Using Behavioral Analysis to Improve Student Confidence With Analog Circuits

This paper investigates the impact of teaching the behavior of analog circuits before proceeding to the formal, mathematical analysis, with the goal of improving student confidence with analog circuits. The behavioral analysis of two circuits is presented to show the level of detail provided to the students. Additionally, reinforcement techniques that encourage a deep approach to learning are presented. The effect on student confidence levels of introducing the circuit behavioral analysis is measured using three assessment methods. The results of the assessment suggests that being exposed to behavioral analysis improves student confidence with analog circuits and comfort levels with new circuits.