A primary school in Shanghai had suggested that all schools reduce or even postpone homework assignments to guarantee students enough time to watch the launch of China's Shenzhou-7 space mission live on television.

An article in the Beijing News says that watching the live broadcast of the spacecraft's lift-off is meaningful homework.

The article points out that perceptual knowledge of Shenzhou-7 can broaden and arouse students' interest in science and encourage them to be serious about their studies.

A teacher was quoted as saying that the manned space mission is a vivid science lesson for students to make up for the holes in China's exam-oriented educational system.

The Beijing News says encouraging students to watch such a momentous event is a good example of integrating practice into teaching.