Cultural ecology and isomorphism applied to educational planning in China’s Inner Mongolia: A new rubric
International Journal of Comparative Education and Development
ISSN: 2396-7404
Article publication date: 8 February 2016
Abstract
Purpose
Worldwide, dichotomies exist within macro- and micro-educational planning of systems of education. Inner Mongolia represents an interesting case in the sense that its educational system has been influenced by its historical and passive reliance on China’s political reforms and ongoing identity issues. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how cultural ecology and isomorphism can be compared and managed in the form of a dualism, involving complex organisational structures, operational procedures, and learning outcomes. These may be macro in focus but may also promote the development of social and cultural identity at micro levels. Emphasis is placed upon examining cultural ecology, a concept advocated by the cultural anthropologist, Roy Rappaport, but with concern for embracing indigenous knowledge as a complement to traditional educational attainment.
Design/methodology/approach
This discussion further considers the feasibility and implementation of a rubric (the Denman-James Rubric (DJR)) that is a custom-tailored pilot project designed to visually demonstrate one’s mastery of creativity and communication, reflective thinking, and analytical and problem solving skills. A demonstration of the DJR is presented to highlight the progress made in its usage and utility in Inner Mongolia and elsewhere.
Findings
A primary research goal is to investigate whether differing teaching and learning approaches and the use of alternative assessments over a period of time can promote, encourage, and empower students into taking greater ownership of their learning.
Originality/value
This narrative is an original look at Inner Mongolia’s educational system and how it has been influenced by its historical and passive reliance on China’s political reforms and ongoing identity issues.
Keywords
Citation
Denman, B.D. and James, R. (2016), "Cultural ecology and isomorphism applied to educational planning in China’s Inner Mongolia: A new rubric", International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 40-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCED-10-2015-0003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited