An exploration of process oriented guided inquiry learning in undergraduate Chemistry classes

The research study explored student’s understanding of stereochemistry and their perceptions of learning chemistry in first year undergraduate chemistry classes following a modified Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) that included group work. A 5-item two-tier stereochemistry concept diagnostic test (SCDT) was developed and administered to explore their understanding of stereochemistry concepts. The students’ perception of POGIL learning was gauged in an effort to establish construct and convergent validity to the SALG instrument

Students' attitudes, self-efficacy and experiences in a modified Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning undergraduate chemistry classroom

This one-semester, mixed methods study underpinning social cognition and theory of planned behaviour investigated the attitudes, self-efficacy, and experiences of 559 first year undergraduate chemistry students from two cohorts in modified process-oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) classes. Versions of attitude toward the study of chemistry (ASCI v2), and chemistry attitudes and experiences questionnaire (CAEQ) were adopted, modified, and administered to understand and gauge students’ affective outcomes before (pre) and after (post) POGIL intervention. Students’ post-POGIL perceptions of their attitudes, self-efficacy and experiences were statistically significantly higher. In addition to confirmatory testing of reliability of data obtained from ASCI v2 and CAEQ in an Australian POGIL context, the findings suggest that POGIL intervention provides positive affective experiences to students who are new to chemistry or have limited prior chemistry knowledge

Educational Reforms and Implementation of Student-Centered Active Learning in Science at Secondary and University Levels in Qatar

The Qatari government has made significant changes in the organization and staffing of schools over the past decade in an effort to improve the academic performance of school-aged citizens. Of interest is the need to encourage teachers to move from a didactic teacher-led mode of instruction to one that is more student-centred, but also teacher-guided, which encourages the development of critical thinking, problem solving, inquiry, and investigative skills. In this article, we discuss past and current educational changes and developments in Qatar with an emphasis on an initiative in chemistry that explored the utility and cultural transferability of student inquiry learning approaches to improve student conceptual understanding as well as their attitudes and self-efficacy. Based on the current activities described in this article, we argue that the developments and commitment to educational reform in Qatar can act as a guide for other nations that wish to move from a didactic teaching to a more student-centred approach

Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) as a Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) in Qatar: a Perspective from Grade 10 Chemistry Classes

© 2018 Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature Educational reforms in Qatar have seen the implementation of inquiry-based learning and other student-centred pedagogies. However, there have been few efforts to investigate how these adopted western pedagogies are aligned with the high context culture of Qatar. The study presented in this article highlights the implementation of a student-centred intervention called Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) in selected independent Arabic government schools in Qatar. The study followed a theoretical framework composed of culturally relevant pedagogical practice and social constructivism in teaching and learning. A mixed method research design involving experimental and comparison groups was utilised. Carefully structured learning materials when implemented systematically in a POGIL intervention helped Grade 10 science students improve their perceptions of chemistry learning measured from pre- and post-tests as measured by the What Is Happening In this Class (WIHIC) questionnaire and school-administered achievement test. The study further provided school-based mentoring and professional development opportunities for teachers in the region. Significantly, POGIL was found to be adaptable in the Arabic context

Inquiry-Based Chemistry Education in a High-Context Culture: a Qatari Case Study

This research took place within the context of ongoing educational reforms to promote inquiry-based science instruction and a desire to draw evidence to inform adoptions of western pedagogical practices in a high-context culture like Qatar. We report on the outcomes from Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) in a foundation chemistry course based on students’ achievement, their perceived learning gains, and their self-efficacy. The study utilized quantitative data obtained from normalized content tests and instruments to measure perceived learning gains and attitudes and experience. Qualitative data from open-ended student questionnaires were analyzed to cross-validate findings from the study. Positive effects of POGIL during fall (semester 1) and spring (semester 2) semesters were evidenced by (a) improved mean scores and medium to large effect sizes for content test results, perceived learning gains, and self-efficacy levels and (b) a positive correlation between the measures of perceived learning gains and self-efficacy. Students self-reported increased self-efficacy, interest, and better understanding of concepts using the POGIL method. Comparing fall and spring semesters, student reluctance and negative perceptions of the POGIL approach gradually diminished. Students were able to adapt easily to POGIL—a method of teaching that they had not experienced before but which was compatible with the high-context culture in which they live. In addition, this study reflects the current condition of science learning in Qatar, where the emerging outcomes of educational reforms play an important role in preparing local students to transition into higher education