Load Lines of Transistor Circuits: A Unifying Educational Approach Using Blended Learning and Flipped Classroom

The paper presents the application of the blended learning and flipped classroom principles to the teaching of the load line concept. Blended learning is a rapidly evolving approach towards the direction of actively engaging students in the learning process. Flipped classroom is a proposal, in the blended learning context, suggesting that in-class students’ activities, supported by educational material made available to them in advance, could replace the traditional pattern of lectures led by teachers followed by homework. The lesson was designed according to established design principles. The content was divided into two parts. The first part was the preparation material, which was mainly pre-existing resources. Such resources can be notes, slides, videos, etc. taking into account self-assessment tests and the difficulties faced by students on the topic. All the preparation material was available online. The second part was the in-class activities including various design and decision problems, debates and logical exercises. The students in the class worked individually and in groups also participating in a peer-review activity. The participating students on the flipped classroom approach evaluated the project with a quite positive view compared to the conventional teaching forms. The aim of this work is to present the concept and applications of the load line in a unified and mathematically straightforward manner and, at the same time, employ the blended-learning and “flipping-the-classroom” approach in order to enhance students’ understanding and learning outcomes.