言传身教：中国教育中的历史传承及当代价值

Abstract

The professional ethical standards for university teachers explicitly outline the requirements for ‘teaching and educating’, yet challenges persist in actual teaching practices. This paper delves into the historical legacy of teaching by verbal instruction and personal example within the Chinese education domain, examining its role and significance in contemporary higher education. It commences by investigating the cultural underpinnings of teaching by verbal instruction and personal example and highlights the symbiotic relationship between ‘teaching’ and ‘learning’ as espoused by ancient educators. This underscores the impact of educators’ words and actions on students and showcases the constructive influence of educators’ moral character and elevated moral values through historical exemplars and educational instances. In the contemporary educational environment, education is not only about imparting knowledge, but also guiding students’ values and personality shaping. In the era of digitization and networking, the role of teachers in teaching by verbal instruction and personal example remains crucial. Teachers are entrusted with the task of molding students through their own conduct and attitudes, both within and beyond the classroom, fostering their virtuous character and values. Ultimately, this paper proposes avenues to attain the objective of teaching by verbal instruction and personal example. Beyond the personal development and introspection of educators, it underscores the necessity for schools and society to collaborate in crafting an inclusive educational environment conducive to nurturing individuals possessing both professional competence and noble moral character.