On August 31, 2018, City University of Macau were honored to invited the Prof. Shi Xiaoguang, Professor in the Graduate School of Education, Peking University, and also one of academic staff/Deputy Director at Peking University, Center of International Higher Education(PKU-CIHE), attended CityU Education Forum. Prof. Shi entitled “Philosophical Paradigm: Methodology of Education Research”, and shared his experience about philosophy to all participants.

    Firstly, Prof. Shi introduced four steps of the social science research and the classification of research. Next, he elaborated that philosophical paradigm uses the methods of philosophical studies theory and philosophical reflection to analyze, understand, explain and predict social phenomenon. Then, he made the further explanation about philosophical paradigm, which is based on the world outlook. Prof. Shi thought the unique value of studying education with the philosophical paradigm is that researchers gain experience of the abstract and conceptualization through observation and classification. The success of process depends heavily on the theoretical level of researchers. He emphasized that philosophical paradigm is not the only approach to the education, but it is definitely an important approach. At the same time, if researchers could insist on reading philosophical books and training rational thinking, their philosophical accomplishments will be improved, which will directly affect the theoretical level of education.

    Prof. Shi is highly welcomed by all the participants. After the speech, postgraduates from the Faculty of Education raised their doubts to Prof. Shi, such as the philosophical explanation of “unity of knowledge and practice”. Prof. Shi answered all their questions in detail. Besides, Prof. Sean Li, Academic Registrar and Dean of FED of City University of Macau, made a brief summary of the forum, and believed studying philosophy will improve logical capability. Finally, the atmosphere of this lecture was very active, all the participants benefited from Prof. Shi’s presentation.