Duality as a Central Organizing Theme in Linear Circuit Analysis Instruction

B. J. Skromme, M. L. Wong, M. A. O'Donnell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

(Full paper, Innovative Practice.) Linear circuit analysis is a complex topic in which students must use many principles to complete problems successfully, which may overload working memory and thereby impede learning. Introducing organizing principles may help students develop schemas that help reduce this burden and develop deeper conceptual understanding. The use of duality as such an organizing concept is explored in this work. To be effective, however, all the topics should be presented in a dual manner. Historically, definitions of series and parallel elements have been used that are not dual to each other, and mesh analysis has been performed in a way that is not fully dual to nodal analysis. This paper examines the research question of whether these key topics can be presented in a novel, fully dual fashion and whether students will accept and appreciate such a treatment. The revised approaches were implemented using lectures, online interactive tutorials, and step-based tutoring software exercises. Surveys using both quantitative and qualitative analysis were conducted over three semesters and showed positive reactions from 72-83% of students. These results can lead to development of a full set of instructional materials centered around duality to enable improved learning of circuit analysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2021 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2021
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665438513
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event2021 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2021 - Lincoln, United States
Duration: Oct 13 2021Oct 16 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
Volume2021-October
ISSN (Print)1539-4565

Conference

Conference2021 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLincoln
Period10/13/2110/16/21

Keywords

  • Computer-aided instruction
  • duality
  • linear circuit analysis
  • mesh analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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