Editor's Notes: The Open University of China (OUC) has initiated a programme to nurture candidates for the inaugural session of "Outstanding Young Teachers," resulting in 104 teachers being bestowed with the esteemed title of "OUC Outstanding Young Teachers."
By sharing the stories of some of these young teachers and highlighting their experiences of learning and personal growth, our aim is to showcase the dedication and enthusiasm of all OUC teachers who are devoted to contributing to the establishment of a lifelong learning society for all.
Zhao Haixia, a graduate of Sun Yat-sen University in 2005, has devoted 17 years to her career at Guangdong Open University, specializing in open education. Currently serving as the head of the Marketing Sales major at Guangdong Open University, she is also a member of the Teaching Research Centre for the OUC Marketing Sales major and a core team member of the OUC Marketing Planning Team. Her research interests primarily focus on Marketing Sales and Innovation & Entrepreneurship Education.
In 2016, she was awarded the title of associate professor, marking a significant milestone in her career. However, when she encountered a career bottleneck, the OUC Outstanding Young Teachers Training Programme presented a new path for her to explore.
I. Innovation & Entrepreneurship Education: New Starting Point of Her Career Road
The Programme encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone in routine professional teaching. It ignited her passion for venturing into the realm of innovation & entrepreneurship education and reminded her to consistently prioritize addressing the genuine needs of students.
Through her investigations and research, she came to the realization that there was a pressing need for reform in innovation & entrepreneurship education within open universities. She observed that the demand for innovation and entrepreneurship among open university students stemmed from their basic survival needs. Individuals with lower levels of education often find themselves working at the bottom of the job market. As they strive to earn their first earnings and embark on their entrepreneurial journey, they encounter challenges due to a lack of entrepreneurial knowledge and practical experience, resulting in a lower rate of entrepreneurial success. The students at our university are in dire need of innovation & entrepreneurship education, as open education should foster personal growth, transformation, and development through relevant and tailored educational approaches. Driven by the sincere intention to provide the innovation & entrepreneurship education that open education students truly require, she embarked on her journey once again.
II. Grow Together: New Driving Force for Her Career Development
Through profound exchanges with entrepreneurial students, she redefined the knowledge, teacher-student dynamics, and teaching perspectives within innovation and entrepreneurship education. Placing students at the forefront as the primary participants in innovation & entrepreneurship education, she fostered a collaborative community aimed at "cultivating talents through education." The students' diverse, personalized entrepreneurial experiences proved to be invaluable and surpassed the mere imparting of knowledge by teachers. Recognizing that entrepreneurial students are the focal point of innovation & entrepreneurship education, she took the initiative to engage with students and establish a relationship based on equality and trust. This transformative approach turned previously mundane teaching activities into interactive experiences, where both teachers and students could appreciate and learn from each other, ultimately achieving the goal of mutual growth and leveraging each other's strengths.
During this period, I had the privilege of accompanying numerous students on their entrepreneurial journeys. Through witnessing the triumphs and setbacks experienced by these aspiring entrepreneurs, I came to realize that "fostering virtue through education" extends beyond equipping students with the skills to succeed. It also entails helping them understand that entrepreneurial success cannot be achieved overnight. Regardless of the scale of their businesses, the establishment of a brand holds equal importance as it reflects the virtues of the entrepreneurs. One student, surnamed Wang from Guangdong Open University, left a profound impression on me with her entrepreneurial experience and unwavering perseverance. Despite being born with physical disabilities resulting from a medical accident that deprived her brain of oxygen, Wang exhibited a strength and optimism that surpassed many of us. During an opportune time when the OUC organised a case analysis competition for Business Administration majors, I encouraged Wang to participate. Her case, titled "There are Stars on the Road to Entrepreneurship," ultimately won the first prize in the competition. As her mentor, I, too, gained invaluable insights and knowledge through guiding her in compiling the case, contributing to a mutually enriching teaching and learning experience.
III. Success Often Comes Serendipitously: New Level of CareerDevelopment
In 2021, she was honored as the Distinguished Teacher of Guangdong Open University. This recognition not only validates her teaching efforts but also signifies a greater responsibility on her shoulders. As an educator, she consistently upholds the original intention of education, considering it the greatest reward in itself. She firmly believes that the educational process is not solely about helping students "foster virtue through education," but also about inspiring teachers to remain dedicated to their original purpose. She views "learning as a teacher, a model of behavior in the world" as a lifelong pursuit, emphasizing the importance of continuous personal growth and development.
By OUC News Network