Ask "Tiankeng" professional, is there really such a "pit"?
◎Our reporter Wu Chunxin and Liu Zhiwei
Since the existence of majors is reasonable, some majors may not be so popular for the time being, such as basic research disciplines such as "biochemistry and environmental materials", but they are the cornerstone of the country's scientific and technological development, so no matter what major we choose, we need to continue to study hard.
Deng Hongbing, Professor, School of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Wuhan University
Recently, a "Letter to Candidates and Parents" by Deng Hongbing, a professor and doctoral supervisor of the School of Resources and Environmental Sciences of Wuhan University, has received widespread attention, and the topic of "Tiankeng" has aroused heated discussion.
On July 7, a reporter from the Science and Technology Daily visited several education experts in Wuhan, following the focus of heated discussions among netizens, asking three questions about the major of "Tiankeng".
Where is the "pit"?
The "Tiankeng" specialty comes from the Internet, and it is literally understood as a pit as big as the sky, one that jumps in and can't get out.
"I have always insisted that there are no bad professions, only bad people. We need to continue to study hard to choose any profession." Deng Hongbing argued for the "Tiankeng" profession in his article.
Because of this, he was accused by some netizens.
Deng Hongbing said that he had never heard of this term before, and only learned about it after students "popularize science."
According to the Internet, "Biochemical and Environmental Materials" refers to majors in biology, chemistry, environment, materials, etc. It is difficult to learn, not practical, has no advantages and competitiveness in employment, and the salary level is generally low, and it is difficult to achieve results after taking the path of scientific research. , Everyone calls it the "Tiankeng" specialty.
It can be seen that netizens concluded that these professional "pits" are difficult to learn, difficult to find, and less profitable.
Deng Hongbing bluntly said that since the existence of majors is reasonable, some majors may not be so popular for the time being, but they cannot be said to be "pits". Internet public opinion should not be guided in this way.
Basic research disciplines such as "Biochemical and Environmental Materials" are the cornerstone of the country's scientific and technological development.
In this regard, Dong Zefang, vice chairman of the China Educational Sociology Committee and professor of the School of Education of Central China Normal University, believes that the Internet statement is a bit exaggerated, and the name of the "tiankeng" specialty must be rectified.
"Like Professor Deng Hongbing." Dong Zefang said that he very much agrees with Professor Deng's point of view that social and economic development requires diversification of higher education majors. Even if a few professional graduates do not make much money, these majors are still necessary and cannot be beaten. Enter the "cold palace".
Who was "pitted"?
Employment and treatment are the core concerns of parents in choosing a major for their children.
Deng Hongbing said frankly that differences in average salaries of different majors exist objectively, and he did not deny the choice of parents.
In an interview, Deng Hongbing said that the main purpose of writing this article is to express two meanings: one is to tell parents not to interfere too much with their children, and let them choose a major according to their own interests and original intentions; No matter what major is in the school, you must study hard and learn well. The so-called "tiankeng" can also become a "golden pit". If you don't learn well, no major can make money easily.
Dong Zefang said that higher education sets up relevant majors and nurtures students to make contributions to society based on social needs and student interests. There is no “pit” students, “pit” parents, and no “pit” society.
"Although I have not engaged in professional related industries, the knowledge I have learned is of great help to my current work, and I don't regret it." Wang Teng, who graduated with a chemistry major, works as a secretary in a government agency. He emphasizes data and is rigorous and objective in chemistry research, as is writing work.
Hu Gang, who graduated with a major in biological sciences, has been engaged in bird protection work in environmental protection organizations. In his opinion, his studies are useful and his work is also very beneficial to society.
How to fill the "pit"?
"Last year there were more than 290 indicators, and only 170 people were recruited. Many students changed their majors after they came in." Deng Hongbing said that compared with popular majors such as computer and finance, the majors he teaches do have an imbalance in enrollment.
Deng Hongbing introduced that "Biochemical and Environmental Materials" related majors are urgently needed and in short supply by the country.
At present, due to utilitarian factors, not many candidates and parents actively choose these majors.
"The disparity in university admissions for majors has been around for a long time. This is a chronic disease of the insufficient connection between higher education and social economy." A sociology researcher at the Hubei Academy of Social Sciences said bluntly.
“Educational diversion that emphasizes economics over basics will cause students and parents to be too utilitarian when choosing a major, and it is not conducive to social development." Dong Zefang said that reasonable educational diversion requires the participation of multiple subjects, and the macro level should be introduced by the state. According to corresponding policy guidance, schools and teachers at the meso level should treat professional settings and talent training scientifically, and parents and students at the micro level should treat professional choices in a correct way and study hard.
Make every effort to guide young students to establish correct career values.
"Employment is divided into high and low, but not high or low." Dong Zefang said that in order for education to better meet the needs of social and economic development, state functional departments should take a multi-pronged approach to further optimize the difference in treatment in different industries, so that young talents can All walks of life can shine and achieve something.