Teaching circuit analysis from a problem solving perspective

The teaching of RSM (response-specific method) circuit analysis from a problem-solving perspective is described, and strategies and a tactic to overcome the fact that a checklist cannot be prescribed are identified. Problems are solved in the RSM framework by sequentially applying analysis tools, selected from a collection of eight, to what is known about the problem situation at each step in the analysis. A flow diagram for applying RSM to circuits problems is shown. The problem specification identifies what is known about the problem (including the equivalent circuit). Once a strategy has been decided on, the analysis proceeds interactively through the closed loop of the tactic until such time that the piece of information discovered is the desired result. It is concluded that this approach to teaching circuit analysis has enhanced student problem-solving skills