Design and implementation of project-oriented CDIO approach of instrumental analysis experiment course at Northeast Agricultural University

Abstract

In this article, we presented the teaching design of project-based CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) approach of instrumental analysis experiment course and investigated the effects of the CDIO teaching method on student attitudes, student performance and teacher development. The study subjects were from the sophomores of applied chemistry, animal pharmacy, life sciences, resources and environment at Northeast Agricultural University in 2018. The experimental group conducted teaching activities that were designed using the CDIO model, and the control group, the non-CDIO classroom, performed the passive lecture mode. The students were taught by the same instructors. Questionnaire surveys and final course grades were used to evaluate the effectiveness of CDIO teaching model. The results indicated that CDIO-based pedagogy had positive effects on the students’ course performance and active learning compared to the traditional instructor-centred lectures. The project-based teaching model was more helpful, not only in cultivating students' practice ability, innovation consciousness and team cooperation spirit but also in arousing the learning interest and the enthusiasm for scientific research. CDIO mode also enhanced faculty competence in personal and interpersonal skills in the meantime.