Exploring how process oriented guided inquiry learning elicits learners’ reasoning about stoichiometry

Abstract

This study explored how Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) elicits learners’ reasoning about stoichiometry. The study further explored the perceptions of both teachers and learners over the use of POGIL in the field of stoichiometry. A qualitative case study was carried out at two conveniently and purposely sampled township schools in Pretoria, South Africa. For this purpose, two 11th grade physical sciences classes (N=48) and their respective teachers who were previously trained to teach using POGIL, gave consent to participate in the study. Data were collected using pre-intervention test, post-intervention test and lesson observations, as well as focus group interviews for learners and individual interviews for teachers. All data were coded and analysed with the aid of ATLAS.ti software for qualitative data analysis. The pre-intervention test indicated that the learners lacked reasoning in solving stoichiometry questions. The post-intervention test results indicated that the learners improved their mathematical reasoning and achievement. The findings from the observations indicate that the learners were excited, motivated and actively engaged in their work, assisting one another by endeavouring to answer questions supported with justification. The findings from the focus group interviews indicate that the learners were excited to learn using POGIL and wished to use it in other subjects such as mathematics. The learners anticipated an improvement in their grades and understanding of stoichiometry. The findings from the teachers’ interviews indicated that they too appreciated using POGIL. They found POGIL useful in reducing misconceptions, increasing learner participation, increasing understanding and achievement, and felt that their learners were interested in utilising POGIL as a learning tool. The results indicated that POGIL increased learners’ reasoning, understanding, achievement, active participation, and interest in learning.