POGIL ENHANCES UNDERSTANDING OF BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS

Process-oriented guided inquiry learning or POGIL is a learning model studied and shown to produce beneficial student educational and professional outcomes. This method is an active learning method that strives to encourage active student participation and focuses on career-related competencies. POGIL is a student-centered approach designed to promote group interaction and problem-solving. The role of the teacher in this active learning method is to serve as a coach and as a facilitator during student-led discussions. A condensed class lecture allows student groups to engage in conversations, leading to meaningful learning. This innovative learning tactic will not cause a financial strain on the institution and is appropriate for any science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) discipline. Initially, the POGIL approach was developed to improve chemistry courses. Since its inception, it has been implemented in other STEM courses in high school and college settings. This brief article discusses the potential advantages of using this technique to improve biology majors' understanding and application of essential skills needed in graduate school and beyond. The incorporation of job-related skills training at the undergraduate level using POGIL can produce college graduates ready to take on the challenges of the 21st-century job market.