Challenges in Cross-national Framework Curriculum Transfer: The Case of China’s Undergraduate Vocational Education

• In Event: AER Roundtable Session Friday 1:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Issues in Contemporary Education Across Nations

Abstract

This research examines the cross-national framework curriculum transfer from Germany into China’s emerging undergraduate vocational program. Guided by Phillips and Ochs’ policy borrowing model and the theory of reference societies, the research investigates institutional, pedagogical, and cultural challenges through a qualitative case study at a vocational university in South-Central China. Findings reveal significant barriers, including centralized governance, limited industry involvement, resource constraints, and exam-oriented pedagogy. However, localized adaptations, such as modular restructuring, bilingual materials, and phased instructional strategies, have supported gradual internalization. The study underscores the importance of contextualizing international models and calls for sustained stakeholder collaboration. It offers practical implications for education policymakers engaged in international curriculum reform within vocational education and training systems.

Author

• Jia Li, The Education University of Hong Kong