Heuristic for learning common emitter amplification with bipolar transistors

Mathematics in engineering education causes many thresholds in the courses because of the demand of abstract conceptualisation. Electronics depend heavily on more or less complex mathematics. Therefore the concepts of analogue electronics are hard to learn since a great deal of students struggle with the calculations and procedures needed. A survey was done focusing on students’ struggle to pass a course in analogue electronics by introducing a top-down perspective and the revised taxonomy of Bloom. From a top-down perspective you can create learning environments from any spot in the taxonomy using a step-by-step approach of the verbs understand and apply. Three textbooks with a top-down perspective on analogue electronics are analysed on the concept of amplifying with a transistor circuit. The study claims issues when losing the top-down perspective to present concepts and procedures of the content to be learned.