To thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, advance the core quality project for Open University of China (OUC) students, establish an exemplary aesthetic education system reflective of OUC's distinctive features, drive the educational reforms in art majors at OUC, enhance the quality of education and teaching, and further contribute to the high-quality development of OUC, the 2023 OUC Annual Seminar on Aesthetic Education took place in Qingdao from 13th to 15th July.
The seminar was centered around the theme of "Cultivating individuals through aesthetic and cultural accomplishments and fostering innovation in OUC's aesthetic education."
The event was graced by the presence of leaders from various branches, with over 130 attendees including department heads, heads of art majors, and teacher representatives from multiple colleges and branches of OUC. Additionally, the teaching departments and business departments of 25 provincial branches actively participated in the event.
Xu Li, former secretary of the Leading Party Group and vice chairman of the China Artists Association, delivered a speech via video. He expressed that the organisation of the OUC's seminar on aesthetic education is a proactive initiative to deeply embody the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and promote the thematic education campaign on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. He outlined three expectations for the OUC's aesthetic education efforts: firstly, to uphold the responsibilities of aesthetic education for all based on the conduct expected of a great power; secondly, to establish a distinguished brand of cultural confidence through the involvement of renowned artists and teachers; and thirdly, to create a valuable platform for lifelong learning by leveraging the resources of the Seniors University of China (SUC).
Gu Xiaohua, director of the Academic Affairs Department (MOE Vocational Education Steering Committee Office), Tian Suxia, deputy director of the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development, and Cheng Qian, deputy director of the Learning Resources Department (Digital Library), delivered speeches highlighting the perspectives of education and teaching reform, the development of students' core qualities, and the establishment of resources for aesthetic education, respectively. Additionally, Jin Yan, vice dean of the OUC's School of Art, presented a report on the ongoing construction efforts of the School of Art.
Leaders from various branches and Professor Tang Yingshan from the School of Art at OUC engaged in fruitful discussions, exchanging their experiences in aesthetic education. The topics covered included strategies for establishing a successful calligraphy major with a strong foundation, integrating the development of degree and non-degree qualifications, sharing effective calligraphy teaching methods, exploring the role of aesthetic education in fostering teacher growth, reflecting on the accompanying teaching model for calligraphy courses, and implementing learner-centred approaches in aesthetic education teaching.
During the group discussion session, participants dedicated their attention to the current state and accomplishments of aesthetic education within their respective branches. They also shared their insights on the developmental trajectory of art majors such as Calligraphy and Interior Art Design within open education. Additionally, they offered valuable suggestions regarding the reform programme for art majors to be implemented by OUC, which sparked in-depth discussions among the attendees.
The appointment ceremony for the Central Teaching and Research Group of Calligraphy and Interior Art Design, as well as the award ceremony for the activity, were also held at the event.
On July 15th, all the staff went on an inspection tour to Qingdao Aesthetic Education Practice Base and conducted teaching and research activities for the Calligraphy major of OUC.
By Guo Meng and Li Jianqiang, OUC