Construct a system of innovative education for primary and secondary schools

Author: Wen Hanjiang, Lian Ruiqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Responding to the call of President Jiang Zemin, the editors conducted in-depth discussions and research on the issue of cultivating innovation ability in primary and secondary schools based on the research project "Theoretical Research and Teaching Practice of Developing Imagination Thinking." They reviewed history, conducted a literature review on foreign creative studies, explored the meaning of creative thinking and innovative ability, elaborated on the goals, principles, and approaches of cultivating innovative ability in education, summarized a new teaching model that combines both thinking modes in subject teaching experiments, and summarized preliminary experiences in cultivating creative thinking, innovative spirit, and practical ability. Drawing on the experience of creative education both domestically and internationally, they proposed a preliminary framework for innovative education in primary and secondary schools and wrote this book.
Chapter Cultivating Innovation Ability is the Mission of the Times. Education is the Foundation for a Century-Old Cause. On the eve of the 21st century, cultivating people's innovative ability has become a major theme in educational work. Especially, fostering the creative spirit and innovative ability of young people is the historical mission entrusted to us by human society and an inevitable requirement for the Chinese nation to continue to survive, develop, and stand among the nations of the world. Building an educational and teaching system to cultivate innovation ability in primary and secondary schools has become an urgent task facing educators.
Section The Chinese Nation is a Great Nation Rich in Creative Spirit and Innovation Ability On June 15, 1999, Comrade Jiang Zemin delivered a speech at the Third National Educational Conference, pointing out: "The Chinese nation is a great nation rich in creative spirit and innovation ability. Ancient Chinese people once gained fame in the world with numerous technological innovations such as the 'Four Great Inventions,' making significant contributions to the development of world civilization. Today, facing the rapid development of world technology, we must recognize the importance of enhancing national innovation ability as a matter related to the rise or fall of the Chinese nation. Education shoulders a special mission in fostering the national creative spirit and cultivating creative talents." Looking back at history, we should be filled with national confidence;, we should have a strong sense of urgency and mission. The Chinese nation has had a glorious history. China, along with ancient Egypt, ancient India, and Babylon, is one of the world's oldest civilizations. The Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, when China transitioned from slavery to feudalism, were an important period of development in Chinese history. During this time, the invention and use of iron tools improved labor productivity; the implementation of private fields and tenant farming systems, as well as the development of commerce and cities, indicated changes in production relations; and the policy of "showing respect to the virtuous and elevating the capable" adopted by the feudal lords promoted ideological liberation and an academic atmosphere of "hundred schools of thought contending." Many significant inventions and creations emerged during this period. The compass was already in use during the Warring States period, with the earliest records found in Han Feizi · Youdu, a work dating around the 3rd century BC. Guan Zhong of Qi wrote the book Guanzi, summarizing scientific knowledge in various fields such as astronomy, calendar, agriculture, and water conservancy.