Abstract The course polymer materials is an important learning content for the major of polymer materials and engineering, but its complex knowledge system brings many difficulties to the course description. In order to better complete the teaching objectives of the course and realize the comprehensive cultivation of students’ thinking ability and scientific research quality, a large number of interactive, discussion and research teaching methods are used in the teaching process. Among them, 4~5 students are allocated into a study team in the research-based learning task. The team is asked to independently select the types of polymer materials that are common in life, and discusses with teachers to determine the material types. In the process of completing this task, the team should first analyze and determine the main chemical compositions of the polymer materials through course knowledge, product description, and appearance, etc. Next, modern detection and analysis methods or self-made research methods are applied to identify the chemical structure of the material. Third, according to the application field, the physical structure, performance and functions of the polymer materials are detected and analyzed. Finally, all the data are analyzed to draw logistic conclusion by referring to literatures. Through this goal-driven approach, the students are guided to complete research projects independently. This research-based learning method greatly mobilizes the initiative of students, improves the enthusiasm of all students to participate in course discussion and knowledge-learning, and further expands students’ knowledge boundary.
WANG Han-Wen, JIANG Kai-Xin, GAO Chang-You. Applying Research-Based Learning to Improve the Teaching Quality of Theoretical Course:Polymer Materials[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2022, 43(22): 31-38.
