Since 2015, Faculty of Education at East China Normal University has continuously promoted the transformation of China’s educational research paradigms by initiating and organizing the Forum on Empirical Education Research, and awarding the Outstanding Achievements in Empirical Education Research. These efforts have enhanced the dialogue between Chinese educational science and the international academic community. To date, empirical research has become a widespread trend in the Chinese educational academia and has become a fundamental requirement for educational policymaking. There is a broad consensus to improve the level of education research and decision-making through empirical studies. How to elevate empirical research to a new level not only influences the future trajectory of empirical forums but also determines whether a substantial breakthrough can be achieved in the construction of an autonomous knowledge system in Chinese education.
The history of science shows that the revelation of the laws behind various forms of movement, whether in the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of nature or in human society itself, is closely tied to innovations in research methods, with empirical research playing a key role in the process. The move toward innovating research methods is therefore an inherent requirement in addressing the developmental challenges posed by the discipline of education in the era of mega-science.
In light of this consideration, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Forum on Empirical Education Research, we have set up the “Global Award for Innovation in Education Research Methods”. We hope to take this award as a starting point, focus on innovations in education research methods, actively participate in promoting new developments in global education research, and guide China’s empirical education research to better engage with the world.
