The implementation of the CDIO approach in the training of engineering personnel at EKTU is an integral part of the large-scale modernization of the university's educational activities aimed at creating a personality-oriented educational environment, developing new generation educational programs, developing academic independence and responsibility of students, improving the qualifications of teachers and research and teaching staff.  

The main purpose of joining EKTU to the "CDIO initiative" is to improve the quality and effectiveness of engineering educational programs, bringing them in line with the requirements of modern production.

Over the past three years, it has been done:

1. In recent years, the university has carried out serious work on the development and implementation of a practice-oriented learning model. This system is implemented on the principles of continuity and accumulation of learning outcomes in the stages of "pre–university - university - post-university" The implementation of Practice-oriented training is carried out in 14 industry Centers of competence and Technology Transfer, in the Center of Excellence in Metallurgy and Materials Science.
2. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 21 first- and second-year students studied under the "Leaders of Engineering Education" subproject. Results of training: 5 second-year students of the LIE were approved for the scholarship program from the enterprises of Kazzinc LLP, an agreement was signed on practical training with subsequent employment.
3. To obtain initial skills and abilities for the future profession, 21 Programs for the formation of basic engineering qualifications (BIQ) have been developed within the framework of the EP through the implementation of the discipline "Introduction to Engineering education and training practice which is integrated into the educational process or takes place in the SEC "Prostor" in the 1st year of study.
4. In 2021, 10 teachers of the Department of Engineering Mathematics of D.Serikbayev EKTU aquired advanced training (in the format of an internship) on the topic "Methods and techniques of mathematical problems" at the "National Research University "Higher School of Economics", with a volume of 48 hours.
5. In February 2022, the EKTU team visited two universities – TPU and TUSUR (Tomsk), which are part of the CDIO international initiative. They shared their experience in implementing the standards of the international CDIO initiative in the organization of the educational process in order to systematize and more deeply implement project-oriented education, taking into account the requirements of the global professional community. Within the framework of the internship, the problems of quality assurance of higher education, modernization of engineering education based on international CDIO standards were discussed. Representatives of universities shared the results of training in the implementation of the CDIO international initiative, which involves strengthening the practical orientation of training, as well as the introduction of a system of project and problem-based learning.
6. In 2020, the project "Managing the effectiveness of educational programs" was implemented. The aim of the project was to develop a methodology for analyzing the quality and effectiveness of EP and assessing their impact on the innovative development of the industry and the region. Within the framework of the project, a digital platform for evaluating the effectiveness of E-Monitoring has been developed, which allows real-time monitoring of the dynamics of the criterion base and the integral indicator of the effectiveness of the EP. The platform is a tool for monitoring the development and decision-making on EP by program managers, deans, academic committees, managers.
7. The working curricula (syllabuses) prescribe the implementation of a student-centered approach and the relationship between the goals of the EP, expected results and evaluation methods. The main (innovative, research) and adaptive educational technologies used in the development of the discipline are described. Instructors present the types of evaluation tools that allow you to effectively check the availability of planned results and assess the level of discipline development.
8. A contract was signed between D. Serikbayev EKTU and the Accreditation Agency for Study Programs in Engineering, Informatics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics – ASIIN e. V. for the accreditation of 12 educational programs of the university corresponding to 12 CDIO standards.

EKTU educational programs that comply with the principles of CDIO:

1. A pool of "Project Business" has been developed within the framework of the additional program (Minor) for all EP for 2, 3, 4 years of study.

Features of training:

• New disciplines and modules. Specialized disciplines developed jointly with leading enterprises of the region and the country.
• Comprehensive diploma projects. In the 2021-2022 academic year, two comprehensive diploma projects were defended: 1. Development of scientific and methodological approaches to the introduction of remote sensing technologies for improving agricultural management (5B050700 "Management", 5B090300 "Land Management", 5B070300 "Information Systems"); 2. Reduction of the carbon footprint of an energy company based on the development of an innovative strategy (on the example of Sogrinskaya CHP LLP)" (5B051100 "Marketing, 5B071700 "Heat Power Engineering").
• Development of soft skills of students. Special disciplines and technologies for the development of leadership skills, communication, teamwork.
• Active learning. The learning process is built up with modern technologies, including games, trainings, and e-learning.
• Network contracts with leading universities. Some disciplines are implemented jointly with leading engineering universities (HSE, etc.).
• Attracting foreign scientists in priority areas. Taking into account the urgent need for instructors in the disciplines of the EP, a Plan of visiting professors is developed annually.
• Real employment. Employers actively participate in the educational process as instructors, EP developers, and diploma project managers. Professional practice at enterprises at the end of each year of study.

Advantages of implementing CDIO standards at the university

• Choosing a learning path. A student from 1st to 4th year chooses disciplines for an individual learning trajectory.
• English Learning.  The study of basic English during the first year, the continuation of the study of elective language training disciplines in the framework of the Minor "Language and Communication". Communicative foreign language practice is supported in the preparation and defense of projects, participation in international conferences, competitions, events (CDIO Academy).
• Real engineering activity. Personal and group projects of students are an obligatory part of the educational process. At the end of the academic period, students present their work to instructors, classmates and employers.