Work-in-Progress (WIP): Improving Student Understanding of Electric Circuits Through Real-World Analogies

Many engineering students struggle with Electric Circuits due to misconceptions and anxiety, which have worsened post-pandemic. Concepts like voltage, current, and Ohm’s Law often seem abstract, hindering comprehension. This work-in-progress introduces the Circuit Teaching with Real-World Analogies (CTRWA) framework, which applies relatable analogies such as a water tank for voltage and current to improve understanding. Data from 50 students were collected through surveys, quizzes, and interviews, revealing that water-based analogies were the most effective, while others, such as the running track analogy, had mixed success. Preliminary results indicate that students taught with analogies scored 12% higher on quizzes and reported greater confidence in circuit analysis. While CTRWA enhances conceptual learning for Electrical Engineering students and non-majors, findings also highlight challenges in precisely aligning analogies with circuit variables, emphasizing the need for careful implementation and refinement in future studies.