Preface:
When we talk about the name Zheng Qiang, there is always an endless topic to talk about. People's evaluation of this "most angry young professor" is like a symphony, sometimes high-pitched and passionate, sometimes low and tactful.
Some people compare him to the contemporary Lu Xun and praise him for his outspoken and innovative character; Some people also laughed at him as a sensational "Internet celebrity professor", who always likes to be different.
But in any case, Zheng Qiang used his words and deeds to sound the clarion call for China's higher education reform. His sharp criticism and drastic reforms make us ask: What kind of university professor can take on the important task of the times?
Let's get closer to Zheng Qiang and see what is different about this "spicy professor".
Interpret Zheng Qiang's academic background and achievements
Speaking of Zheng Qiang, he is really a legend. This name, like a gust of wind, has caused quite a stir in the academic community. Some people say that he is an academic champion, and some people say that he is an unconventional "Internet celebrity professor".
So, what does the real Zheng Qiang really look like? Let's take a look at his academic background first.
Zheng Qiang's road to study can be described as bumpy and legendary.
In 1978, he was admitted to the Department of Chemistry of Zhejiang University, and since then he has embarked on the road of academics. After graduating, he was assigned to the Chenguang Research Institute of the Ministry of Chemical Industry as an assistant engineer to research new silicone materials. It doesn't sound like a niche direction, but it was a frontier back then!
Zheng Qiang found in his work that he still had a lot of academic shortcomings. So, he made up his mind to make up for his shortcomings. For three years, he studied 36 college notebooks over and over again, and his tenacity was admirable.
In 1985, Zheng Qiang was admitted to Chengdu University of Science and Technology as a graduate student majoring in polymer materials. In his spare time, he also studied for a doctorate at Sichuan University.
This is not the end, he was admitted to the joint training doctoral student sent by the government to Kyoto University in Japan, and became the only selected talent in Sichuan Province.
In Japan, Zheng Qiang encountered a bump in life. Faced with the huge gap in the rheological research of polymer materials between China and Japan, he was not discouraged, but worked harder. I often eat and live in the laboratory, and I study without sleep or food. Eventually, he received his Ph.D. with honors.
Just when the Japan mentor was trying his best to keep him, Zheng Qiang made a surprising decision - to return to China! He said categorically: "I will never be a traitor!" In those days, how much courage and determination did it take to make such a choice?
After returning to China, Zheng Qiang established the first polymer rheology laboratory in China at Zhejiang University, and started a brilliant journey in this field. In the past 17 years, he has shined on the podium of Zhejiang University.
On average, 33 SCI papers are published every year, of which 4 have an impact factor greater than 10, and as many as 33 have an impact factor greater than 5. That's a golden academic feast!
Of course, some people question whether Zheng Qiang is grandstanding. After all, his remarks are so sharp that they can cause an uproar at every turn.
But the numbers are the best proof, Zheng Qiang's scientific research achievements produce economic benefits of up to 2 billion yuan per year, how many people can compare with such achievements? What's more, he is also a winner of the National Youth Science Fund, and none of the honors he has won have been left behind.
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So, is Zheng Qiang an academic celebrity or a sensational "Internet celebrity professor"? The answer has been revealed.
He is a scholar who dares to speak up and innovate, how can he be defined by a simple label? His academic achievements are obvious to all, but what is even more admirable is his patriotism and educational philosophy.
Lu Xun's reincarnation? Zheng Qiang's incisive critique of Chinese education
When it comes to Zheng Qiang, you have to say his sharp remarks. This name can be described as thunderous in the education world, setting off waves after waves.
Some people say that he is a contemporary Lu Xun, who dares to speak out and criticize; Some people also say that he is an unconventional "Internet celebrity professor" who is keen to sensationalize. But in any case, Zheng Qiang's views on Chinese education have always caused heated discussions.
"Who says you can't learn a foreign language well and you're illiterate? Illiterate said!"
"Why do flight attendants need graduate students, isn't it just a tea and water?"
Doesn't these words sound a bit harsh? But Zheng Qiang is like this, he is never afraid of offending people. He mercilessly criticized the shortcomings of Chinese education, pointing out the problems of students' impure motivation for learning and the uneven distribution of educational resources.
In his view, China's education has gone astray and turned into a game of "score first".
What is even more shocking is that Zheng Qiang also raised sharp questions about China's patriotic education. He said that United States shout that "science knows no borders," but scientists have borders.
Isn't it the sadness of Chinese education that the talents that China has worked so hard to cultivate end up working for them in the United States? Zheng Qiang called for strengthening the patriotic education of students and cultivating their feelings for the family and country.
This was quite controversial at the time. Some say he's alarmist and exaggerated; Others say he is sounding the alarm and is thought-provoking. But in any case, Zheng Qiang did hit the pain point of Chinese education.
In Zheng Qiang's view, education in China still has a long way to go. He called for reforming the education system, optimizing the allocation of resources, and cultivating students' innovative spirit and practical ability.
At the same time, he also emphasized the need to strengthen students' humanistic and moral cultivation, so that they can become truly "whole people". Although the views are not without controversy, they are thought-provoking and worthy of our consideration.
Zheng Qiang's criticism of Chinese education is like a hammer that has awakened many people. Although his words are sharp, they are all from the bottom of his heart, full of the responsibility and feelings of an educator. Where should China's education go? This is an issue that we need to explore together.
Zheng Qiang's trajectory of change during his tenure at three universities
Speaking of Zheng Qiang, we have to mention those things during his tenure at three universities. This "spicy professor" who dares to innovate and change has given China's higher education a shot in the arm with practical actions.
Zheng Qiang's first stop was Zhejiang University. In 1995, he returned from Japan and joined the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at Zhejiang University. He stayed there for 17 years.
During this period, he not only built the first polymer rheology laboratory in China, but also led the team to make a series of breakthroughs in this field.
Do you know that Zheng Qiang's scientific research achievements generate economic benefits of up to 2 billion yuan per year! That's enough to scare your jaw, right?
In 2012, Zheng Qiang left Zhejiang University and moved to Guizhou University. There, he became the dean of the Institute of Materials and Metallurgy, and began a vigorous reform.
He overhauled the teaching model, implemented small class sizes and a tutor system, and encouraged students to participate in scientific research and practice. Under his leadership, the scientific research funding of the Institute of Materials and Metallurgy of Guida University soared from 3 million to 130 million, and it became a well-deserved "golden college".
Zheng Qiang's last stop was Taiyuan University of Technology. In 2017, he became the principal, setting off a storm of reform. He proposed the reform plan of the "departmental system", which broke the original college barriers and promoted interdisciplinary integration.
At the same time, he also vigorously promotes the "integration of industry and education", encouraging students to practice in enterprises to improve their employment competitiveness. In just two years, Taiyuan University of Technology's school-running philosophy and talent training model have undergone earth-shaking changes.
Zheng Qiang's road to reform is like a vivid history of education reform. He proved the importance of reform and innovation with practical actions.
In his view, universities should not rest on their laurels, but should dare to break through the shackles of tradition and pursue excellence. This spirit of reform is worth learning from every educator.
Of course, Zheng Qiang's road to reform has not been smooth sailing. Some of his practices have also aroused a lot of doubts and opposition. Some people say that he "practiced individualism under the guise of reform"; Some people also said that he was "engaging in formalism and superficial articles".
In the face of these doubts, Zheng Qiang never flinched. He firmly believes that only through continuous reform and innovation can China's higher education truly achieve modernization and internationalization.
Zheng Qiang's concept of patriotic education has sparked controversy
Speaking of Zheng Qiang, we have to mention his shocking remarks. This person can always cause an uproar. No, he again pointed the finger at patriotic education, which triggered a big debate.
"United States say that science knows no borders, but scientists have borders. We have worked hard to cultivate talents, but in the end we have gone to work for the United States, isn't this the sorrow of our Chinese?"
Zheng Qiang's words really made many people jump. Some people applauded him, saying that he was winning glory for the country; Others scoffed at him, saying that he was just grandstanding.
In fact, Zheng Qiang's views on patriotic education are quite controversial. He felt that the current patriotic education was too formalized and slogan-oriented, and lacked a sense of truthfulness.
In his view, patriotism should not only be paid lip service, but also put into action. He called for strengthening the cultivation of students' feelings for the country and encouraging them to aspire to serve the country and build the motherland.
This remark set off a big discussion on the Internet. Some people believe that Zheng Qiang got to the point and hit the pain point of the current patriotic education. Patriotism cannot be just an empty word, but also needs to be practiced.
But some people have questioned whether Zheng Qiang is advocating narrow nationalism and ignoring the general trend of globalization. They feel that patriotism cannot be opposed to an international perspective, still less can it be used as an excuse for xenophobia.
Controversy is controversy, but Zheng Qiang did not back down. He further expounded his viewpoint, stressing that patriotic education should keep pace with the times and be integrated with the actual life of students.
He believes that in order for students to truly understand the connotation of patriotism, it is necessary to guide them to pay attention to social issues and participate in social practice. Only when patriotism becomes an intrinsic value pursuit can students truly stimulate their patriotic enthusiasm.
Zheng Qiang's concept of patriotic education has brought a lot of thinking to people. Patriotism, how to teach it in the end? How can students truly understand the meaning of patriotism? This is a question that every educator should ponder.
It is undeniable that Zheng Qiang's views, although controversial, have brought new perspectives and enlightenment to patriotic education.
Epilogue:
The Zheng Qiang phenomenon has sounded the alarm for China's higher education. An excellent university professor must not only have profound academic attainments, but also have a sense of family and country and the courage to reform.
We need more educators like Zheng Qiang, who dare to face problems head-on and have the courage to change and innovate. Only by continuous reflection and improvement can Chinese universities cultivate real talents and show their demeanor on the world stage of higher education.
Let's work together to contribute to the future of China's higher education! Don't think that your strength is small, a spark can start a prairie fire; Don't be afraid that the road is far away, one step at a time, you can always reach the other side of the ideal.
Let us take Zheng Qiang as an example and use blood and sweat to create a new world and a new realm of education!
Reference: Source: "Zheng Qiang: Shouting for Education" Taiyuan Broadcasting "Willing Wisdom Figures"