Supported by K.C. Wong Education Foundation, Professor XIAO Lang of the College of Education, Zhejiang University, visited University of Macau and Macao Polytechnic Institute for academic communication on invitation from December 7 to 21.
At the Faculty of Education, University of Macau and the Centre of Sino-Western Cultural Studies, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Prof. XIAO gave two specialized lectures respectively entitled “Saint Paul’s College in Macao and the Introduction of Western Education at the Juncture of Ming and Qing Dynasties”. He pointed out that Saint Paul’s College in Macao was praised as “the first European university in the Far East” in academic circles. J. Aleni, A. Vagnoni and some other Jesuits coming to China at the juncture of Ming and Qing Dynasties once taught here. They introduced the disciplinary system, curriculum system and teaching methods of European universities, and cultivated lots of Sinology talents who were familiar with Chinese traditional culture. Thus Saint Paul’s College in Macao is not only the beginning of the introduction of western education, but also the cradle of the first generation of European Sinologist. Prof. XIAO also gave a popular lecture entitled “Image of Teachers in Chinese Ancient History” at the Faculty of Education. He pointed out that the image of teachers in Chinese ancient history had experienced a long period of development. Several basic features had been formed in this process, such as “officials playing the role of teachers”, advocating “respecting teachers and knowledge” and emphasizing “imparting knowledge and educating people”. All the above were part of Chinese ancient educational tradition, and still had reference significance to nowadays school education and teacher education.
During the visiting period, Prof. XIAO visited the Ancient Classics Department of the Library of University of Macau, which collected tens of thousands of Classics of Chinese and Western languages. He had an informal discussion with the staff of the Ancient Classics Department, focusing on the reprinted version of The Yongle Encyclopedia presented by General Secretary XI Jinping, the English version of Science and Civilization in China with signature presented by the master of science history J. Needham, and the English works with signature presented by former United States Secretary of State H. Kissinger and other valuable literature. Prof. XIAO also attended the opening ceremony of “Cultural Plaza, Macau, LDA” owned by University of Macau Bookstore, and communicated with personages attending the ceremony from local publishing, educational and cultural circles.
At the end of the visit, on behalf of the College of Education, Zhejiang University, Prof. XIAO accepted the gift presented by Professor ZHENG Zhenwei, vice dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Macau. Both sides hoped to enhance academic exchanges and cooperation in the future.
Professor XIAO Lang giving the lecture entitled “Saint Paul’s College in Macao and the Introduction of Western Education at the Juncture of Ming and Qing Dynasties”
Professor XIAO Lang visiting the Centre of Sino-Western Cultural Studies, Macao Polytechnic Institute
The Faculty of Education, University of Macau giving gift to the College of Education, Zhejiang University
College of Education, Zhejiang University
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