Abstract:

The introduction of the lifelong education theory in China began in the late 1970s, and experienced different stages, which showed different characteristics in the form, carrier and scope of the introduction, the level of dialogue between the introduction theory and Chinese local educational theory, and the degree of influence of the introduction theory on Chinese educational practice and educational theory innovation. The introduction of the lifelong education theory in China not only influences the development of Chinese pedagogy discipline, promotes the deepening of Chinese educational theory research, but also has an important influence on the change of people’s concepts about education and the development and reform of Chinese educational practice. The introduction of the lifelong education theory in China provides a way for Chinese educational scholars to strengthen the connection between Chinese educational theory and Chinese educational practice and brought five enlightenments of the innovation of education theory: to clarify the development of foreign educational theory, to establish the autonomy of Chinese educational theory, to base on Chinese educational practice, to carry out “dialogue” between Chinese and foreign educational theory, and to realize the ultimate goal of educational theory innovation.

Key words: lifelong education theory, theory introduction, educational theory research, development of pedagogy discipline