This paper views seeking the optimal balance between state strengths and the scope of state functions for "good governance" as the formation of a homogenization-heterogenization matrix of policy initiatives in different social settings. Homogenization refers to a global tendency for institutional changes and governance framework to…

Traces the origins of the dual track education system and the unit-trade training model of vocational education in Taiwan. Posits that the German system of separate control was the source system in the 1930s and explores forces and events underlying the unit-trade training model. (Author)

Examines orientations of youth in the United States and Taiwan towards politics and international affairs. Provides insight into the students' international interest, knowledge, and information and their opinions on international conflicts and cooperation. (Author/BSR)

Reviews current Asian educational systems, pointing out that comparison with the United States system is not possible. The educational systems reflect the societies' needs, which differ from culture to culture. (MD)

This paper proposes a framework of gifted education policy and applies this framework to gifted education in the United States and Taiwan. The hierarchical model embodies policy, sources of policy, and influencing factors. A survey in Taiwan examined public attitudes toward gifted/talented education, knowledge of gifted education policy,…

This paper examines the teacher's role in contemporary English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms in Taiwan. Key figures in this exploration are Confucius, Chuang Tzu, Lao Tzu, Socrates, and Plato. The paper explains how the power of the student meets the power of the teachers. Students' power flows through their freedom and responsibility to…

In recent years, educational reform movements and reports have appeared often in Taiwan. As a main avenue running parallel to general education, technological and vocational education (TVE) has been affected by a variety of claims made in those movements or reports. Some of the movements call for less competition to enter senior high schools,…

Examines English teaching in Taiwan in primary and secondary schools, cram schools, and higher education. Discusses English teachers in Taiwan and teacher training, teacher organizations, teaching opportunities for foreigners, and future challenges for English language teaching in Taiwan. (Author/VWL)

After World War II, an optimistic, rationalist ideology infused with Jeffersonian values influenced worldwide educational growth. The idea of a universal, free, compulsory system replaced an older elitist ideology. The equality ideology held that (1) cultural integration was necessary for national unity and (2) a shortage of trained manpower was…

Beyond the nine years of compulsory education, Taiwan has the following two additional streams in the educational system: general academic education (GAE) and technological and vocational education (TVE). TVE has the two key features of a complete system to ensure students' horizontal and vertical mobility and a main schooling stream, parallel to…

Computerized school administration has become one of the most crucial innovations in vocational education in Taiwan in the Republic of China. As these educators begin to design or purchase computerized information systems for their own schools, they must first define their specific information needs. Next, they should pay attention to…

For Taiwan, Republic of China, a nation with limited natural resources and a population of 22 million people in an area of only 36,000 square kilometers, the development and use of human resources plays a pivotal role in sustainable economic growth. Vocational education and training are two major human development methods. Since persons with…

The five commissioned papers in this anthology provided part of the research base for the national report, "National Excellence: A Case for Developing America's Talent." In the first paper, "The Performance of High Ability Students in the United States on National and International Tests," Carolyn Callahan describes…