Reflections on Small-Class Teaching in Veterinary Medicine Undergraduate Programs in China.

Simple Summary: This paper presents an initial exploration of the strategy and direction of small-class teaching within veterinary medicine undergraduate programs in China. The aim is to summarize the characteristics, advantages, and existing challenges of this approach as implemented in China, with the goal of fostering a new generation of veterinarians equipped with robust professional knowledge, excellent practical abilities, and strong scientific literacy. It also aims to identify effective strategies for expanding the implementation of small-class teaching in order to cultivate top innovative talents. As a cornerstone of higher education in China, the quality of undergraduate teaching is crucial for nurturing high-caliber innovative talents that meet the needs of national and social development. Small-class teaching has emerged as a focal point in the reform of undergraduate education and represents an important approach to cultivating top-notch innovative talents. Veterinary medicine is a scientific discipline that encompasses the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases. It also involves efforts to prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans. The training of professionals in this field should emphasize the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Therefore, small-class teaching facilitates open communication between educators and students, which is instrumental in fostering a new generation of veterinarians equipped with robust professional knowledge, excellent practical abilities, and strong scientific literacy. This paper provides a preliminary exploration into the strategy and direction of small-class teaching within China's veterinary medicine undergraduate programs by summarizing its characteristics, advantages, and existing challenges. The unique traits of veterinary medicine are also taken into consideration during this analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]