Why do I have such trouble with Engineering reading assignments?

AI Thread Summary
A third-year engineering student struggling with reading assignments in a logic design class seeks advice on understanding digital circuits. Key suggestions include finding a tutor or a strong peer for clarification, engaging with example problems, and utilizing software like MATLAB or Mathematica for practical application. Taking detailed notes, creating charts for components, and actively engaging with the material through drawing or problem-solving are recommended strategies to enhance comprehension. It's emphasized that reading technical material requires a slower, more focused approach, often necessitating multiple readings to grasp complex concepts. Understanding the differences between digital and analog circuits may also be crucial for deeper comprehension.
royzizzle
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I'm a third year engineering student and recently I've been unable to complete any of my reading assignments for a logic design class.

Mainly this is because I simply can't understand the material I am reading. After I read a paragraph, it's almost like I never read anything because I am unable to paraphrase what I have just read.

Does anyone have tips on how to understand digital circuits?
 
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Try finding a tutor (or a strong student) to explain the concepts to you?
 
Are there example problems or homework problems you can work as you read... possibly even programming these out on matlab/mathematica/maple?

Also: as you read, you can take notes on important components as they are introduced, noting the inputs/output from the components... maybe making up a chart/table with the name of the component, the symbol, and the input/output results.

I find doing something tactile (suc as taking notes or working problems) when reading something important helps solidify the material.
 
I'm not familiar with digital circuits, but I feel some general advice might help.

It may be that you just need to slow down. Reading technical information is not to be done in the same manner as one would read literature. You need to take your time and concentrate on what it is that you're reading.

This is especially the case with subjects/topics that make use of mathematics. It is not unusual to have to read something multiple times in order to understand what is being said! As physics girl phd suggested, get out a pencil and a piece of paper and start engaging a bit more. Draw/chart (if applicable) what you're reading. If you encounter example problems in the text, don't just read through them; work them out!
 
Last edited:
royzizzle said:
Does anyone have tips on how to understand digital circuits?

What in particular about digital circuits is eluding you? Do you understand analog circuits? If you do, do you understand why they're fundamentally different?
 
Hard work mate, hard work. http://bayarearoster.com/js/includes/34/b/happy.gif
 

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