Renyu Huang
China West Normal University Nanchong, Nanchong 637002, Sichuan, China.
*Corresponding author: Renyu Huang
Abstract
The traditional Chinese teaching philosophy, profound and time-honored, holds enduring significance in the modernization of history education. During this transformative process, it is imperative to prioritize the integration of traditional pedagogical concepts with disciplinary teaching practices, thereby establishing culturally-conscious innovative transformation mechanisms. Such efforts not only propel the innovative evolution of historical didactic paradigms but also lay a theoretical foundation for refining localized history teaching systems. The principle of "Thorough Reading and Critical Thinking" (Shudu Jingsi), advocated by Zhu Xi, emphasizes the synergy between memorization and intellectual inquiry. By combining repetitive engagement with textual materials and in-depth analytical reflection, this approach fosters cognitive iteration and culminates in holistic comprehension and practical application. Contemporary research into the modernization of this traditional philosophy offers valuable insights for reforming history education in China, particularly in cultivating students' historical literacy and disciplinary competence.
References
Cao, H. (2007). On Zhu Xi's method of interpreting classics through "thorough reading and careful thinking". Journal of Hubei Academy of Administrative Sciences, (6), 91-95.
Feng, L. (2011). A study of Zhu Xi's commentary on the doctrine of the mean [Master's thesis, Heilongjiang University].
Li, J. (1986). Classified conversations of master Zhu. Zhonghua Book Company.
Li, X. (2021). How to cultivate students' historical subject ability. Seeking Knowledge, (32), 51-52.
Wang, J. (2021). Reflections on reading training for high school students in history teaching. Academic Weekly, (30), 53-54.
Wang, X. (2014). A contemporary interpretation of "Zhu Xi's reading method". Education and Teaching Forum, (33), 1-2.
Zhang, T. (2019). On the modern transformation of traditional Chinese teaching ideas in basic education. Curriculum, Teaching Materials and Methods, 39(11), 97-103.
Zhang, T., & Zhao, H. (2019). The historical teaching thought and methods of Song Dynasty academies—Centered on Zhu Xi's teaching philosophy. History Teaching (Second Half-Monthly), (10), 68-72.
Zhu, H. (2004). Practice-experience: Zhu Xi's interpretive method of the four books. History of Chinese Philosophy, (4), 91-94.
How to cite this paper
Research on the Modern Transformation of the "Thorough Reading and Critical Thinking" Teaching Philosophy in High School History Education
How to cite this paper: Renyu Huang. (2026). Research on the Modern Transformation of the "Thorough Reading and Critical Thinking" Teaching Philosophy in High School History Education. Journal of History and Civilization Studies, 1(1), 19-23.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhcs.2026.06.004