How many people can take part in a class on politics and ideology: 30 in a small class, or nearly 100 in a big one?

“Let’s look at these numbers: 7 patients older than 100 have been cured of Covid-19, including one aged 108. More than 3,600 of those over 80 have been cured, a success rate of nearly 70% …”Recently, secretary Zhou Zhi of the CPC Tianjin Radio and TV University Committee gave the class a vivid online lecture on ideology, politics and the current domestic situation titled: “People are of Supreme Importance”. Unlike most such classes, this class was attended by people over 80, students in their teens, white- and blue-collar workers, community workers, and ordinary people. Zhou Zhi had not expected that this class, moved online, would attract nearly 5,000 people. “Online classes have extended the reach of education. The number of students has increased, and the people-centred and people-first philosophy of the Communist Party of China has been promoted,” said Zhou Zhi.

In class, students from all walks of life are impressed deeply by the vitality and superiority of the leadership of the Communist Party of China， China’s socialist system, and its system of national governance.

Yu Zhenfei， secretary and grid operator of the Sixth Grid Party Branch of the Junliyuan Community, Dongli District, took in the entire class on his way to the community for household screening. His feelings were many as he recalled returning to his position on the second day of the Chinese New Year, doing four rounds of household screening, and serving dozens of households as courier, delivery clerk, purchasing agent, carrier, psychological counselor, and isolation supervisor. He said, “Compared with the front-line medical workers, we grid operators have had an easy time. As a Party member, I will always remember to serve the people wholeheartedly, and how important it is for me to take charge at a critical moment. In the fight against the epidemic, I have been proud of myself as a Party member, and even more proud as a Chinese born in China.”

During the class, the students paid close attention, and it was natural for Zhou Zhi to feel a little nervous. “The class was open, so the students could see me, but I couldn't see them. In classes I've taught in the past, I could see how well the students understood me from their eyes. What I must do now is attract students with wonderful content.” With this in mind, Zhou Zhi and the teaching team in the university’s School of Marxism conducted several simulations before the class, and finally decided to compose the lecture mainly out of stories. “When the heart is touched, one accepts what is being taught,” said Zhou Zhi.

The School of Marxism at Tianjin RTVU has launched another 5 online courses in politics and ideology, and more than 20,000 people have attended them online so far. For Zhou Zhi and the university, this series represents an innovation. “This has given us experience that will help us launch more such classes. We are now trouble-shooting, and hope to attract more people to them on our live platform,” said Zhou Zhi.

By the OUC News Network
Reprinted from Tianjin Daily Reporter: Zhang Wenjing