisting of administrators and teachers of EWS and Central School, an intermediary organization, were interviewed using semi-structured interviews via Zoom. In addition, multiple data collection techniques were utilized, including document analysis, archival records analysis, multi-media analysis, and social media analysis. These techniques were used gain insights about the environment and atmosphere of the schools without the need to visit in person due to COVID restrictions...