Research On The Curriculum Reform And Development Of American Community Colleges

The dissertation explores the process of the curriculum reform and development of American community colleges and divides the process into six phases:the establishment, its initial stage, the stable development, prosperity, maturity, and its development since 1990s.By analyzing the features of curricula in different phases, it can be further recognized that the curriculum development of American community colleges experienced flexural process, and completed ultimately the transformation of curriculum reform from pendulum mode to spiral mode. Based on the exploration of the scientific mechanism, the dissertation draws three valuable experiences from the curriculum reform in American community colleges:the clarification of educational orientations and functions is the prerequisite; the establishment of practical, flexible and diverse curriculum systems is the vitality; the assurance of government's relevant policies is the guarantee. The historical track and successful experience of the curriculum reform and development of American community colleges can be of considerable reference to the corresponding educational reform and innovation in China, with regards to which the dissertation presents some suggestions as well.