In order to enhance reform of and innovation at the Open University of China (OUC) the teaching, research, and service capabilities of staff, and the studious atmosphere of a campus where "anyone can learn anytime, anywhere", on 15 June 2021 the OUC's 4th Academic & Reading Salon’s 1st Session of Book-promotion and Reading Activities took place.

The theme of this session was "Reading, Studies, Life: My Story with Books". First-level professor with the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC, Wang Huaichao, and Xue Eryong, distinguished professor in the BNU scholar programme of Beijing Normal University, were special guests. Deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the OUC, Liu Chen, and executive deputy dean of the School of Marxism, Sun Fuwan, served as roundtable scholars; Chen Shougang, director of the Office of Scientific-research Management, served as host commentator; Dr. Xu Jinhai from the Faculty of Economics and Management served as commentator; and Dr. Qi Shu, a teacher in the School of Marxism, presided. Heads of relevant departments at the OUC headquarters, and teacher representatives, also participated on-site, while some of the teacher representatives from the teaching departments the OUC headquarters and branches, and representatives of other units directly under the Ministry of Education (MOE), did so online.

Liu Chen delivered a speech stressing the importance of reading, especially for young people, in terms of both quality and quantity. Reading is also an important way to promote teacher development, and all teaching staff should enhance their political consciousness by making reading a daily habit. He also stated that teachers should read books relevant to their subjects in order to stay abreast of them and maintain their expertise, and that they should read useful books. Books offer a lifetime of benefits, and the happiness of companionship.

In the session during which the experts shared their favourite books, Professor Wang Huaichao spoke of a book titled Socialism from Utopia to Scientific Evolution that played a decisive role in his beliefs and career. Two aspects of the book impressed him deeply: first, the materialistic view of history expounded by Engels, which allowed socialism to make the leap from utopianism to science; and second, Engels' convincing and scientific analysis of the basic contradictions of capitalism.

Based on his career experience, Professor Xue Eryong said that reading should follow the basic logic of "four combinations": combining book learning with its practical application, as well as knowledge of the author's life; combining specialised, or intensive, with general-interest, or extensive reading; combining reading with living, that is, making it a habit, and an enhancement of happiness; and finally, combining speed and efficiency with depth of understanding.

In the roundtable session, Professors Sun Fuwan, Chen Shougang and Xu Jinhai talked about their thinking concerning the theme of this session, and entered discussions with those attending.

Sun Fuwan shared ten thoughts on how to read books in contemporary society, including the meaning of reading, the importance of having a wide range of learning, and the relationship between reading and writing. He provided guidance to young scholars on reading and academic research.

Chen Shougang said that the OUC Reading Salon enables online and offline interaction of teachers and students, and provides a kind of home for OUC scholars. He spoke of how a good book can change one's life, and that it is necessary to participate and innovate at boundaries, recommending a book titled Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation.

Xu Jinhai spoke of Professor Wang Huaichao's use of the word 'faith', and stated that reading the classics is an important way to gain it. Faith gives one the confidence to meet challenges. He also emphasised the word “combination” in Professor Xue Eryong's speech, stating that scientific discovery relies on both intuition and imagination.

Chen Shanshan of Liaoning RTVU shared the thoughts she had after reading 100 Tips for Teachers online, and discussed with Professor Xue Eryong how to best teach the course "Xi Jinping's Important Exposition on Education". Hao Xinqi, director of the "Vocational Education China" programme on China Education Television (CETV), conducted in-depth exchanges with two distinguished experts on important issues such as the development of vocational education. Department heads and teacher representatives also participated in the discussions, and shared their reading experiences.

Written by Zhang Jun, Xiao Wanying, and Qi Shu; Photos by Zhuge Huanyu, OUC