By Bu Xiting (卜希霆), from Communication University of China

Economic Observer Online

Translated by Zhu Na

Original article: [Chinese]  

 University is where we should nurture talent, and the essential characteristic of talent is creativity. This is what will be most in demand in the 21st century. Nurturing innovative thinking is the sacred duty of China’s universities and the world’s.

 Currently, China’s universities are failing in this duty. There are a few reasons for this:

 Firstly, there is major difference between the education system in China and abroad. For a long time, China’s system has been based on exams, which have, to a certain degree, stifled students’ imagination and creativity.

Secondly, the separation of arts and science subjects in senior high schools.

Thirdly, the atmosphere in classrooms isn’t relaxed and active and doesn’t give students the opportunity to develop their personalities and creative potential.

Fourthly, students’ are taught to “know the how’s but not the why’s.”

How then should our universities to cultivate students’ creative abilities?

Universities must widen education beyond exams, abolish the division of arts and science subjects, and train teachers with creativity.

Back in the early 19th century, the German educator Humboldt argued that university teaching should be combined with research. Practical activity is an important way to foster creativity. Universities should encourage and organize students to actively take part in practical activities outside the classroom, where they can apply what they have learned and obtain new knowledge that cannot be found in the books.

Universities should pay attention to developing students’ “5 Qs”, which are Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Financial Quotient (FQ), Scientific Quotient (SQ) and Artistic Quotient (AQ). 

This lays a solid foundation for developing students’ ability to innovate.

 Innovation and Creativity is the soul of a nation’s progress; imagination, creativity and innovation are an inexhaustible driving force for a nation’s prosperity. The 21st century is an era of both challenges and opportunities. We look forward to seeing how China’s universities adapt to the needs of the times.