Bridging the Industry–Academia Gap Through Experiential Learning in Analog Electronics Education

Abstract

Experiential learning in the area of Electronics and Communication Engineering Education provides a hands-on approach that fosters active engagement and practical skill development among students. This TLP methodology emphasizes learning through practical implementation of realworld applications, enabling students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and application. In this work, the experiential learning methodology adopted for the third-semester Electronics and Communication Engineering students for the core subject Analog Electronics is detailed. The pre-requisite for this course is Basic Electronics in which students were trained to design and analyze the basic circuits with certain exposure to practical learning. Students pursuing Electronics and Communication engineering often encounter various challenges in comprehending the subject matter. Analog electronics involves abstract concepts such as amplifiers, filters, oscillators and semiconductor devices, which can be challenging for them to grasp without hands-on experience. The theoretical foundation of Analog electronics often involves complex mathematical analysis, including differential equations, Fourier analysis, and Laplace transforms, which can be daunting for students. Students may struggle to understand the practical relevance and real-world applications of theory concepts, leading to a lack of motivation and engagement. Troubleshooting and debugging analog circuits require a deep understanding of the underlying principles and students may face difficulties in identifying and rectifying errors. Addressing these challenges through experiential learning and practical implementation can greatly enhance students' understanding of the fundamental course Analog electronics.