乡村学校也可以“小而美”

Core Insights - The article highlights the ongoing decline of rural schools in China, with a significant reduction in the number of schools and students, while some rural schools are attracting urban students seeking a different educational experience [3][6][11] Group 1: Decline of Rural Schools - The number of rural schools in China has decreased from 416,000 in 2001 to 76,000 in 2022, indicating a significant trend of school closures [6] - The total number of ordinary primary schools in the country is reported at 143,500, down by 5,645 schools or 3.79% from the previous year [6] - Factors contributing to this decline include a decreasing birth rate, rural population migration to urban areas, and the rapid development of new technologies [6][8] Group 2: Emerging Trends in Rural Education - Some well-performing rural schools are beginning to attract urban students, as parents seek a less competitive and more nurturing educational environment [3][6] - Schools like the范家小学 in Sichuan have adopted a "family-like" educational approach, focusing on local curriculum and project-based learning, which has garnered attention and enrollment from outside the local area [3][4] - The concept of "small and beautiful" education is gaining traction, emphasizing the importance of local resources and community involvement in rural education [8][12] Group 3: Community and Parental Involvement - In some rural areas, parents are moving to be closer to schools, forming supportive communities that enhance the educational experience for their children [8][9] - The "三亲" education model in 长治 encourages parental involvement in both education and community development, attracting students from various regions [8] - Schools are increasingly focusing on mental health and well-being, with programs that integrate physical activity and reading to support students' emotional needs [13][14] Group 4: Educational Innovations - Innovative teaching methods and flexible curriculum arrangements are being implemented in rural schools to better engage students [6][12] - Programs like "蜗牛读跑" and "小喜鹊读书节" are being introduced to promote reading and physical activity among students, leading to positive changes in their overall well-being [13][14] - The emphasis on local culture and community resources is seen as a way to create a more relevant and effective educational experience for rural students [11][12]