Research, Innovation-based Graduate Training Mode

In the new century the graduate education is to develop the innovation competence among graduate students. This study analyzed features of the graduate innovation competence and its relevant factors, and then developed the basic framework for graduate training based on innovation, focusing on training approach, instructional structure and instructional means. An elementary idea of setting up "two systems of graduate education" for the graduate training was put forward.The study mainly consists of two phases. In the first phase an interview of 76 tutors, administrators and graduates from eight universities was conducted with questionnaires distributed to 55 graduates. In the second phase, a survey was carried out by 610 graduates from 20 schools to evaluate the relationship among the innovation competence, performance and environment of the graduate training. The basic framework for the graduate training based on innovation was developed. The results of study showed:1. The innovation competence of graduates is the all-round ability formed during the theory study, social service and technology development. The basic structure of the innovation competence of the graduate consists of self-study, theoretical construction, research and organizing, social contact and the grasp of the advanced knowledge. It has a close relationship with the performance of innovation.2. The research environment has effects on the innovation competence and performance. The factors such as instructional approach of tutors and the software for the subject have a close relationship with the innovation competence and performance of graduates.3. Institutional environment is significantly correlated with the innovation competence and performance. Different instructional structures for the graduate (its establishment approach and student number) and training approaches (course, thesis, project) have different effects on the innovation competence and performance.4. Training approach and instructional structure for the graduate have effects on innovation competence and performance. Instructional structures of different subjects have different influences on the development of innovation competence and innovation achievement.Finally this study put forward the idea of "two systems of graduate education", providing a guideline for the innovation-based graduate training.