Giving education its due

Comment on "Chinese president calls on teachers to embrace innovation" (China Daily Website, Sept 10)
"Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday, the eve of Teachers' Day, called on teachers to embrace reform and innovation in teaching, and enhance teaching standards." It was heartening to hear the president say this.
Reform and innovation can be embraced in many ways. We should first ensure that schools and universities are equipped with interactive whiteboards. The introduction of this technology could really improve teaching and learning, as has been proved from other countries' experience.
If China makes its own brand of interactive whiteboards it would help create jobs not just in the manufacturing sector, but also in software development.
The authorities should use some government funds for subsidized purchase and training in such programs. They should then cut the number of students per classroom in schools, whenever and wherever possible. Moreover, they should use special days such as Teachers' Day to re-energize teachers through "in-service" training programs. This could provide an opportunity for foreign and Chinese teachers to work together and learn from each other.
Teacher M, on China Daily Website
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