Application of CDIO in practice and training of an engineering automation specialty

Aimed at the current shortages that exist in the practice and training of an engineering automation specialty in the undergraduate level courses in Chinese universities, the CDIO method (Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate) was applied to reform education and training. To optimise the outcomes, Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate was combined with project teaching. The teacher training, project design, training content and assessment have been at the core of the reform and are discussed in this article. It was found that the application of CDIO to training cultivated the student’s practical ability, innovation and teamwork in a true project environment, and also improved the teachers’ ability.