On 21 December 2023, the Open University of China (OUC) held its final examinations for the autumn semester. The event was attended by Li Song, a Party member and the president of OUC, who also delivered a speech. Gu Xiaohua, the director of the Academic Affairs Department at OUC, presided over the proceedings.
Li Song highlighted that the examination reform research and deployment initiatives undertaken by the OUC in October have clearly established the next steps for examination reform. These steps involve a thorough investigation into the content and format of examinations, with a primary objective of nurturing applied talent. Currently, a total of 40 units have submitted proposals for 46 pilot programmes. The OUC headquarters plans to select a number of these programmes for implementation in 2024. Following this, they will evaluate and organise the results, with the aim of gradually expanding their application more widely.
Li Song emphasised that ensuring the examination is conducted smoothly and systematically is fundamental to reform efforts. He proposed three key requirements in this context: First, to establish a digital governance system that enhances management efficiency, enabling precise business processes, intelligent management, and personalised examination services. Second, to develop a robust security system, focusing on the security of the online examination system and data, ensuring the confidentiality of examination materials, and securing the smooth operation of examination procedures. Third, to adopt a "people-oriented" approach, heightening service awareness in examinations and bolstering security measures.
Gu Xiaohua emphasised that we must organise examinations in compliance with specific requirements, concentrating on two key aspects: Firstly, adherence to rules is crucial. We must follow a set of examination management regulations thoroughly to ensure that the examination process is conducted smoothly and efficiently. Secondly, we must embrace reform. In the context of changes to examination content, it is imperative that the OUC headquarters, branches, and schools provide consistent responses to identical exam questions. This unified approach is essential for collectively advancing reforms aimed at practically enhancing the quality of education and teaching.
Jin Yan, deputy director of the Academic Affairs Department at OUC, delivered a keynote speech on the topic of examination processes. She provided an overview of the examination arrangements for the autumn semester of 2023, outlined the specific requirements for the final examinations of that semester, and addressed current issues in the examination system. Additionally, she detailed the subsequent action plan for addressing these matters.
Personnel responsible for examination duties from the Academic Affairs Department and Experimental School of the OUC attended the meeting in person. Additionally, leaders overseeing examination tasks and relevant staff from 63 branches (schools), sub-branches, study centres, and examination sites participated in the meeting via video link.
For the follow-up activities, each branch (school) of the OUC should consider their unique circumstances in line with the spirit and directives of this meeting. They are to organise their sub-branches and study centres to convene meetings focused on examination procedures, collaboratively striving to succeed in the battle of the autumn semester 2023 final examinations.
Written by Liang Chunhui; photographed by Zhuge Huanyu