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Topic: Using Mike's Basic Electrical Theory book

User: drillman, Location: Texas

Asked on: Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 8:09 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:22 am EDT

Question: Greetings, I am a master electrician in Texas. I currently work at a county jail as a building supervisor. We have a number of new hires who have maintenance experience but zero electrical knowledge.I have been sort of teaching guys one on one while we are out on the job but that is just to time consuming.I would like to teach a class every week using Mike's basic electrical theory book.My question is has anyone here used it to teach people who are totally new to electrical stuff? It seems like a good book to me but I would like any other opinions.One thing I would like to do is make up some labs, probably just using resistors and breadboards.Thanks for any and all help.

Mike's Basic Electrical Theory Book

Mike's Basic Electrical Theory Book is widely regarded as an excellent resource for teaching basic electrical concepts. It is written in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to beginners.

Using it to Teach Beginners

Many educators and industry professionals have successfully used Mike's Basic Electrical Theory Book to teach individuals with no prior electrical knowledge. It provides a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of electricity, including: Ohm's Law Voltage, current, and resistance DC and AC circuits Electrical power MagnetismLabs

Supplementing the theoretical lessons with hands-on labs is essential for reinforcing concepts. Consider incorporating the following labs into your curriculum:
Resistor Color Code Lab

Practice identifying resistor values using color codes.

Breadboard Circuit Lab

Build simple circuits on breadboards to demonstrate the principles of current flow and voltage drop.


Multimeter Measurement Lab

Introduce students to the use of a multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance.

Circuit Analysis Lab

Provide students with circuit diagrams and ask them to analyze the circuit behavior, calculate values, and troubleshoot potential issues.

Other Resources


In addition to Mike's Basic Electrical Theory Book, there are numerous other resources available to support your teaching efforts:
Online Courses

Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer free or low-cost online courses on basic electricity.

YouTube Videos

Search for "electrical theory for beginners" to find educational videos that can supplement your lessons.


Electrical Simulation Software

Software like CircuitLab and LTSpice allow students to simulate circuits and experiment with different configurations.

Tips for Teaching Beginners
Start with the Basics

Begin by covering the fundamental principles of electricity before moving on to more complex topics.


Use Real-Life Examples

Relate electrical concepts to practical applications to make them relatable and engaging.

Encourage Questions

Create a comfortable learning environment where students feel free to ask questions and clarify their understanding.


Provide Hands-On Experiences

Emphasize the importance of practical experience through labs and demonstrations.*

Gauge Student Progress:
Regularly assess students' comprehension through quizzes, assignments, or demonstrations to identify areas that need reinforcement. Flag for review

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