Chen Xiangming

Biography of Prof. Xiangming CHEN

xmchen@gse.pku.edu.cn

Xiangming Chen is professor at Graduate School of Education, chairperson of the Academic Committee of the Center for Basic Education Research, and honorary director for the Center of Qualitative Research in Education in Peking University, China. She was a worker and temporary teacher for eight years before obtaining her B.A. in Hunan Normal University, M.A. from Beijing Normal University, and M.Ed. and Ed. D. from Harvard University. She was a visiting professor in Oxford University of UK, Seton Hall University and Kennesaw State University of the USA, Nagoya University of Japan, and National Institute of Education in Nanyang Technology University in Singapore.

Prof. Chen’s major research areas include teacher education, teaching & learning, and qualitative research methodology in social sciences. She has been team leader for more than 10 national and international research and development projects. With a rich and solid expertise in empirical research as well as theoretical interpretation, she has worked as consultant or evaluator for many projects, sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the World Bank, the Department for International Development of the UK, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, etc.

Prof. Chen has published 15 books (including editing) and over 270 articles. Her book Qualitative Research Methods in Social Sciences is the first systematically introducing qualitative research in China. This book, together with her other books Bridging Praxis and Theory: A study on teachers’ practical knowledge and Learning and Action in Participation, have become important references for universities and in-service teacher professional development.