What makes POGIL different?
Many student-centered instructional techniques can be effective for achieving valuable learning goals in the classroom. POGIL differs from other approaches in two particular ways. The first is the explicit and conscious emphasis on developing essential and purposeful process skills. The second is the use and design of distinctive classroom materials. Three defining characteristics of these materials are:
- A POGIL activity is designed to be used with self-managed teams that employ the instructor as a facilitator of learning rather than as a source of information.
- A POGIL activity guides students through an exploration to construct, deepen, refine, and/or integrate understanding of relevant disciplinary content.
- The application and development of at least one of the targeted process skills is embedded in the structure and/or content of a POGIL activity and is not solely dependent upon the facilitation of the activity in the classroom or laboratory.
