A cohort of 31 Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) students from the Faculty of Education at the University of Macau successfully completed a field study trip in Chengdu from 24 to 26 April 2026. The study trip was led by Dr. Jing SUN, Senior Instructor of the Ed.D. programme. It forms a core component of the Ed.D. programme’s training framework, designed to broaden students’ academic horizons and deepen their systematic understanding of both higher and basic education in mainland China.

Under the theme of “Exploring Multidimensional Educational Ecosystems”, the field study offered a diverse itinerary spanning basic education, higher education, and private schooling. At Chengdu No. 7 High School, the group visited the Inclusive Education Centre, School History Hall, Biodiversity Museum, and Robotics Lab. The study group engaged in in‑depth discussions with the school’s management team on topics such as building educational philosophy systems, cultivating innovative talent, and optimising curriculum reform and evaluation. A highlight was learning about the award‑winning “Remote Collaboration, Dual‑Teacher Instruction” model, which leverages digital technology to deliver live classes every day to 399 high schools and 100,000 students across more than 10 provinces.

In the higher education sector, the field study group toured the renowned Sichuan University Museum, which is recognised as one of the most comprehensive museums in Southwest China. Through exhibitions and interactive experiences, students explored intangible cultural heritage such as lacquerware, filigree silverwork, traditional embroidery, and shadow puppetry. These encounters provided vivid case studies for research on cultural heritage and educational integration.

Turning to private education, the group visited Chengdu Golden Apple Jincheng No. 1 High School, a twelve‑year integrated private institution. The school’s “Three‑Dimensional Education” model sparked discussions on holistic curriculum design, innovative moral education practices, and immersive classroom pedagogy. The study group also examined issues of private school positioning, differentiated development, and quality assurance systems.

The University of Macau’s Ed.D. programme emphasises “theory empowering practice, practice enriching research”. By situating advanced theory and research methods within authentic educational contexts, the programme cultivates academically grounded leaders with strong management capabilities. The Chengdu field study exemplified this philosophy. It combined site visits, academic seminars, case analysis, and cultural immersion to strengthen the link between theoretical learning and practical insight among Ed.D. students.

The field study of Ed.D. students also embodied the Faculty of Education’s mission to “root in Macao, integrate with the nation, and look to the world”. The trip fostered mutual learning between Macao and Chengdu in educational philosophy, teaching models, and management practices, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration in research, faculty and student exchanges, and joint educational projects.

Faculty of Education