While POGIL is often seen in small group settings, and seems tailor-made for recitation sections, POGIL is possible in a room of 500 students. In this presentation, we will outline how UT Austin was able to transform the large section General Chemistry course from a lecture-based environment to a student-centered active learning environment based on POGIL principles without the added time and cost of discussion sections. Active learning at scale is possible because the direct teaching is accomplished outside of class via Canvas-based learning modules. Class time is then freed up for the active learning. Peer Learning Assistants, students who have passed the course and gone through an experiential learning environment, circulate in the room to work with students. Our Peer Learning Assistant (PLA) program was developed to specifically support the transformed sections of chemistry by creating a scalable administrative structure and curriculum that trains the peer learning assistants to serve as POGIL facilitators without adding to the overall cost of teaching general chemistry. The PLA curriculum includes chemistry content, professional behaviors, and facilitation techniques. In its fourth year, the active learning program has grown from a single section of 500 students in the pilot year to serving 5 sections of 350 to 500 students each fall and spring. The accompanying PLA program has grown from six original undergraduates to 60 undergraduates enrolled in a PLA course (CH372C). Six faculty members continue to improve the curriculum and work together to foster an interactive classroom.

POGIL on a large scale

249th National Meeting (2015)

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