One hundred teachers selected from Chinese universities and colleges became the first in China to be awarded the title "great teachers" on Thursday.
Ministry of Education (MOE) Spokesman Wang Xuming said at a press conference that the award, as an important component part of the reform of China's higher education and teaching methods, is designed to encourage teachers to explore and keep pace with modern teaching methods.
According to Wang, the selection began in April when the MOE invited education experts to make online selections and appraisals based on the recommendations of schools and local educational administrations.
All the awarded "great teachers" have done an outstanding job in innovating teaching methods and carrying out academic research, he said.
A special website has been launched to introduce the teachers at http://www.crct.edu.cn.
(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2003)