The Curriculum Reform of Chenheqin : The influence of John Dewey On Activity-centered Theory

The purpose of this paper is to consider the curriculum reform conducted by Chenhenqin (1892-1982) from 1920 to 1949. Chen followed John Dewey\u27s principle andintroduced child -centered curriculum for the first time in China. He abolished textbook-learning and designed new activities for health, society, science, art andliterature, which were based upon children\u27s intrests and needs. They were all conducted in small factories, small farms, small libraries and small museums. Consequently, Chen\u27s reform has a great effect on educational development in China, leading to a practical use of Dewey\u27s theoretical concepts