Shang Hongru has been working at Shandong Open University since 2004 as a class supervisor.

Her work shows her belief in distance education and lifelong learning, and her desire to do her best as a “guide” of student growth.

Highlighting Ideological and Political Education

Shang Hongru is a member of the second Party branch at the university, and steadfast and virtuous as both a CPC member and a teacher.

Ideological and political education are her main points of emphasis. She often brings students to participate in OUC activities that enhance their political literacy as well as class cohesion.

Her classes are often praised by university leaders and teachers for being active and tight-knit.

Focused on Orientation and Service

Student orientation is essential to class management. Shang Hongru offers Q & A sessions to new students on social media, and makes them feel cared-for. She also pays great attention to the opening ceremony, placing this “first class of the new term” at the core of orientation. Since 2017, she has been the chief orientation guide, explaining to students in detail the background of open education, the validity of its degrees, and the teaching methods, helping prepare the students for their studies.

“Being a class supervisor requires a strong desire to serve.” She often uses the word “service” when talking about her work, and it is no wonder that students readily come to her with problems.

Her job has a variety of important aspects. For example, she spends time chatting with her students when they feel unmotivated; she mails them learning materials when they can’t get them in person; and she listens to their difficulties like an older sister.

Shang’s efforts have paid off, with 90% of her students graduating on time, and several of her classes named “outstanding”.

Working hard to improve teaching ability

In addition to her supervision, Shang undertakes distance teaching and tutoring for several courses, including OUC Learning Guide, Regional Cultures, Basics of Ideology, Ethics and Law, and Outline of Modern Chinese History. She also provides thesis guidance to Administration undergraduates, and tutoring for courses including “Rural Public Service and Ensuring Livelihoods” and “Development of Rural Culture” offered to rural grassroots cadres.

She was named an “outstanding teacher” for degree education of grassroots-level cadres in 2020.

As one of the backbone teachers of the university, Shang keeps up-to-date by partaking in a variety of educational activities, undertaking research to enhance her teaching, and entering competitions to promote personal growth.

She says that achievements belong to the past, and that she will continue to work hard to guide student growth alongside other open-university teachers, driven by her passion for her students and for service, her sense of responsibility, and her desire for self-improvement.

By OUC News Network