Wang Tao's Educational Ideology

Wang Tao , who was a well-known Chinese literator during late Qing dynasty, was cultivated Confucianism since young. He raised his point of view on Chinese politics,economy, diplomacy, military affairs, which were unique and fancy in those days. Among those thoughts, his idea on educational reform was based on his practice. His ideology was formed gradually by his unique personal experiences and was influenced by the transformation of the situation in late Qing. Wang thought that Chinese education should be aimed to cultivating genuine ability and learning as modern China would need person with specialty , multi-ability and utility. Education should be used as the communication between the upper class and the lower class. He was one of the innovationist against the traditional Imperial Examination System and strongly claimed the modern schooling systems. During his prefecture of the dean in Shanghai Gezhi College, Wang adopted the school teaching system so as to carry on teaching activities with a department instruction through which he created the subject-centered system. The popularization of education and emphasization on female's education were also recommended as well. Wang suggested students should not only learn western language and scientific technology but also should understand the western political system and philosophy thoughts. Wang's thoughts were centered with the idea of strengthening the country and military which matched the trend of thought at that time.,they were portentous and both active and transigent. Wang's thoughts were of great importantce to the history of Chinese education and its influce was far-reaching.