Using Interactive Lecture Demonstrations to enhance student learning in electronics

Interactive Lecture Demonstrations (ILDs) have been successfully used for many years to improve conceptual understanding in university and high school physics courses. In engineering and science disciplines (such as electronics), there is sometimes concern about whether students simply apply formulas to solve problems or whether they develop a deeper understanding of the principles that are used to interpret electronics phenomena. In a lecture-style environment, ILDs can be used to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. We have developed a set of ILD activities to teach Operational Amplifiers, which is a topic that many students have difficulties with in our university’s introductory electronics course. The ILD equipment and activity sheets have been designed to promote engagement and deeper learning. Results of pre-and posttesting of students, together with student surveys and focus group comments collected over a three year period are very positive, and indicate encouraging learning gains.