2019 EDSIGCON Proceedings - Workshop Presentation
Introduction to Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL)
Clif Kussmaul
Green Mango Associates, LLC
Objectives
This workshop introduces computing educators to Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry
Learning (POGIL). In a POGIL classroom, teams of 3-4 learners work on activities with
a particular structure based on learning cycles. Through scripted inquiry and investigation,
learners discover concepts and construct their own knowledge. Using assigned team roles
and other scaffolding, learners develop process skills and individual responsibility. The
teacher is not a lecturer, but an active facilitator who helps all students to be engaged
and achieve the learning objectives. POGIL is an evidence-based approach, and has
been shown to significantly improve student outcomes.
Across computing education, there is growing interest in evidence-based
strategies to improve learning and retention. The CSPOGIL community has
grown rapidly over the past several years; over 80 teachers have attended 3-day
POGIL workshops to learn more about using and developing POGIL materials. A
survey of CS POGIL teachers found that they believe their students learn more, are
more engaged and active, and develop better skills with POGIL. Workshop participants
will work through POGIL activities as students, and work through POGIL meta-activities
that are designed to help teachers learn core POGIL concepts, practices, and benefits.
We will share POGIL materials for a variety of computing courses and concepts. For more
information, see http://IntroCSpogil.org and http://pogil.org,
including activities for CS1, CS2, and other courses. Laptops optional.
Targeted Attendees
This workshop is intended for anyone interested in teaching and
learning approaches that are described as active, constructivist, or
discovery-based, including both college and high school faculty. We
assume familiarity with basic computer science concepts (e.g. CS2).
We do not assume any prior experience with POGIL.