A recent meta-analysis of active learning methods in STEM classes (PNAS, 2020) demonstrated the value of active learning methods for reducing equity gaps for marginalized students; for the students in chemistry courses, the reduction in equity gaps reported in this study was more limited. Evidence for reduction in equity gaps for students in courses using Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning is similarly sparce. For three of the past nine academic years, the organic chemistry course sequence for majors at California State University was taught using the Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning within a highly structured course; the remaining years have used more traditional lecture approaches. The CSU system, as part of this Graduation Initiative 2025, has made available equity gap data for each course, from 2011-12 AY to the 2019-20 AY. Data from the three-quarter organic chemistry sequence at CSUSB shows students were retained at higher rates, and with lower weighted course GPA differences between disaggregated groups for the POGIL sections vs. traditional lecture courses. In particular, the GPA difference for traditionally URM students vs. non-URM students is less than half for the POGIL group, and GPA differences between Pell and non-Pell, as well as first-generation college students and non-first-generation students, are close to zero for the POGIL group, compared to significantly greater than zero for students overall. The higher retention of students was seen using POGIL is accompanied by similar overall learning attained, as evidenced by scores on ACS final exams. Qualitative self-reported attitudes and learning gains from students in one of the POGIL cohorts, provide context for the numerical trends reported, helping to inform future implementation.

Reducing equity gaps in organic chemistry: critical evaluation of nine years of data from POGIL vs. lecture classrooms

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.