Recently, the Open University of China (OUC) hosted the third lecture in the 2024 Special Training Series on Ideological and Political Education into Curriculum.

This event is also part of the "Lectures by Famous Teachers from 100 Universities" series. The lecture featured Professor Cao Zhijun, a leading scholar from China Agricultural University, the secretary-general of the National Centre for Emerging Agricultural Education Development, and the secretary-general of the Higher Agricultural and Forestry Education Branch of the China Association of Higher Education. Professor Cao delivered a report titled "Constructing a High-Quality Autonomous Talent Training System: A Case Study of China Agricultural University." The event was moderated by Lin Xiuqin, deputy director of the OUC’s Academic Affairs Department.

Professor Cao conducted an in-depth analysis of the contemporary demands that Chinese modernization places on higher education reform and the construction of new agricultural sciences. He explained how China Agricultural University proactively adapts to the development needs of modern agricultural technology and new productive forces. With the goals of fostering a deep affection for agriculture, enhancing the ability to strengthen and promote agriculture, and emphasising practical agricultural actions, the university has built a high-quality, autonomous talent training system. Additionally, Professor Cao shared insights on how China Agricultural University integrates discipline and major construction with ideological and political education through curriculum, agricultural and labour education, and the comprehensive fusion of the first and second classrooms. This approach creates a six-dimensional educational ecosystem encompassing "university, colleges, disciplines and majors, courses, teachers, and students."

During the event, Professor Cao engaged in interactive discussions with the teachers, delving into topics such as the digitalisation of education, modern agricultural technology, and the integration of industry and education in talent training. Teachers and students of agricultural and medical programmes from various branches participated in the lecture through an online live stream. Everyone expressed that through this training, they had gained an understanding of the development of modern agricultural technology in China, deepened their understanding and recognition of new agricultural sciences, and learned about the innovative practices of China Agricultural University in new agricultural science talent training and teaching reform, which benefited them greatly.

This event was jointly organised by the Academic Affairs Department, the School of Agroforestry and Medicine, and the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development.

By Academic Affairs Department, OUC