On 24 October 2023, the Education Sub-committee of the Academic Committee of the Open University of China (OUC) held a workshop for young teachers on the integration of ideological and political theories across all courses within the open university system.
The workshop was chaired by Chen Sheyu, director of the Education Sub-committee and president of Nanjing Open University (OU). Professor Li Fengliang from Tsinghua University's Institute of Education provided online guidance for the session. Young instructors from the open universities in Qinghai, Tianjin, and Nanjing were in attendance for this training. In total, around 500 participants joined both online and offline, including members of the OUC Academic Committee and faculty from the open university system.
Chen Sheyu stated in his address that the OUC is committed to promoting lifelong learning and consistently emphasises the harmonious development of both talent and ethics throughout its educational processes. A series of documents from the general offices of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the State Council, the Ministry of Education, and other departments have further reinforced the top-level design for integrating ideological and political theories into all courses. In response, the OUC has released several recommendations for the development of these theories across all courses. Many universities have already made notable progress through hands-on exploration. Yet, studies indicate that there are still hurdles to overcome, such as limited construction capability and an inadequate infusion of ideological and political elements. Chen Sheyu believes that frontline educators should delve deeper, explore broader dimensions, and address more current issues to fine-tune their teaching designs and seamlessly integrate them into their teaching methodologies. He expresses hope that this workshop will act as a springboard for institutions to effectively push forward the research and transformation of incorporating ideological and political theories into every course. This, in turn, will enhance teachers' proficiencies in this area and further underscore the pivotal role of ideological and political theories as guiding forces in all courses.
Outstanding educators, including Associate Professor Niu Ana from Tianjin OU, Professor Wang Hui from Inner Mongolia OU, Professor Liu Hong from Nanjing OU, and Associate Professor Li Youran from Shaanxi OU, recently shared their experiences and methodologies regarding the integration of ideological and political theory into open education courses. They delved into their unique approaches and practices within their respective research fields, offering insights into the specific implementation steps and course designs during this reform.
Professor Li Fengliang from Tsinghua University's Institute of Education reviewed the reports submitted by the four teachers. He recognised the unique models and methods they've devised through their investigations into the reform of ideological and political theory teaching in open education courses. Additionally, he provided constructive feedback and shared insights from Tsinghua University's approach and case studies regarding the integration of ideological and political theory teachings. He expressed his aspiration that these discussions and insights will inspire more educators to delve deeply into this subject matter.
Chen Sheyu emphasised the pivotal role that the integration of ideological and political theory teaching plays in the ideological and political endeavors of higher education institutions. He hopes that young teachers will actively contribute to the development of premier courses dedicated to instilling virtue at the OUC, and partake in comprehensive research on the theories and practices of infusing ideological and political theories into all courses. Moreover, he wants them to deeply feel their mission and responsibility in cultivating virtue through education. The goal is to embed the standards of ideological and political theory teaching throughout the student education process.
Written by Xu Shan and Hong Lu and photographed by Wu Yaming, and Liu Jinglu, OUC