Tian Shi (timing) Di Li (context) Ren He (human capital): a new theoretical framework for analyzing the implementability of imported early childhood practices and making a case for a hybrid model

Jennifer J. Chen*, Hui Li

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
65 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In this conceptual paper, we propose a new three-pronged theoretical framework derived from Chinese philosophy: (1) Tian Shi (timing), (2) Di Li (context), and (3) Ren He (human capital). Specifically, we delineate the nature of Tian Shi, Di Li, Ren He required for the successful translation of top-down education policy into practice using Hong Kong as a case example. Applying this new conceptual framework, we conducted secondary data analysis of two cases examining the implementability of U.S.-originated and popular child-centered early childhood models by Hong Kong kindergarten teachers (serving children ages 3–6), with one case focusing on the Project Approach in one kindergarten, and the other on the HighScope Curriculum in another kindergarten. The findings revealed that Hong Kong had not yet attained favorable Tian Shi, Di Li, Ren He to render success in these kindergarten teachers’ adoption of imported early childhood approaches with fidelity due to incompatibility in sociocultural and educational realities as well as professional competence. Instead, the teachers’ implementation behaviors made a case for a hybrid model as a viable and potentially sustainable solution to reconcile these contextual incompatibilities by weaving local and global practices into a conflation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)292-309
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Research in Childhood Education
Volume37
Issue number2
Early online date26 Aug 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • early childhood curriculum
  • early childhood pedagogy
  • HighScope Curriculum
  • Hong Kong
  • hybrid mode
  • project approach

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