Theoretical Construction and Practical Innovation of Free-spirited Education: An Interview with Professor Yu Wei from Northeast Normal University

Professor Yu Wei from Northeast Normal University has long been concerned about the localization of education and education research. During the period of working as the principal of the Affiliated Primary School of Northeast Normal University, he was deeply rooted in traditional Chinese education philosophy, creatively put forward the concept of "Free-spirited Education" and built a school style of straightforward education, which provides a theoretical perspective and practical mode for reference for the localized development of basic education. As an educational concept, "Free-spirited Education" is rooted in the philosophical foundation of the Doctrine of the Mean. It takes "protecting human nature, respecting human uniqueness, cultivating social consciousness" as the three-step-forward path, which not only reflects the creative transformation of traditional educational philosophy, but also responds to the deep concern of modern society for children's cognition and innovation, and ultimately points to the cultivation of modern citizens with both cultural heritage and future competence. As a practical mode, "Free-spirited Education" combines classroom instruction and moral education, and constructs a school education ecology that follows children's cognitive development. In the dimension of classroom instruction, relying on the classroom reform with roots, process and personality, making learning return to the rule of children's experience growth. In the dimension of moral education, through the process, respect and reasonable education practice, the value guidance of children's social development is strengthened, and the systematic transformation of "molding high morals and cultivating talents based on people orientation" from concept to action is realized.