Members of the Family Education Committee of the China Association of Higher Education gather for their 2024 academic conference at Shanghai Normal University, April 28, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
The Family Education Committee of the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE) held its 2024 academic conference at Shanghai Normal University on April 28. The event attracted over 200 committee members, experts, scholars, and frontline educators from universities and research institutions across the country.
Since its establishment last year, the committee has made significant progress in developing academic systems, conducting theoretical and practical research, and exploring models for talent training.
During the opening ceremony, Jiang Enlai, vice president of CAHE, commended the committee's efforts. He stressed the importance of theoretical innovation in family education as key to advancing the field. He also expressed his hopes for the committee to proactively encourage high-quality development within the discipline.
Wang Xiping, executive vice president of the Shanghai Higher Education Society, addressed the challenges facing family education in China, such as educational utilitarianism. She called for higher research standards in family education and urged the development of a comprehensive policy framework to better integrate family, school, and social education.
Zhao Shiping, honorary chairman of the Family Education Committee, reflected on the committee's work since its establishment in areas like discipline construction, talent training, and academic exchange.
She noted that the committee's structure has expanded from 26 initial member institutions to 81, with membership growing to over 300. Zhao also highlighted the committee's efforts in organizing experts to develop research guides and promote both talent training and academic exchange, which are crucial for advancing the discipline.
Miao Jiandong, chair of the committee and a professor at Nanjing Normal University, speaks during the conference at Shanghai Normal University, April 28, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Miao Jiandong, chair of the committee and a professor at Nanjing Normal University, emphasized the need to strengthen family education to support the nation's educational ambitions. He advocated for sustainable development within the field and urged the integration of innovative practices that align with national and societal needs.
The conference featured keynote speeches and parallel forums that allowed attendees from various universities, including experts and graduate students, to delve into advanced topics in family education. The discussions spanned a wide range of issues, from the construction and theoretical innovation of the discipline to its practical applications and challenges, offering deep insights and unique perspectives.