A Study on the Application of the Integrated Theory and Practice Teaching Model in Public Administration: A Case Study of the Course “Simulated Training in Public Administration”

Public Administration, as a discipline emphasizing practical application, places significant emphasis on practical teaching within its academic framework. The effectiveness and comprehensiveness of the practical teaching system directly affect students’ capacity for practical application and their overall skill sets. This, in turn, is essential for the discipline’s ability to nurture innovative and practically-oriented professionals that meet the evolving needs of society. However, existing public administration education in China is predominantly confined by traditional educational concepts and teaching methods, leading to an overemphasis on classroom instruction which tends to prioritize theoretical knowledge dissemination. Consequently, the planning and implementation of practical teaching content, methodology, and duration are inadequate and lack coherence. This status quo has had a detrimental impact on the quality of talent development within the domain of Public Administration. Addressing this, there is an evident need to transcend prevailing educational concepts and teaching paradigms, integrating practical teaching as an integral element of the broader public administration education system. In this regard, the innovation of teaching methods is crucial to adapt proactively to the “new normal” of socio-economic development, underlined by the pivotal role of “innovation, creativity, and practical application” as vital benchmarks for evaluating talent development. This study explores the “Integration of Theory and Practice” model in the context of practical teaching for public administration, constructing a practical teaching framework that seamlessly unites theory and practice within the domain, placing students at the forefront and educators at the center. This model encompasses the alignment of teaching content, methodology, evaluation, and resources, achieving the “3+N” teaching effectiveness. By exemplifying the specific application of the Simulated Training in Public Administration course, it sheds light on the profound importance of the “Integration of Theory and Practice” model in enhancing the development of public administration and talent cultivation. The aim is to provide valuable insights for the reform of public administration education in China.