An inverted classroom approach to educate MATLAB in chemical process control

- An inverted classroom approach to train seniors MATLAB in chemical process control.
- 3 modules and 13 examples for ODE simulation, Laplace transform, controller design.
- Anonymous surveys were performed for each teaching module.
- Students' MATLAB skills and knowledge in process control significantly improved.
- Students favored inverted-classroom learning as they gradually adapted to it.

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.