Identification and Addressing students difficulties in learning DC Circuit

Atharva Engineering College,

Atharva Educational Complex
Malad Marve Road Malad (W), Mumbai
Rajeev Valunjkar Asst Prof 9920947731 rajeevvalunjkar@hotmail.com

Abstract
In Mumbai university B.E Electrical program has Basic Electrical and Electronics subject in 1 st
Semester.
While checking university papers / college tests it was identified that series and parallel circuit is
a weak link in students understanding of the subject and high failure rate of students. The
Thevnins / Nortons / superposition theorem require finding of equivalent circuit. Students make
mistakes in finding 1) equivalent resistance 2) calculation of currents and voltages in different
branches of DC network. Many students fail due to this. The paper attempts to address this issue.
Also, experience gained from DIRECT (1) test that was administered to third year students was
used. The lectures and lab work included explanations on Misconceptions identified