POGIL in the Physical Chemistry Classroom

Abstract

Student-centered instruction, a key component of the POGIL pedagogical approach, is not often considered in advanced chemistry courses such as physical chemistry. The reasons for this are, in part, the unsupported belief that advanced courses require direct instruction - that is, a lecture-based approach. Institutions now employing POGIL methods in various advanced courses have demonstrated that POGIL techniques are as applicable to upper level chemistry courses as for general or organic chemistry. Indeed, practitioners of POGIL in physical chemistry generally agree that this course readily lends itself to an active classroom environment. This chapter provides an example of a POGIL classroom activity for a typical junior-level physical chemistry course, and offers some details on classroom implementation.