Professor DING Xiaoliang, Gengdan Institute of Beijing University of Technology, presented his proposal for an improved higher education system featuring combined credits system.
He started with three challenges faced by China’s higher education system: 1, technology brought by the Internet and the general access to national matriculation examinations, coupling with the decrease of fertility rate; 2, higher education system does not deal with students’ interests and hobbies; and 3, the cultivation of students’ quality, capabilities, and intellectual development.
Then, he introduced the trial-out in Gengdan Institute where students are integrated in a system that stimulates their interests, promotes self-governance and responsibility, and explores a reversed system of examination with the term exams accounting for only 20% to 30% of a student’s performance and grade.
In the comments, Professor LI Baoyuan thought the practice in Gengdan Institute was a new way independent from the official system. It can also serve as a new model for other schools and institutions to follow.
Professor LI Dun thought one’s education should facilitate the constitution of one’s life foundation where he or she learned to live together with others, cooperate with others, learn new things, and learn to live a proper life. Therefore, the independence of educational institutions is a must.
Professor SHNEG Hong emphasised the role of a ruling instrument of China’s education system. He thought the current education system was ridden by either false or non-pragmatic knowledge that’s only good for the rule of the party instead of benefiting the students. A true education should incorporate truth and a pursuit of honest life.