To further advance teaching reform and enhance the pursuit of excellence and quality improvement, the Open University of China (OUC) organised a dedicated seminar on teaching reform on 19 May 2023.
The seminar brought together experts from various departments of the institution, providing a valuable platform for attendees to actively contribute their insights and engage in discussions on implementing effective measures and setting goals for teaching reform.
Li Song, the vice president of OUC, attended and delivered a speech at the seminar. Li emphasized that the top priority in the field of education is high-quality development. This is particularly crucial for OUC as it impacts individuals, society, and the country as a whole. He highlighted the need to promote education and teaching reform based on problem-solving, goal-oriented, and effective principles. Li emphasized four key points for advancing teaching reform. Firstly, it is essential to understand the essence of open education, which prioritizes talent cultivation and upholds high standards of quality. Secondly, we should adhere to the standards for talent quality, ensuring that teaching and learning align with the principles of adult education. Additionally, teaching should be practical, tailored to learners' needs, and facilitate the enhancement of problem-solving abilities through their own experiences. Thirdly, teaching reform should address existing issues and anticipate future development requirements. Lastly, we should adopt a holistic approach, striking a balance between short-term and long-term goals and considering the interplay between different aspects to build an open education system with an optimized structure, balanced development, and rational distribution.
Lin Xiuqin, the deputy director of the Academic Affairs Department, presented the background, preparation process, main content, and solicitation of comments for the document titled "Opinions on Implementation of Teaching Reform at the OUC" (referred to as "Opinions on Teaching Reform" hereafter). The experts present fully endorsed the document, considering it comprehensive, systematic, well-organised, and providing effective guidance. They also highlighted its advanced and problem-solving-oriented nature. Moreover, the document offered valuable comments and advice on key issues, such as team management, practical training, and offline teaching, to address the most crucial aspects, emphasize the characteristics of the OUC, and outline the approach and measures for implementation. The experts emphasized that the "Opinions on Teaching Reform" placed strong emphasis on adaptive measures to meet the needs of adult learners, while highlighting the distinctive features of open education, including the integration of curricular and non-curricular education, as well as online and offline modes of instruction.
Li expressed his gratitude to the experts for their valuable comments and advice. According to Li Song, to promote teaching reform, it is crucial for the institution to foster a unified mindset, develop a clear plan, pursue the right direction, and dedicate unwavering physical and mental efforts. He emphasized the importance of working together with a spirit of creativity, aiming high and far, seeking truth, and being pragmatic. Additionally, he highlighted the need to prioritize self-motivated learners and explore ways to provide them with enhanced education and services.
During the seminar, the attending experts actively participated in discussions and exchanged ideas regarding the objectives of teaching reform, drawing upon their experiences from previous practice activities conducted within their respective branches. The seminar was hosted by Gu Xiaohua, the director of the Academic Affairs Department, and was attended by staff members from the teaching departments and the Academic Affairs Department.
Written by Sun Jingchen, Xia Dongmei, photographed by Zhuge Huanyu, OUC