R1 An introduction to circuit symbols

Example session plan Aim

To help learners develop knowledge and understanding of circuit symbols and components.

Objectives/learning outcomes
Time 00.00 Name an electronic component from its circuit symbol. Recognise the function of the component. Match the circuit symbol to the physical component. Develop reasoning and evaluative skills. Teacher/trainer plan Introduce topic, session aims and objectives. Establishing starting points. Organise pairs. Ask learners to recall circuit symbols they have met previously. Move pairs into groups of four. Ask learners to share and combine results on a poster. Explore differences in understanding. Classifying components. Introduce key terms: meters, power supplies, tranducers and so on. Lead discussion. Organise groups of three. Introduce Card set A (name and function) activity. Monitor group discussions. Organise checking. Manage feedback. Matching components with their symbols. Introduce Card set B activity. Circulate, challenge misconceptions. Refer learners to sources if required. Organise checking. Learner activity Draw circuit symbols from memory. Share and combine results and produce a combined circuit symbol poster. Display posters on wall and view and explain them. Resources Mini-whiteboards and pens. Flip chart paper and pens.

00.20

Learners provide examples. Groups discuss and agree how to classify the cards. Groups compare and check each others classifications.

Card set A (name and function). Flip chart paper.

00.40

Groups discuss and agree how to match symbols and components. Learners check each others work.

Card set B (circuit symbols. Flip chart paper. Reference sources such as B.S. 3939.

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Time 01.00

01.15 01.30

Teacher/trainer plan Creating a record. Distribute Worksheets 1, 2, 3. Use camera to capture posters. Introduce find the components activity. Check learning. Investigating further symbols. Issue further circuit diagrams and supplier catalogues. Check learning and summarise. Revisit learning objectives.

Learner activity Learners complete gaps and then check each others work. Record posters. Learners match components to circuit symbol cards. Learners identify and record further symbols. Learners return all equipment.

Resources Worksheets 1 ,2, 3. Digital or phone camera. Box of components per group. Advanced circuit symbols and suppliers catalogues. Computer with internet connection.

01.55

Assessment of learning outcomes

Outcomes of card sort activity and worksheet records. Outcomes of find the component activity. Evaluation of posters and peer assessment. Monitoring of individual contributions during activities and discussions.

Differentiation to meet individual needs

Consider learners starting points as you deliver the session: for example, how will you plan the groups? will different groups need to work with different cards? will modified worksheets be needed? Initial discussion to identify those that need additional learning support as well as those needing more complex extension activities. Consider peer group selection strategies to pair less confident learners with more confident learners. One-to-one support during the classification and extension activities as necessary.

Teacher/trainer evaluation
Consider which parts of the session were effective and why.

Learner feedback
Consider whether the activities were suitable for all learners and the session helped develop as expert learners.

Personal and social skills developed

Group working. Taking part in a discussion. Responding to questions. Sharing ideas and expertise with others.

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Skills for Life or Key Skills developed

Take part in a group discussion C2.1a.1 Make clear and relevant contributions in a way that suits the purpose and situation. C2.1a.2 Respond appropriately to others. C2.1a.3 Help to move the discussion forward.

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