Sun, J. Y.; Chen, Y.; Liu, Y. J.; Lei, L.; Chong, S. H.; Guo, Z. X.; Hou, G. G. Cultivating interdisciplinary talents through an AI-integrated project-based learning model—a case study on “polymer material forming and processing”. Polym. Bull. (in Chinese), 2026, 39(2), 306–313.
Sun, J. Y.; Chen, Y.; Liu, Y. J.; Lei, L.; Chong, S. H.; Guo, Z. X.; Hou, G. G. Cultivating interdisciplinary talents through an AI-integrated project-based learning model—a case study on “polymer material forming and processing”. Polym. Bull. (in Chinese), 2026, 39(2), 306–313. DOI: 10.14028/j.cnki.1003-3726.2025.25.267.
Cultivating Interdisciplinary Talents Through an AI-integrated Project-based Learning Model——A Case Study on “Polymer Material Forming and Processing”
Amidst the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI)
this study presents a significant teaching innovation for the “Polymer Materials and Engineering” curriculum
specifically within the course of “Polymer Material Forming and Processing”. To address the limitations of traditional one-way theoretical instruction
we implemented a project-based learning framework centered on real-world industrial challenges
including process optimization and quality control. Student teams were tasked with leveraging Python frameworks and corporate database resources to implement machine learning algorithms. Their objective was to investigate the correlation between processing parameters and product performance
leading to the construction of predictive models for intelligent parameter adjustments. This methodology
which involves stages of data collection
model training
and deployment
successfully achieved deep integration of AI technology with core course principles. Consequently
students’ interdisciplinary problem-solving capabilities and engagement were markedly enhanced. Furthermore
the AI-assisted solutions developed by students demonstrated a significant improvement in the pass rate of experimental products
with successful validation conducted on enterprise pilot production lines. Through the renewal of both content and pedagogy in the “Polymer Material Forming and Processing” course
this initiative establishes an effective pathway for fostering versatile talents prepared for smart manufacturing in the polymer industry. Furthermore
it has substantial significance by driving the digital transformation of “Polymer Materials and Engineering” education in universities.
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