Gifted education in China

Abstract

The purpose of the present article is to provide an overview of gifted education in China, by tracing the social and cultural roots of the education system, and to review recent research that relates to current practices in gifted education. As a starting point, I will analyse conceptualisations and definitions of the key terms talent and giftedness in a Chinese cultural context, along with society’s understanding of talents and giftedness, and show how these concepts are different from and similar to Western conceptions and beliefs. Following standard educational practice, I will introduce the important research findings of the last decade and analyse major articles according to whether they follow an educational or psychological approach. Finally, I will provide an overview of education efforts for gifted students, including difficult issues that need more attention, and discuss China’s contribution to gifted education in domestic and international contexts.