YNU professor puts forward proposals at CPPCC

At this year's National People's Congress (NPC) and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Xu Xing, a member of the CPPCC National Committee, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a professor at Yunnan University, put forward two proposals on scientific education.

Xu Xing receives an interview during the two sessions. [Photo/WeChat account of Yunnan University]

The two proposals – "Proposal on Optimizing the Natural Sciences Curriculum in Secondary Schools" and "Proposal on Optimizing the Compilation Process of Science Textbooks in Primary Schools and Strengthening the Training of Science Teachers in Primary Schools".

Regarding scientific education in secondary schools, Xu noted the disconnection between the natural sciences curriculum in secondary schools and the natural sciences curriculum in higher education.

"For example, earth sciences, including geology, geography, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, are important components of natural sciences, playing a crucial role in human life and future survival. However, among the seven disciplines of earth sciences, only geography is reflected, while the other disciplines are rarely or not covered at all," Xu said.

Therefore, Xu suggested optimizing textbooks for natural science subjects in secondary schools. This would enhance students' ability to raise questions and explore.

Specifically, he recommended encouraging students to take part in extracurricular science activities, as well as motivating them to actively participate in academic projects. This will introduce them to new fields of scientific study beyond the current exam-oriented education system.