The emergence of continuing education in China

This article reports on continuing education in China. It discusses the emergence of the field in the 1980s, the Chinese characteristics of continuing education, recent developments, and limitations. Continuing education became available in China in the 1980s following a change in government policy and economic reform. It caters mainly for training specialist technicians, although the field has recently diversified to include programs for government officials, leaders of public services, teachers and the general public. Continuing education is increasing in popularity due to the developing economy that demands a skilled workforce. However, several problems and challenges limit the field's development, including inaccessibility (particularly for the general public), out-dated curricula and teaching methods, and limited legislation. These issues need to be addressed if continuing education in China is to develop further, be of high quality and meet the needs of society.