Abstract: According to the education philosophy of emphasizing on theoretical modeling，strengthening simulation design ability，breaking through in innovative practice and promoting scientific exploration and relying on two courses，“Mathematical physical methods and simulationas”well as“Space Optical Communication Innovation Experiment”，the study and exploration of taking advantages of small - class teaching to train college students’abilities of optical simulation design and practice are carried out. Through recent teaching research and practice，a step - by - step teaching practice training mode helping college students’acquire abilities of optical simulation design is built up and exhibits prominent teaching effect on helping college students turn into innovative talents with wide range of professional knowledge，scientific exploration ability，simulation design ability and high - quality comprehensive ability.

Key words: optical simulation design, research - based teaching, innovation ability, small - class teaching