Revolutionizing Higher Education in China with WeChat-Based Blended Teaching Model

Revolutionizing Higher Education in China with WeChat-Based Blended Teaching Model

Transitioning from Traditional to Modern Teaching Methods

Higher education in China, specifically within the realm of medical education, has seen a significant shift from a traditional teacher-centered model to a more modern student-centered approach. This transition, although necessary, demands a change in teaching methods to effectively cater to the needs of the current education landscape. Traditional teaching methods, particularly in complex subjects like biochemistry, have proven inadequate, leading to inefficiencies in student learning.

With the ongoing need for remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many courses have adopted the “flipped classroom” approach, a method that encourages students to access learning materials online before class. The role of teachers, therefore, shifts to enhancing student engagement through active learning. This approach promotes a shift from closed to open classrooms, improving learning quality by strengthening the process of knowledge internalization through group discussions.

Blended Teaching Model on WeChat Platform

The research referenced in this article utilized a flipped classroom model combined with team-based learning (TBL) on a self-developed WeChat platform. The WeChat public platform has become increasingly popular among educators, due to its low development cost and small memory space, for establishing personalized teaching platforms.

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This WeChat-based blended teaching model makes use of animations, micro-lessons, and after-school quizzes to improve students’ learning efficiency and flexibility, and to boost their motivation. Teachers can monitor students’ understanding and adjust teaching points in real-time using big data and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms.

Improved Learning Outcomes

The study results indicated that students taught through the blended method generally scored higher in final examinations than students taught traditionally, particularly in medium and hard difficulty questions. This suggests that the blended teaching model is effective in promoting learning, particularly in subjects like biochemistry, where understanding and applying complex knowledge is critical.

This model has also shown to encourage teamwork, enhance problem-solving skills, and stimulate students’ interest in autonomous learning. These skills are essential for future clinical work. Despite its advantages, some students reported that this model consumed a lot of extracurricular time and that they felt uncomfortable with self-teaching.

The Future of Teaching in Higher Education

While the blended teaching model has shown numerous advantages, it is still a work in progress. The concerns raised by students must be addressed to ensure that the model does not become an added burden. However, the positive feedback and improved results demonstrate the potential of this teaching method to revolutionize higher education in China and possibly, globally. By combining traditional teaching techniques with modern technological tools, we can create a more engaging and effective learning environment that meets the needs of the digital age.

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