Students at polytechnic schools across the city will spend less time reading text books next year and more time learning hands-on skills under a set of practical ability-oriented training standards issued yesterday by the Shanghai Education Commission.

 

The standards, covering textbooks, teaching content and methodology guidelines, cover 12 high-demand professions in the city, such as auto maintenance and repair, computer technology and application, exhibition affairs, and hotel services and management.

 

Local polytechnic schools will design their curriculum and carry out teaching according to the new standards, which aim to provide students with entry-level qualifications, officials said.

 

Previously, the curriculum at most polytechnic schools focused on the basics of vocational skills with little hands-on learning. Many graduates weren't qualified for even entry-level jobs, said Qu Jun, vice-director of the education commission.

 

(Shanghai Daily October 27, 2006)