To thoroughly embody the principles of frontline engagement and gain a comprehensive understanding of the educational practices within the system, a delegation from the School of Education at the Open University of China (OUC) recently conducted a research visit to Inner Mongolian Open University.
Spearheaded by Dean Zhang Xia, the delegation included Vice Dean Zhang Feng, Director Wang Haiping of the Department of Basic Education, and key professional course leaders. This initiative aimed to foster the advancement of Education programmes through firsthand insights and collaborative exchange.
At the research symposium, Zhang Jianru, a Party Committee member and vice president of Inner Mongolia Open University, along with several faculty members, was in attendance. The session was chaired by Wang Jilei, director of the Teaching Centre at Inner Mongolia Open University. The research team then proceeded to the Inner Mongolia Branch campus, where they toured the university's history museum, library, and smart cloud classrooms.
During their visit, the team delved into the specifics of the Inner Mongolia Branch's educational offerings, examining aspects such as student recruitment for the Education programme, the education and teaching, the development of educational resources, the composition of the teaching faculty, the practical training components, and the guidance provided for thesis writing. They also engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with the Inner Mongolia Branch's teaching staff.
The research team paid a visit to Ulanqab Open University, where President Yu Jinwang extended a warm welcome to their arrival. The team gained insights into the university's Education programme development, enrollment strategies, and teacher advancement initiatives, as well as the tangible outcomes of these efforts. They engaged in separate discussions with key personnel from the Preschool and Primary Education departments, including faculty, class advisors, academic administrators, and students.
The conversations delved into various aspects such as enrollment trends, curriculum management, thesis supervision, career progression for educators, requirements for competitions and training, and issues related to the use of the learning network, with participants engaging in thorough on-site exchanges of ideas and feedback.
Furthermore, the research team meticulously explored students' experiences, assessment practices, thesis writing, case-based teaching methods, and internship opportunities. They addressed students' queries and concerns, laying a solid foundation for refining the professional talent development framework and enhancing the quality of educational resources.
The recent study has amassed invaluable insights for the development and cultivation of Preschool and Primary Education programmes at the open universities, infusing open education's high-quality advancement with fresh vigour and innovative perspectives. Moving forward, the School of Education is committed to sustaining and advancing its research initiatives. By translating these insights into concrete actions, the school aims to catalyse educational innovation, persistently elevate teaching standards, and foster a transformative leap in the quality and efficacy of open education endeavours.
By Zhang Huirui, Guo Xinyue, OUC