Beyond the textbook
Universities are increasingly offering innovative courses that focus on practical life skills, helping students prepare for the real world beyond academics.
"This is one of the key differences between the tree-climbing course and traditional physical education classes," explained Zheng Daxiong, one of the PE teachers leading the course. "It's not just about building physical strength; it's also about fostering a deeper connection between individuals and nature."
Zheng and his students established a tree-climbing association at the university. The group's activities extend beyond tree-climbing to include public service.
For example, after a typhoon struck Xiamen in 2016, the association helped prune ancient trees that had been damaged and were inaccessible to heavy-duty aerial vehicles.
Interestingly, none of these courses feature traditional, quantifiable final assessments. Instead, students are encouraged to reflect on their learning in various ways.
In Fu's course, for instance, students share how they've applied the course content to their lives, with submissions ranging from travel guides to homemade cake recipes.
