The enablers and barriers of providing professional practical skills education to rural elementary school students in Zhejiang, China

Purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the enablers and barriers to providing both technical and practical skills education to rural Chinese elementary school students. Focus groups and surveys were given to teachers, students and parents. Enablers: teachers/ parents agreed on the importance of providing practical skills education and willingness to participate in study and subsequent projects and students would enjoy learning practical skills. Barriers included: traditional exam-oriented educational philosophy in China, only schools are responsible for providing education, and financial issues. Researcher recommended setting up a nonformal educational programs, such as 4-H.