In an effort to deeply study and implement the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, consolidate and deepen the achievements of thematic education, and improve the quality of talent cultivation across various educational majors, the School of Education of the Open University of China (OUC) recently hosted training for 2024 education programme thesis advisors and defense moderators.

Ma Guiying, a member of the Party committee and deputy secretary of the Inner Mongolia Open University, attended the event and delivered a speech. Zhang Jianru, also a member of the Party committee, vice president of Inner Mongolia Open University, and chairman of the education sub-committee of the OUC Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, delivered a thematic lecture.

The event was attended by 116 heads of related majors and dissertation tutors from 39 branches and schools, including the School of Education at the OUC headquarters. The training included special sessions, field visits, expert lectures, and experience sharing to strengthen the construction of high-quality specialised teachers and promote the high-quality development of open education.

Ma Guiying outlined the essentials of the school system at Inner Mongolia Open University and emphasized that the quality of education and teaching is the cornerstone of the open university system and pivotal for career development. She encouraged participants to value their training opportunities, study diligently, engage in active thinking, and participate in extensive exchanges and deep discussions to enhance their learning. She urged everyone to ignite sparks of thought during these interactions and to effectively guide students in their dissertations. By doing so, she hopes to collectively elevate open education to a new level.

Zhang Jianru is making a themed lecture.

Zhang Jianru delivered a themed lecture titled "Interpretation of the OUC’s Relevant Policy Documents and Normative Requirements." She provided a detailed explanation of the policy documents and normative requirements related to the Bachelor's degree dissertation at the OUC to the teachers.

Wang Lu and Zhang Rui are making themed training.

Wang Lu, vice chairwoman of the Education Sub-Committee of the OUC Academic Degree Evaluation Committee and a professor at Guangzhou Open University, analysed the data from Education category dissertations to evaluate the current usage of research methods. She identified existing issues and, through examining the reasons behind these issues and interpreting exemplary cases, offered strategies and advice for dissertation supervisors. Meanwhile, Zhang Rui, a member of the same sub-committee and a professor at Jiangxi Open University, focused on the format specifications of dissertations. Her analysis covered the standardisation of titles, abstracts, keywords, and references, as well as the overall structure of the dissertations, examining them from the perspective of topic selection and foundational rationale.

Through the field visits, the participating teachers have gained a deeper understanding of the current state of kindergartens, strengthened ties and cooperation with the community, and brought new momentum to the advancement of community education.

Zhao Ronghui is making a themed report.

In an expert lecture session, Zhao Ronghui, the dean of the School of Education at Inner Mongolia Normal University, began by discussing the definition of "four qualities" that characterise good teachers and their teaching practices. He explored ways to implement the standard of "four qualities" in teaching and encouraged everyone to aspire to be good teachers with "four qualities".

In a session on teachers' dissertation guidance experience, Guo Xinyue from the OUC discussed the tools and applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AIGC) from three perspectives: efficient information access, chart and diagram generation, and PPT creation. Hu Zhongying from Zhejiang Open University addressed the issue of problem awareness in dissertation topic selection and the application of research methodologies. Zhang Yifan from Ningbo Open University shared her insights on four aspects of dissertation guidance and defense: guided learning support, technical support, resource support, and emotional support.

Zhang Xia, dean of the School of Education at OUC, summarised the training. She expressed her hope that we would view this training as an opportunity to remember our original mission, maintain an attitude of diligent study and practice, seek knowledge and innovation, and actively participate in the development of high-quality open education. She encouraged us to contribute to the contemporary challenge of "acting as an open university in building an educational powerhouse."

The activity effectively enhanced communication among professional teachers within the system, communicated the strategic directives from the education sub-committee of the OUC Academic Degree Evaluation Committee, and shared insightful experiences related to thesis writing in the field of education. This has laid a solid foundation for advancing the high-quality development of talent training.

Written by Guo Xinyue, photos by Li Zheng, OUC