Chinese university students will soon face Internet-based tests and bilingual classes under the wide-ranging reforms proposed by the Ministry of Education.

 

The Morning Post reports the Ministry of Education has released a document outlining four major areas where reforms will be implemented to improve the quality of undergraduate education at universities and colleges.

 

First, state-sponsored tests like the English college tests for band 4 and band 6 (CET4/CET6) will be conducted via the internet. The Ministry of Education will set up a safe and convenient internet test center. The center will also be used to share information with students.

 

Second, most university courses will be bilingual. The Ministry of Education is encouraging universities to introduce well-known professors and experts to help them develop better teaching methods and improve college students' English skills.

 

Third, the Ministry of Education will establish a database to collect information on the courses offered by different universities. It will use the information to analyze the quality of the courses on offer at different universities and publish the information in regular reports.

 

Finally, the Ministry of Education will focus on establishing 3,000 standard courses for university students who want to gain professional certification. New courses in engineering, technology and medicine will be introduced to produce qualified students who conform with the needs of the job market.

 

(CRI February 1, 2007)