The imperial examination system: "How to examine" and the comprehensive development of students during the Ming and Qing dynasties

Abstract

The emphasis on comprehensive human development in Chinese education has a long-standing tradition. Especially during the Ming and Qing dynasties, under the criteria for selecting state-governing talent, the "guiding role" of the Imperial Examinations played a positive role in promoting students' all-round development in virtue, wisdom, physical, aesthetics, and labor. This paper employs historical research methods. To specifically analyze how the Ming and Qing imperial examinations guided the comprehensive development of students, it is necessary to categorize and describe the methods and content of guidance in the aspect of "How to examine", concerning the students' "virtue, wisdom, physical, aesthetic, and labor" development. During the Ming and Qing periods, the imperial examination system had become relatively mature, with its various intricacies influencing admissions and prompting students to meticulously prepare. The imperial examinations, through both direct and indirect methods, exerted a holistic impact on the comprehensive development of students throughout the entire process.