This paper describes the evaluation of the large scale implementation of the CDIO initiative in engineering programs in 4 schools in Singapore Polytechnic. Changes were made to the syllabuses to incorporate the CDIO skills to develop the students‟ personal and professional skills and attributes; interpersonal skills of teamwork and communication; and system and product building skills. Existing courses were reorganised and linked and an “Introduction to Engineering” course aimed at stimulating students' interest in, and strengthening their motivation for, the field of engineering was introduced.
This longitudinal study of the implementation of CDIO focused on the impact of the curriculum changes on students‟ learning and acquisition of CDIO skills. The research questions were:
1. Were the learning outcomes, learning activities and assessments aligned
2. Were the learning of the courses integrated in the Introduction to Engineering Module?
3. How has the integration of the CDIO skills into the syllabuses impacted the students?
4. What were the lecturers‟ perception of the curriculum changes and their impact on students‟ competence in the selected CDIO skills and interest in subject?
Data for the evaluation was collected through document checks, student co-participant blogs, student surveys, and focus group interviews with students and lecturers. The paper will report on the findings of the first year of implementation and conclusions of the evaluation. It will discuss the support provided and make recommendations on improvements that can be made to the implementation.