Patterns in classroom facilitation for process oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL)

Abstract

Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) is an evidence-based instructional strategy used across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In POGIL, student teams work on classroom activities specifically designed to guide them to construct understanding of key concepts and to develop key process skills, with active facilitation by a teacher. A pattern language for POGIL should help the POGIL community to more easily create, review, and revise POGIL activities, and use them effectively in the classroom. A previous paper described POGIL, some advantages of using patterns with POGIL, and patterns for some of the structure and elements of POGIL activities, including models used in learning cycles. This paper describes nine patterns to help teachers organize teams, lead discussions, and guide students to learn and reflect. These patterns should help teachers to use POGIL more effectively, and to better understand elements of POGIL that can be adapted to other settings.