GAMIFIED SIMULATION-BASED LEARNING FOR ANALOG CIRCUIT DESIGN: A MULTIMODAL PEDAGOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING THE COMMON EMITTER AMPLIFIER

Engineering education continues to face challenges in sustaining student engagement and conceptual understanding in analog electronics, a subject often considered one of the most difficult in the electrical engineering curriculum. This study addresses that gap by designing and implementing a gamified multimodal instructional framework specifically tailored for teaching the common emitter amplifier. The framework was structured around three integrated stages: a narrative-based conceptual review (fishing game), schematic assembly using physical circuit cut-outs (circuit cooking challenge), and laboratory prototyping (applied amplifier testing). The design incorporated game elements such as competition, feedback, and storytelling to promote motivation and collaboration. A quasi-experimental design was employed with two undergraduate cohorts in aviation and electronics engineering. One group participated in the gamified multimodal sequence, while the control group followed a standard lecture-laboratory format. Data were collected through pre- and post-assessments, laboratory rubrics, observation notes, and student engagement surveys. Statistical analysis using paired t-tests indicated a mean improvement of 34 percentage points for the experimental group, double that of the control group. Students also reported higher engagement, enjoyment, and conceptual clarity. The findings demonstrate that narrative-driven and multimodal gamification can significantly enhance both cognitive and affective learning outcomes in analog circuit design. The approach aligns with principles from self-determination theory, flow theory, and cognitive load management. Practical implications include the feasibility of implementing low-cost, high-engagement teaching strategies in resource-limited institutions. The study contributes to the growing literature on gamified engineering education by offering an accessible, replicable model adaptable to multiple cultural and curricular contexts. Future research should explore largescale implementation, reliability testing of assessment instruments, and longitudinal impacts on skill retention.