Enhancing Teaching and Learning for Basic Electrical Engineering Course Using Simulation as a Tool

One of the common difficulties faced by an entrant of an undergraduate course studying Electrical Engineering is in understanding the fundamentals of Alternating circuits (a.c.). In order to address the identified difficulty, modern engineering tool was introduced to enhance the learning in a.c. circuits as simulation tool plays an important role within the frame of teaching and learning in education across the world. With the performance of students in continuous internal examination (CIE) being less, there was a need to improvise their understanding the concepts of a.c. circuit, hence this activity was planned and implemented. The activity was initiated with the introduction to Personal computer Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (PSPICE) simulation tool. Simulation tool was applied in designing structured learning experiences and it was targeted to enhance teamwork competencies and understand the fundamentals of a.c. circuits. Students were trained to simulate complete and well-formed circuits which helped their learning environment suitable for supplementing traditional method of chalk and talk instruction. The activity was concluded by a feedback survey to measure the effectiveness of learning through simulation assignment on teaching&learning process in regular curriculum. The response from the students' feedback showed that they were more satisfied with simulation assignment compared to conventional one; it helped them to understand theoretical concepts better. It also showed increased involvement in learning during the activity. The performance in CIE was compared with semester end examination (SEE), and it was found that the students' performance in SEE showed significant improvements in understanding the concepts of a.c. circuits. The work presented in this paper summarizes the effectiveness of simulation package used in enhancing teaching and learning in fundamental course of electrical engineering.