From the 12th to the 13th of October 2023, the Open University of China (OUC) conducted a deployment initiative on secondary vocational education research in Linyi City, Shandong Province.

The event aimed to enhance the "Quality and Image" of the China Central Radio TV Vocational Middle School. It served as a platform to exchange and summarize experiences in school management and to explore innovative approaches and ideas in adult secondary vocational education.

Li Heng, deputy director of the Institutions Division at the MOE Department of Vocational and Adult Education, provided themed guidance. Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee, vice president of the OUC, and president of the China Central Radio TV Vocational Middle School, was present and delivered a keynote speech. Representatives from the Education Bureau of Shandong Province, Linyi Municipal Government, and Shandong RTVU also shared their remarks. Xiang Yifen, deputy director of the Department of Secondary Vocational Education at the OUC and vice president of the China Central Radio TV Vocational Middle School, presented a work report.

Li Heng noted that in recent years, thanks to the dedicated focus from the CPC Central Committee and State Council, as well as the collective efforts of vocational education professionals, secondary vocational education has seen remarkable progress. Notably, the infrastructure and conditions for establishing institutions have solidified, the standard of talent development has risen substantially, and the capacity to bolster regional economic growth has been consistently enhanced.

While these successes are noteworthy, secondary vocational education is also witnessing unparalleled strategic opportunities. The focus in the development of secondary vocational education is transitioning from purely expansion in scale to an emphasis on quality.

Given this landscape, the China Central Radio TV Vocational Middle School, being an adult secondary vocational institution, must distinguish itself from standard secondary vocational schools. It's crucial for the school to continually refine the benchmarks for its operational standards to assure excellence in talent development. Moreover, fortifying communication with provincial education bodies is essential, as is enhancing the administration of school registrations, ensuring alignment with the national secondary vocational school registration database.

Li Heng expressed hope that the China Central Radio TV Vocational Middle School will attain even greater achievements in the upcoming phase of vocational education reforms.

Fan Xianrui delivered a keynote address titled "Work Together to Move Forward Towards a New Journey of Adult Vocational Education Development". She emphasised that adult secondary vocational education, as an integral part of vocational education, plays a pivotal role in promoting lifelong learning for everyone.

For the Open University of China (OUC) to excel in adult secondary vocational education, it is crucial to understand and harness the evolving dynamics of vocational education. The crux of success lies in enhancing quality and elevating the institution's reputation. We must remain true to our founding principles, stay steadfast in our commitment, and exercise patience. Our guiding tenets are to serve society, cater to the grassroots, and reach out to rural communities. Embracing the philosophy of "Let every learner have the opportunity to excel!", we tailor our quality secondary vocational education to local needs and circumstances.

In our future endeavours, the university will prioritize the following three areas:

Integration of unique features for new growth avenues: We'll champion a holistic approach, merging secondary middle school, junior college, and undergraduate education. Our aim is to intertwine industry requirements with education, always placing students at the forefront.

Digital transformation as a catalyst for progress: By leveraging digitalisation, we'll revolutionize our teaching resources, instigate reforms in education and teaching methodologies, and bolster our administrative capabilities in teaching management.

Committing to "Double-Enhancement" (Quality and Reputation): We will concentrate on refining our courses, resources, faculty, and quality assurance mechanisms. Our goal is to elevate learner support services and establish our institution as a paragon of excellence in adult secondary vocational education.

By focusing on these areas, we aim to usher in a new era of growth and excellence for our institution and students alike.

Xiang Yifen has conducted a comprehensive review of the operations of China Central Radio TV Vocational Middle School, highlighting its unique features and accomplishments. After analysing the challenges and issues faced by the institution, Yifen mapped out the future direction of its endeavours. Firstly, there's an emphasis on promoting balanced advancement, guiding the institution towards standardised management and operations. Secondly, there's a focus on addressing shortcomings and bolstering the strength and expertise of the teaching staff. Thirdly, there's a vision to establish a technology-driven integrated platform. Fourthly, the aim is to optimize the structure, placing emphasis on the active development of non-degree education programmes. Lastly, there's a drive to foster shared growth, enhancing the vigour of all branches within the system.

The six provincial open universities shared their experiences and best practices. Shandong RTVU presented their innovative approach to secondary education for cadres of grassroots rural and village committees. Shanghai TV Secondary Specialised School discussed its educational philosophy of "Standardisation, Quality, and Characteristics." Inner Mongolia RTVU shed light on their experiences with special education. Chongqing RTVU highlighted practical steps to enhance the quality of secondary vocational education. Shanxi RTVU explored the emerging model of adult secondary vocational education. Lastly, Zhejiang Open University detailed how they've integrated television secondary specialised education into social governance.

During the event, a ceremony was also held to launch the digital platform of "Intelligent China Central Radio TV Secondary Middle School Education".

The event was hosted by Shandong Open University RTVU and Linyi RTVU. Over 110 attendees graced the occasion, comprising leaders from the OUC headquarters' relevant departments, heads of school-run enterprises, and school leaders from 33 provincial open universities responsible for secondary vocational education.

Written by Peng Xibo, Cao Yue, and Chen Yan; Photographed by Chang Yu