P.O.G.I.L. (Worksheets)
Faculty used worksheets to guide students through a learning process.
About
POGIL is an activity that is being widely adopted in the STEM fields, as it seems to offer successful results in teaching difficult topics. The structure that a worksheet provides allows for an escalation through the Bloom taxonomy from smaller and simpler exercises to more advanced application of theories. Advocates claim that the self-regulated nature allows students to understand at their own pace, and when small groups are used, the social setting allows for peer learning and makes the activity more enjoyable. STEM classes have not been noted for enjoyment, socializing, or high levels of success in the past, which mat explain why whole college departments are switching to POGIL methodology.
There are surely many differences between a worksheet in the humanities and a POGIL worksheet, as it is likely that non-POGIL worksheets are hand-created, whereas POGIL worksheets are likely to have been taken from a workbook. This could be good or bad, as the workbook authors might be more experienced in creating successful scaffolded worksheets, whereas the local authors might have a better read on specific classroom issues. Some of the success might be due to this experience. Non-STEM faculty might look for discipline specific worksheet aids such as the “Reading Circles” ones created for literature discussions.
I would also note that there are several researchers who find worksheets dreary remnants of rote learning: practice tests at best, repetitive busywork at worst. This is not to say they cannot be made better, however. The lesson worksheet creators might get from the POGIL experiment is to use them in small groups, make them build in complexity, and try to make them enjoyable.
The original study's data and analysis for "P.O.G.I.L. (Worksheets)" can be found on this link.
What Faculty Have To Say
Strengths (10)
- Can help guide students through their own thinking
- Students learn by working through carefully scaffolded questions
- Deepens student understanding of key aspects of a chapter or concept
- Provides models for analysis and problem solving
- Helps connect facts/theory with usage/application
- Helps structure student notes
- Allows them to work at their own pace
- Provides practice on exam-like questions
- Helps develop teamwork skills
- Provides an enjoyable active learning exercise
Weaknesses (7)
- Students may perceive them as busywork or test practice
- Students rush through them without appreciation the opportunity for deep learning. in addition:
- They can be a bit boring
- They can be shallow, and convey the importance of rote learning
- They take considerable time to create, prepare, and administer
- It can be hard to ascertain the progress in the small groups
- Good examples outside of pogil are hard to find
Pedagogy Usage
Bucknell faculty was asked their best estimate for how often in the semester they used P.O.G.I.L. (Worksheets) and the average class time it took.
Average Duration: 25 min (mode=30)
Remote Suggestions
The emphasis on pre-written worksheets allows this pedagogy to adapt well to remote or hybrid learning. The worksheets can be sent out in advance, completed by students, and they can be moved into breakout rooms during the syncronous portion to refine their answers with other students. Instructors can then circulate through the breakout rooms to assist individial groups prior to convening the whole class final discussion.
Resources for Additional Learning
Articles & Books
- "POGIL: An overview." Richard S. Moog and James N. Spencer.
- Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in the Student-Centered Classroom by Harvey Daniels
- Letting Go of Homework and Worksheets, by Mark Barnes: http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol8/811-barnes.aspx
Websites
- The POGIL Project
- Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
- Research Worksheets And Handouts