Editor's Notes: The Open University of China (OUC) has initiated a programme to nurture candidates for the inaugural session of "Outstanding Young Teachers," resulting in 104 teachers being bestowed with the esteemed title of "OUC Outstanding Young Teachers."
By sharing the stories of some of these young teachers and highlighting their experiences of learning and personal growth, our aim is to showcase the dedication and enthusiasm of all OUC teachers who are devoted to contributing to the establishment of a lifelong learning society for all.
Jie Hongyun, an associate professor, is dean of the Department of Public Administration at Hebei Open University (OU). She is recognised as a third-tier candidate in the Hebei "Three-Tiered Talent Programme of Scientific Research". She is also a core member of the teaching team at the Open University of China (OUC). Jie Hongyun started her career at Hebei Radio and Television University in 2005 and has been actively involved in frontline education and teaching. The course "Social Etiquette", compiled by her, received recognition as an exquisite course by the OUC and a quality open course in Hebei Province. In 2021, she was honoured with the second prize in the OUC Ideological and Political Course Competition for Law-Related Courses.
A summary of my growth experience during my three years in the OUC Outstanding Young Teachers Training Programme showed that I have benefited a lot. I now have a deeper understanding and stronger alignment with the educational principles, operating models, and teaching methods of open universities.
I. Observing Teachings by Distinguished Instructors
Observing the teachings by distinguished instructors is not only enjoyable, but also a reflective process for my own teaching. In the past, I've tried various teaching methods in my own classes, but the results were not always satisfactory. During my visit, especially through observing and learning from Professor Cui's classes, I gained many new insights into the process teaching. Building upon critical reflections on my past teaching experiences, I developed many new teaching ideas.
In my subsequent teaching endeavours, I attempted to incorporate these new insights and ideas into my teaching practices, gradually developing a personalized effective teaching model with distinctive characteristics. In the course "Social Etiquette," I advanced task-based teaching reforms. Simultaneously, I put into full effect a course assessment model that focuses on the regular learning process, elevating typical performance to more than 50% of the total course scores. These practices, inspired by the teaching of distinguished instructors, allowed me to explore teaching reforms that align with the realities of open education and have yielded positive teaching outcomes.
II. Attending Lectures by experts
During my visiting study, whenever I had the opportunity, I would attend the captivating lectures given by the various "masters." Their lectures not only broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of specialized knowledge, but also encouraged me to think about my educational and teaching practises from new perspectives and at elevated levels. Moreover, the professors' rigorous academic approach, profound reflections, and insightful conclusions were truly awe-inspiring and served as an inspiration to me.
Inspired by this experience, I endeavoured to teach the "Social Etiquette" course through special lectures. Drawing from the teaching style of the aforementioned professors, I integrated a robust emphasis on theoretical content with practical relevance to society. Presented in a blended learning format, through both online forums and in-person classes, these lectures received positive responses from the students and excellent teaching outcomes were achieved.
III. Extensive Reading to Improve Theoretical Proficiency
During my visiting study at Yunnan University, I engaged in extensive reading of specialized materials and literature from both domestic and international sources. This helped me enhance my understanding of the fundamental theories and the latest research findings in my field. Reading broadened my horizons, increased my knowledge, and provided me with a rich source of intellectual nourishment, enabling me to think more profoundly about various issues. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I could significantly enhance my personal growth by building upon the experiences of those who came before me. Reading has provided me with a solid theoretical foundation to improve my teaching and research capabilities. In the future, I will continue to cultivate the habit of reading widely and reading quality materials in an effort to apply the knowledge to my teaching practice, ultimately becoming a good teacher who not only reads but also effectively utilizes the knowledge gained from reading.
IV. Engaging in practical research to improve research capability
Years of frontline teaching experience at the open university has fueled my aspiration for further improvement in research, enabling me to make greater strides in teaching.
Professor Cui Yunwu has been dedicated to studying local governments and China's modernization. Considering his academic competence, my supervisor, Cui Yunwu is always an example for me to learn from. With the influence and guidance of Professor Cui, I have completed papers with the topics "Construction Logic and Implementation Path of Urban Community Governance Community in New Age" and "Research on the Effectiveness and Scientific Nature of Adult Undergraduate Ideological and Political Education in the New Era". Furthermore, I have compiled the teaching material "Practical Social Etiquette" and three editions have been printed so far.
From this visiting study, I have acquired numerous new insights and refined my previous teaching philosophy. Through introspection I have recognised areas for improvement. Fueled by both pressure and motivation, I have established fresh objectives and new perspectives for my future endeavours. Upon returning to my position, I applied the new teaching principles I had learned teaching together with the work style, methods and experience to consistently improve my own teaching level.
I will apply what I have learned and contemplated over the past three years to teaching practice and strive to be an outstanding teacher with high moral standards, solid professional background, exceptional capabilities, a strong connection to the frontlines of education and profound passion for teaching in open universities.
By OUC News Network