Systematic review of rigorous research in teaching introductory circuits

Abstract

Systematic review is a meta-analytical framework for quantitatively searching, sorting, and synthesizing scholarly research on a particular topic. Systematic review techniques have recently gained traction in the field of engineering education. A systematic review performed over a specific area of practice can consolidate results from many studies into a synthesis of best practices. This paper presents the best practices for teaching introductory circuits which were identified through a systematic review of prior research. Relevant publications were identified and appraised with a set of coding criteria generated by the researchers. The coding results were examined and used to write a mixed-methods synthesis of consensus, disagreement, quality, and limitations amongst studies identified by the systematic literature review. The results of the review may inform educational techniques employed in post-secondary introductory circuits courses.