Recently, the results of the selection of outstanding alumni of the Open University of China (OUC) were announced, recognising 328 alumni from various industries across the country.
These individuals, with accomplishments as their foundation and technology as their wings, demonstrate resilience, confidence, and a pragmatic, enterprising spirit, writing a unique chapter of progress of the OUC people. From today on, the stories of some alumni will be selected for sharing. By reviewing their outstanding deeds and listening to their life insights, the OUC’s achievements in talent development over the last 45 years are highlighted.
Bian Shugang, a member of the Communist Party of China, enrolled in the undergraduate program of Chinese Language and Literature at the Open University of China (OUC) in the autumn of 2010. He is a senior-level teacher at Jinzhuang Middle School in Gaoyang County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, and a member of the Hebei Province Basic Education Expert Pool. He has been awarded multiple titles such as "National Model Teacher," "Hebei Province Special-Grade Teacher," "Model of Teaching and Educating in Hebei Province," and "Hebei Province Teacher-Ethics Model."
On the fertile land of education in Gaoyang County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, there is a rural teacher named Bian Shugang, who has been taking root in the rural local area for twenty-four years. He has a persistent love for education and teaching, and he quietly spreads his love to every student's heart like spring rain nourishing all things. He perseveres in improving his professional skills and bravely takes on multiple responsibilities, thus becoming a tough guy in the eyes of both teachers and students. He sacrifices his family's interests for the greater good, all for the development of his students.
A teacher is like the spring breeze, and his students are like the fragrant peaches and plums.
In one of Bian Shugang's classes, there was a student named Dai Shilong. His academic performance in all subjects was not very good, but he had strong practical abilities. Bian Shugang had been paying attention to him during teaching and often gave him confidence and strength. Dai Shilong liked basketball and spent a long time on exercise every day. Through heart-to-heart talks with him, Bian Shugang hoped that he could be as persistent in his study of cultural courses as he was in loving basketball. Thanks to Bian Shugang's efforts, Dai Shilong's grades in all subjects were not only greatly improved, but he could also tutor other classmates.
When serving as the head teacher of the graduating class, there was a student in Bian Shugang's class who was addicted to the Internet. He not only surfed the Internet at home on weekdays but also stayed up all night in Internet cafes on weekends. As a result, his academic performance dropped rapidly. Although his parents had admonished him many times, it had little effect. Bian Shugang took the initiative to approach the student. Whenever he didn't come to school, no matter what the weather was like, Bian Shugang would ride his bicycle to the Internet cafe to look for him. After finding the student, Bian Shugang would always patiently persuade and guide him, and then take him home, encouraging him to continue his studies. Through Bian Shugang's efforts, this student had a great transformation. Seeing the student's gradual progress, Bian Shugang felt that all his hardships and tiredness were worthwhile. The student's parents also wrote letters to Bian Shugang many times to express their deep gratitude.
Taking Root in the Rural Local Area and Having a Deep Affection for the Teaching Field
In March 2013, when selecting outstanding rural teachers for transfer to urban areas for work, the principal of Bian Shugang's school frowned every day. He knew how difficult it was to cultivate a subject leader, and urban schools had more room for development. How could he stop the teachers who wanted to be transferred? However, to the principal's delight, Bian Shugang did not choose to return to the city. Afterwards, the principal asked half-jokingly, "Bian Shugang, it was a rare opportunity. Why didn't you seize it?" Bian Shugang calmly replied, "I've been here for a long time, and I don't want to go anywhere else." There were no heroic words, but it showed his simple wish to be willing to take root in the local area.
In July 2013, after having an operation for lumbar disc herniation, Bian Shugang was advised by the doctor to rest. But he just couldn't let go of his students and insisted on returning to school to continue working. His school is a rural boarding middle school. For the students who have just entered middle school from primary school, they need to be taught about food, clothing, housing and transportation. Bian Shugang endured the pain and walked among classrooms, dormitories and cafeterias every day. He didn't go to rest until the children were sound asleep at night.
Seeing the teacher's hard work every day, the students were deeply inspired and became more obedient and sensible. In Bian Shugang's class, there was no case of discipline violation, and the students' academic performance had always been among the top in the grade.
Forging Ahead and Leading by Example
Bian Shugang is practical and realistic, and is brave in innovation. He actively explores educational and teaching concepts, contents, and methods, etc. He has publicly published many papers and won awards. He has presided over 6 provincial-and-municipal-level research projects. As the head of the teaching and research group, he presides over school-based research and training work. While developing himself, he also guides more young teachers in research and study, playing a good role as a subject leader.
With a devout attitude and a loyal soul, Bian Shugang practices the standards of a good teacher of "having ideals and beliefs, having moral sentiment, having solid knowledge, and having a kind heart", and uses practical actions to "be a guide for students to temper their characters, be a guide for students to learn knowledge, be a guide for students to innovate thinking, and be a guide for students to contribute to the motherland". Taking root in the rural local area and devoting himself to the teaching field, this is him - Bian Shugang, a good teacher with a noble pursuit of education.
By OUC News Network