Jijing's founder, Mr. Yu Minhong, delivered a speech at Peking University with the topic "Education is not just for use, but also for being a better person." This thought-provoking speech provides us with an opportunity to rethink the purpose of education in our lives beyond academic achievement.
Mr. Yu Minhong began by recalling his own educational journey, which was filled with hardships and challenges. He mentioned that throughout his journey, he maintained a dream of becoming a teacher, which ultimately led to his founding of Jijing Education. He emphasizes that the purpose of education should be more than mere technical training and preparing students for a job. Rather, it should be focused on cultivating individuals who are morally upright, socially responsible, and emotionally intelligent.
Education should always strive to promote self-development, and Mr. Yu firmly believes that education must continue to evolve by exploring new and innovative teaching methods. He suggests an approach in which teachers can help guide students by listening to their needs and aspirations, thus enabling teachers to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment.
Mr. Yu stresses the significance of education in our lives, stating that education is not only essential for personal development but also for cultivating the right habits of mind and behavior. In fact, he believes that education is the key to help foster a more harmonious society.
On the issue of education reform, Mr. Yu shared his thoughts on integrating emotions, morality and creativity into the educational system. Creativity and critical thinking skill development should be given priority, and students should be encouraged to think with an open mind and ask questions. This is a critical aspect that Mr. Yu believes must be included in school curricula to prepare young minds for the market economy in the digital age.
Moreover, Mr. Yu notes that the traditional examination-based education system is to some extent harmful, as it focuses solely on academics and discourages students' broader personal development. He suggests replacing the traditional exam-based system with one-centered around student-centred learning, where moral education and emotional education play a crucial role in the overall personal cultivation of students.
In conclusion, Mr. Yu's speech at Peking University highlights the importance of education in developing individuals who become responsible and productive members of their society beyond book-learning. Education should be about breadth and not just depth, and schools should strive to provide an environment where students can develop intellectually, creatively and emotionally. As the world transitions into a new technological era, Mr. Yu's speech provides us with the opportunity to reflect on what we want our education to achieve and to ensure that our moral and spiritual development is a crucial part of that education.