INTEGRATING CDIO SKILLS IN A CORE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING MODULE: A CASE STUDY

The Diploma in Chemical Engineering is one of the engineering programs in Singapore Polytechnic adopting the CDIO Framework as the basis of its curriculum revamp. This paper describes the work done on Chemical Reaction Engineering, one of the core modules in chemical engineering disciplines. Specifically, it detailed the work done on revamping of the laboratory experiments for the module, with the aim on integrating the topic with other chemical engineering disciplines as well as infusing three CDIO skills viz Teamwork, Communication, and Personal Skills and Attitudes, focusing on critical thinking skills, and ability to hold multiple perspectives. It described the rationale behind the redesign of laboratory experiments to contextualize the various soft skills so as to provide a learning environment that bear relevance to real-world work environment that students can appreciate. The design of assessment schemes to encourage both individual mastery and team collaboration was illustrated. This is followed by a discussion of student experience through blogs and survey questionnaire. Some points of reflections based on the lesson learnt were then presented, followed by an outline of follow-up actions and the challenges of implementing them.