An interactive approach to design lectures

In an attempt to improve understanding in design topics, a method has been developed whereby students are involved in the process from establishment of specifications to the evaluation of success. The role of the instructor is to direct the progress while allowing the students to make the critical decisions and discover the methods and their purpose. The author describes the original application of the method to synchronous state machine design problems in a digital sequential logic course for freshman. The resulting improvements in student understanding as well as logistical problems presented by this method are discussed