In my Technology Education class, one of the significant teaching and learning challenges I encountered was students' difficulty in grasping the application of electrical circuits and the concepts related to Ohm's Law. Many students struggled to visualize how electrical components interacted within a circuit, which led to confusion when trying to apply theoretical principles to practical scenarios. For example, when asked to calculate the resistance using Ohm's Law, students often misapplied the formula (V = IR), leading to incorrect conclusions about circuit behavior. This misunderstanding not only hindered their ability to perform basic calculations correctly but also stifled their engagement with more complex applications, such as troubleshooting circuits or designing their own.
To address this problem, I realized that the traditional methods of teaching theoretical concepts through lectures and textbook examples were not enough. Instead, I started incorporating hands-on activities, simulations, and visual aids that allowed students to experiment with circuits in a more interactive manner. By using breadboards and various electrical components, students could build simple circuits, visually see the flow of current, and measure voltage and resistance directly. This practical approach helped demystify the concepts of Ohm's Law, providing students with a tangible understanding of how electrical principles apply in real-world scenarios. Additionally, integrating collaborative group work encouraged peer learning and enabled students to articulate their understanding while addressing misconceptions collectively.