Analysis and prospect of ‘Chinese Educational Modernization Policy’: a textual study based on 155 policy documents

Education modernization is the core issue of China’s education reform and development, which have received significant attention in the aspects of policy formulation, academic research and practical exploration in recent years. This study analyzes 155 policy documents related to the Chinese Educational Modernization Policy, employing a content analysis methodology. The utilizing tools such as NVivo 11.0 Plus, ROSTCM6, and Microsoft Word cloud applications, it conducts word frequency statistics, topic correlation assessments, and cluster analyses of the policy texts. The research systematically elucidates the key areas and developmental directions of ‘Chinese Educational Modernization Policy’. The findings indicate that this modernization initiative emphasizes five critical dimensions: (1) human modernization and institutional innovation (two-wheel drive); (2) Social collaboration and innovation mechanism; (3) Systematic construction of education support system; (4) Integration of theoretical construction and practical paths; (5) Multi-dimensional coordinated development system. Based on the findings, this study proposes four key policy recommendations: (1) establishing a hierarchical teacher training system; (2) developing a localized four-spiral collaboration mechanism for innovative talent cultivation; (3) implementing a phased strategy for educational digital transformation; (4) creating a multi-dimensional safeguard mechanism to ensure policy implementation. Therefore, these findings not only provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth promotion of China’s education modernization but also offer a valuable reference for global education development, especially for developing countries to explore localized education modernization models.