Flexible classes nurture students' unique abilities

An Linna, an undergraduate student in her early 20s, has read more than 300 works of literature during the past four years, many of which are detective stories. She also spent a considerable amount of time studying criminal psychology on her own.

As Chinese students are often known for being strongly focused on their textbooks and adept at exams, it might surprise people to learn that An majored in chemistry at the University of Science and Technology of China.

An was enrolled in one of the 11 pilot classes USTC launched in 2009, which were designed to tap the unique skills, interests and strengths of each student.