Flexible learning system is a flexible and open learning system, and its connotation elements are: flexible academic system, flexible management, flexible plan, flexible curriculum, flexible course selection, flexible teaching content and so on. Its extension also extends to education administrative departments, enterprises, parents of students and social organizations. Flexible learning system is a flexible and open learning system. With the implementation of the credit system, students can complete their studies by stages through cross-regional learning, work-study and work-study alternation.

In China, the trial of flexible learning system is first carried out at the level of higher education, and secondary vocational schools basically copy the practices of colleges and universities when constructing flexible learning system. Of course, both the flexible learning system in colleges and universities and the flexible learning system in secondary vocational schools have the same essential characteristics of selectivity.