Beijing Normal University, known as the "pioneer of China's teacher-training colleges," is poised to kick-off a strategic transformation plan as part of its centenary anniversary this year.
The university plans to develop integrated study programs that will set it apart and help it achieve world fame by 2015, when it will begin focusing on research activities.
"The university is under pressure to get in line with the standards for collegiate teacher training worldwide and for education reform in China," Zhong Binglin, president of the Beijing Normal University, said.
According to Zhong, the pressure is coming from ever-fiercer competition for human resources in the international arena after China's accession to the World Trade Organization, and from other domestic universities, which create competition by offering courses on education.
During the transformation process, Beijing Normal University will increase the number of its practical courses and integrate different areas of study. More study programs will be added that are not targeted at teacher training.
At present, non-teacher training branches of studies make up half of the university's total.
Founded in 1902, Beijing Normal University has cultivated numerous outstanding teachers, throughout the century including such well-known scholars as Liang Qichao, Lu Xun, Li Dazhao, Bai Shouyi and Zhong Jingwen.
(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2002)
