The Theory And Practice Of Holistic Education In Taiwan HEIs

Higher education in Taiwan has been developed rapidly. However, with the economic and political transitions in Taiwan in recent years, some social problems arise, such as lowering moral values, strong utilitarianism, estranged human relationship, etc. Higher education should hold the responsibilities for these problems. Holistic education theory brings a fresh air for higher education in Taiwan."Holistic education"believes the purpose of education is to cultivate"whole person"who owns not only knowledge and skills, but also noble ethics and spirituality. Holistic education pays attention to the full development of human beings, moreover the harmonious relationship between human and society, between human and nature. Based on the analyses of holistic education theory and practice in Taiwan, with the sample of Chung Yuan Christian University, we can draw some conclusions by using various study methods, such as documentations, questionnaires, interviews, and comparative analysis.This thesis has six parts, including introduction, and five chapters. The introduction states the main purposes of the paper, the overview of domestic and overseas research situations as well as the design and methodology. Chapter one is the theoretical basis of this thesis. The history and present situation of holistic education are presented, especially the development of modern holistic education ideas in the western world. Chapter two overviews the theory and practice of holistic education in Taiwan HEIs, and summarizes its features. With the case of Chung Yuan Christian University, its holistic theory and practice are sorted out in detail in chapter three and four respectively. These two parts also examine the efficacy on the holistic education practice in CYCU by questionnaires, and analyze the features and limitations. More importantly, the thesis points out a new framework for HEIs to develop holistic education ideas and some respects on holistic education practice. The last chapter summarizes the basic views of holistic education, and compares holistic education and quality education with the purpose of providing some insights for quality education reforms in the HEIs in mainland China.