A Research On Training Methods Of Doctoral Scientific Research In Harvard University

Doctors are high-level professionals and also important human capital for social development in the knowledge-based economy. Since the innovation of German Universities in the 19th century, scientific research has become the major responsibility of university teachers; and from then on, the doctoral education has strongly combined with scientific research. Doctoral education is a progress of training of scientific research, which can enhance capabilities of scientific research, cultivate consciousness and spirit of scientific research. Training methods of scientific research have an important role in cultivating doctor graduates. Excellent training methods of scientific research can enhance quality and efficiency of doctoral education.When German Universities carried out innovation in the 19th century, scientific research was established as main function of the university. From then on, using scientific research has become excellent approach to cultivating scholars of new generation. With the German Universities becoming the world centre for higher education, the idea of"academic freedom"and"unity of teaching and scientific research"in German Universities spread across the world. On the basis of these idea, formed its own unique training methods of scientific research in doctoral education. There were two main methods: teaching-seminar and teaching-laboratory. The powerful German universities attracted American universities'attention. American universities have begun to learn experience from German universities, including Harvard University. Under the influence of returned student from German and Germany teachers in Harvard, German Universities'scientific research training methods started in Harvard University to take root. After continuous reform efforts of several generations, combined with their practical innovation, Harvard University developed into the world-famous research university finally, after one century. Now, Harvard University becomes the study example all over the world.In Harvard, training methods of scientific research are very flexible, fully embodies "academic freedom" idea. Courses can be free selected; students choose mentor and research lab in the process of laboratory rotation; during the coursework and laboratory rotation, students can consult with the instructor at any time. The idea of"unity of teaching and scientific research"has been properly implemented. Doctoral students can have a lot of opportunities for scientific research with teachers, getting scientific research training in the process of scientific research. Interdisciplinary research is also very common. In laboratory research and writing dissertations, mentor plays a very important role. There is dissertation committee co-guide. Participation in seminars, laboratory rotations, participation in research projects, writing dissertations and advisors guidance are main methods of training.I conducted thorough research to Harvard doctoral scientific research training methods, based on the analysis of the literature about Harvard University and information from University website. In the first section, I analyzed the influence from the 19th century German universities in a historical perspective. Mainly from three fields: influence of training idea, influence of training forms, and ways of influence. Harvard University learned many experiences from German Universities. This laid the foundation for doctoral scientific research training methods' formation. In the second section, I summarized Harvard University's main doctoral scientific research training methods. Such as, scientific research training methods in the courses, scientific research training methods in the practice, advisors guidance and other scientific research training methods. In the final section, I summarized the character of Harvard doctoral scientific research training methods and summarized the revelation from Harvard's experiences, based on comparison and analysis.