HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE INSTILLS STEEL, EMPATHY IN STUDENTS

Enthusiastic response to labor-intensive programs teaching respect, value of physical work

On a crisp autumn afternoon, Chen Yijie, a 20-year-old finance major at Renmin University of China, found herself in a baking class learning how to make a chiffon cake. On three consecutive Wednesdays, with each session lasting two to three hours, she measured flour, whipped egg whites and watched the oven with anticipation.

"It was really fun," Chen said. "I personally enjoy baking, so I chose this course. We worked in groups of three, helping each other — one stirring, one preparing ingredients. It really developed team cooperation."