On 12 October 2021, the National Conference on Educational Materials, and commendations of the winners of the first National Award for Educational Material Construction (NAEMC), took place in Beijing, where Sun Chunlan, vice premier of the State Council and director of the National Committee for Educational Materials (NCEM), delivered a speech. The NECM commended 999 textbooks, 99 collectives, and 200 individual winners.
Thirteen textbook series published by the Publishing & Media Group of the Open University of China (OUC) placed well in the event, with two professional-English textbook series - English for Technology and Engineering (1 - 4) and Private International Law - coming first, and 11 others, including Basic Knowledge and Practices of Innovation (2nd Edition), placing 2nd in the National Awards for Textbooks in Vocational and Continuing Education, placing textbooks in the category of vocational and continuing education produced by the OUC Publishing & Media Group in the top 5 among national publishing houses, and top 3 among university publishers.
The NAEMC is the first special permanent-incentive programme to be developed in China, covering construction of textbooks from primary school through university, and is highest award for national educational materials since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. With the NCEM as its sponsor and the Ministry of Education as an organiser, the NAEMC is held every four years. The first NAEMC event took place in 2020, and consisted of three categories: a National Award for Textbooks in Basic, Vocational, Continuing and Higher Education; a National Award for Collectives Engaged in Textbook Construction; and a National Award for Individuals Engaged in Textbook Construction. It covers the construction of textbooks in all fields and stages of education in China.
Over the past 40 years, the OUC Publishing & Media Group, as the only modern and comprehensive media group producing publications related to open and distance education in China, has provided over 10,000 high-quality textbooks and other learning resources to more than 20 million students, making outstanding contributions to the promotion of higher education in the country. This year’s award-winning textbooks for vocational and continuing education provide scientific, advanced and highly targeted contents with a positive and progressive outlook and high quality. They represent an advanced level of textbook construction for vocational and continuing education in China, and have received widespread praise.
In the future, the Group will continue to base its publications on the OUC’s teaching and research needs, promoting integration and development, and moving from traditional publishing toward “Internet Plus” education. It will make efforts to produce more high-quality textbooks and help foster the personalities and moral character of students, bringing them enlightenment, and adapting to the requirements of the times while contributing to the construction of lifelong learning throughout the country.
By OUC Press