Han Qing

Scol.com.cn

I don't think this type of business-oriented education should be encouraged because the knowledge needed to sustain a business can't be learned through the "taobao class" model. Such skills, like managing a storehouse, exploring a big market, promoting a company's public image or optimizing human resources, are important in the long run. It may sound critical, but I don't see any differences between the business models used by online shop owners and that used by peddlers. The only difference is that online vendors have a computer and can use the fashionable term "e-commerce" to describe what they do.

Academic performance is not enough to show whether an individual is outstanding or not, but outstanding students have at least accumulated enough knowledge. Starting up a business is more than just copying a business model over and over again, or simply providing one person with employment; it is about creativity and original ideas. And such ideas come from not only practical experience, but, more importantly, from a mastery of knowledge. The primary goal of education is to impart knowledge and cultivate people so that they can develop a sound and wise mindset as well as talents useful for the sustainable development of our society. Education should not cater to the short-term needs of society. What students learn from "taobao class" style curricula can't help them to develop such talents.

Pro  

Wang Meiqin

Teacher

I think Yiwu Industrial and Commercial College is teaching students in accordance with their aptitude. Admittedly, some students are not interested in studying. Rather than watching my students sigh at their textbooks, I'd better teach them the skills needed to support themselves.

Not every student is able to enroll in a first-class university, or join society's elite. The goal of our education system is to help students find appropriate positions in society based on their talents. As long as what they do doesn't violate moral standards or any laws or regulations, society should give them chance to freely exhibit their talents.

High unemployment among university students is partly caused by a disconnection between our education system and real social needs. Many university students can't support themselves on campus even after graduation. But the "taobao class" model solves all of these problems. Although they are guided by hands-on teaching, students have to toughen themselves and become real business people by learning business rules that can never be taught in class.

Con

Zhu Changjun

Chongqing Times

Wide social recognition doesn't mean that "taobao class" curricula have demonstrated effects.

The school's success largely depends on the local business atmosphere and a prosperous small commodities wholesale market. It cannot be duplicated in other places.

A much bigger problem is that the class encourages doing business rather than learning knowledge. This may lead students to being obsessed with money and overly utilitarian. Besides this, exaggerating the importance of a student's success of doing business on taobao.com obscures the essence of entrepreneurship and creativity, hindering students from developing awareness of innovation.