Authors: Chen Yichun, Huang Jinhui, Li Xiuting 

Publisher: Southcn  

Date: September 12, 2024

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Teachers' Day in China, officially celebrated since 1985. In honor of this milestone, we spoke with Professor Wang Shengyong from the School of Medicine at Jinan University, who shared his insights into the evolution of Guangdong's education sector through his personal experiences.

(Prof. Wang)

From Rural Epidemic Prevention to University Educator

In 1978, as China began its reform and opening-up, Jinan University—revered as the highest institution for overseas Chinese—reopened its doors. Four years later, Wang, then the head of an epidemic prevention station in Pingluo County, Ningxia, received a transfer order calling him back to Guangdong.

At 44, Wang became the youngest faculty member at the newly established Medical College of Jinan University. He noted that the supportive environment fostered by the university allowed him to flourish as a professional and educator, reflecting on the significant changes in education and faculty development over the past four decades.

Though now 86 years old, Wang remains passionate about education, declaring, The profession of a teacher is the source of my life. As soon as I stepped onto the podium, I feel young. He recalled his early days at the university as an entrepreneurial stage, where they built courses and disciplines from scratch amid a nationwide teacher shortage.

Wang's initial task was to launch an epidemiology course. He dedicated a week of intensive preparation to memorize the 2-hour lecture content and practiced in an empty classroom, leading to the successful approval of the course. Under his leadership, the Epidemiology Teaching and Research Office grew from a team of five to a recognized entity, during which he taught 13 courses and trained over 50 graduate students. His contributions earned him multiple accolades, including the National Teaching Master Award and numerous scientific research honors.

Cultivating a Culture of Respect for Teachers

The late 1980s saw students advocating for the establishment of Teachers' Day, highlighting the significance of teaching and respect for academia. Wang, who was teaching during this period, deeply appreciated the initiative. The formal recognition of Teachers' Day in 1985 by the National People's Congress helped to foster an environment that respected educators and emphasized the importance of learning.

During his early career, teaching was Wang's paramount responsibility; he was required to conduct 8-14 classes weekly and meticulously prepare lesson plans. He approached teaching with theatrical intensity, aiming to engage his students fully and reflect on their feedback to improve his methods.

In the 1980s, universities began implementing teaching supervision systems and collective lesson preparation to enhance educational quality. Senior professors often attended classes to offer constructive feedback. As Wang retired in 2004, the Hygiene Teaching and Research Room had grown significantly, mirroring the advancements made in the educational disciplines.

A Growing Institution

Today, the Medical College of Jinan University has transformed into a comprehensive institution with five schools, including the School of Basic Medicine and Public Health and the First Clinical Medicine School, boasting 130 doctoral supervisors and 260 master's supervisors. This growth reflects the dedication to fostering an environment where education and research thrive.

Wang Shengyong's journey from rural epidemic prevention to a prominent educator illustrates the profound changes within Guangdong's education system and highlights the essential role of teachers in shaping the future of academia.