A century of classroom revolutions

The Miyun Reservoir in suburban Beijing, one of the largest water conservancy projects in North China, plays a significant role in providing water to the capital. But not many people know this major project was actually designed by a group of university students as their graduation project.

In 1959, under Jiang Nanxiang, the then headmaster of Tsinghua University, who encouraged his students to combine theory with practice, students from the Department of Hydraulic Engineering undertook the project under the guidance of Professor Zhang Guangdou, who helped with prospecting and design.

As a result of the efforts of two groups of graduates, the design was completed. Graduation projects at Tsinghua were revolutionized, and mere words and images on paper were turned into actual, practical design tasks.

This is one of the stories told in the new season of Century Masters, which focuses on 11 noted educators, among them Peking University head Cai Yuanpei, promoter of mass education Tao Xingzhi and physical education advocate Jiang Nanxiang, which aired on China Education Television in March.

Produced by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Century Masters is dedicated to people renowned for their mastery in different areas. Earlier seasons focused on famous artists, architects and writers.

According to Chen Hong, deputy head of CETV, and also the general director for the series, the new season seeks to preserve and protect the educational practices, ideas and progress of the subjects, and nurture young people in the process.

"During the course of the development of education in China over the past century, many diligent, knowledgeable and accomplished master-level educators have driven the social and historical development to varying degrees," says Chen.

"We want to crystallize the wisdom and sweat of countless educators, a precious legacy for future generations, and open a window to showcase the country's progress," he adds.

Chen says they mostly choose educators who were early headmasters of universities, or who promoted educational revolution and development in China, adding that other educators will feature in future seasons.

Many of them also made great achievements in other areas. This series, however, focuses on their contributions to education.