Facilitating learning in physical chemistry courses can be challenging for many reasons.  A major obstacle to student learning arises when instructors lack understanding of student preparation. Over the course of six semesters, I have developed, used and refined a series of POGIL-inspired activities focusing on quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and bonding for a first semester physical chemistry course.  Activities deployed in student groups of 2-3 are designed to comprise approximately half a 50-minute class period. Observing and interacting with students working on the groupwork activities provided this instructor ample opportunity to learn stumbling blocks for students.  Design and refinement of activities as well as deeper understanding of material that proves difficult for students will comprise this presentation.

Quantum, spectroscopy, bonding with POGIL in first semester physical chemistry

249th National Meeting (2015)

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