The Learning Cycle is what is used as the basis for writing a POGIL activity. Through a carefully crafted guided inquiry approach, the exploration of a model occurs through direct questioning. Concept invention then takes place as students begin to see patterns and relationships in the data and terms are introduced. Finally, questions are posed that ask students to address the application of a concept to new situations.

Process Skills Definitions

One of the principles that characterizes POGIL as a teaching strategy and philosophy is the explicit emphasis on the development of process skills as an important component of the student learning process.  The process skills that we refer to here include both cognitive and affective processes that students use to acquire, interpret, and apply knowledge.  At its outset, The POGIL Project identified seven process skills as those that would be the focus of development in a POGIL classroom.

  • Oral and Written Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Management
  • Information Processing
  • Assessment (Self-Assessment and Metacognition)

Related Links

There are many organizations that do work that is compatible with the POGIL pedagogy.  Click below to see a list of other websites and groups.