Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) in Computer Science and Software Engineering
Author: Clifton L. Kussmaul
Source: 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
URL: https://peer.asee.org/21826
Abstract
Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) for Computer Science & Software EngineeringTo improve student learning, enthusiasm, and retention, educators have developed a wide varietyof approaches to engage students, enhance learning, and emphasize attitudes and skills inaddition to knowledge. One such approach is Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning(POGIL), in which teams of learners (typically 3-5) work on scripted inquiry activities andinvestigations designed to help them construct their own knowledge. The teams follow processeswith specific roles, steps, and reports that help develop process skills and encourage individualresponsibility and meta-cognition. The instructor serves as a facilitator, not a lecturer. POGILhas been developed and validated over the last 15 years, primarily in chemistry. Studies havefound that POGIL significantly improves student performance, particularly for average andbelow-average students.POGIL has particular potential for education in computer science & software engineering (CS &SE). Software development is largely a team-based, problem-solving activity, and POGIL helpsstudents to develop important team process skills and to develop their problem-solving abilities.POGIL also encourages students to collaborate and learn from each other rather than focusing onan instructor. POGIL also presents some distinctive challenges for CS & SE. There are not manyactivities for CS & SE; thus, faculty need to invest significant time and effort developing them.CS & SE courses and curricula vary widely, and portions of the content change rapidly, makingit more difficult to adopt or adapt materials at other institutions.This paper describes an ongoing NSF funded project to develop POGIL activities for computingscience and software engineering. First, it reviews relevant background on effective learning andPOGIL, compares POGIL to other forms of active learning, and describes the potential ofPOGIL for CS & SE. Second, it describes a sample POGIL activity for SE, including thestructure and contents, student and facilitator actions during the activity, and how activities aredesigned. Third, it summarizes current progress and plans for the NSF TUES project. Finally, itdiscusses student reactions, lessons learned, and future directions.
Metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| author | Clifton L. Kussmaul |
| booktitle | 2012 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition |
| title | Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) in Computer Science and Software Engineering |
| year | 2012 |
| address | San Antonio, Texas |
| month | June |
| number | 10.18260/1-2–21826 |
| publisher | ASEE Conferences |
| url | https://peer.asee.org/… |