Matching laboratory courses to engineering activities

After presenting the various distinct types of laboratory activity, the authors describe in some detail how they have modified a sophomore circuits laboratory course. Traditionally, this course has engaged students in rediscovering what they already should have learned in their lecture course. The authors have made the experience into one of circuit design evaluation, where the students are asked to explore the differences between practical realities and theoretical possibilities by evaluating the performance of their own designs. They outline some of their exercises to clarify the distinction they are making from the traditional approach, and present evidence of student interest.