Learning Assessment and Accountability for Higher Education in China

The book explores how to use student learning outcomes assessment data to improve teaching and learning in Chinese higher education.

The author comprehensively examines the assessment of learning outcomes within the context of both internal and external quality assurance schemes in China. She argues that such assessment must be applied within a defined policy framework, organizational structure, and operational procedures. The author highlights the importance of student learning outcomes assessment in Chinese higher education, its current state, and ways to use assessment data for accountability and the improvement of students’ learning quality. The book makes an original contribution to higher education by exploring whether and how such assessments influence the challenging, resource-intensive, and complex task of improving and sustaining education quality.

The book will appeal to scholars and postgraduate students of higher education, education assessment and evaluation, and critical thinking.

Huanhuan Xia holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Beijing Normal University and was a joint doctoral student at Columbia University in New York. She is currently an assistant professor at College of Education, Capital Normal University. Dr. Xia has independently hosted two research projects granted by National Social Science Fund of China and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Grant. Dr. Xia has participated in over 15 major scientific research projects, including key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation. She has published more than ten academic papers in higher education learning outcomes, key competences and higher education policy. Her main research areas include education policy and evaluation, student development and learning assessment, and critical thinking and gifted education.