An Inverted Classroom Approach to Educate MATLAB in Chemical Process Control

Publication date: Available online 12 October 2016 Source:Education for Chemical Engineers Author(s): Xianhua Li, Zuyi (Jacky) Huang The inverted-classroom teaching format and the application of MATLAB/Simulink have recently generated considerable research interest in chemical engineering education. MATLAB/Simulink was introduced in mathematics-intensive courses due to its user- friendly interface for mathematical model simulations. Inverted classroom approach has been reported to be generally beneficial for engineering courses, but it has never been applied to MATLAB/Simulink education in a single course. The aim of our study is to examine the effectiveness of the inverted-classroom approach in developing MATLAB/Simulink skills of upper- division undergraduates in Villanova's chemical process control course. Teaching modules include solving ODE models, performing Laplace transform, and designing PID controllers. Surveys of students’ evaluation revealed that the three inverted- classroom teaching modules were effective in enhancing students’ understanding of mathematics-intensive process control concepts and improving their MATLAB simulation skills. Students’ overall feedback on the inverted-classroom format was positive as they gradually adapted to inverted-classroom learning format.

Source: Education for Chemical Engineers - October 12, 2016 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research