Improving the Interactivity in and Beyond the Classroom

In the classroom:

I believe that one of the best methodologies to encourage participation and interaction in the Physics and Chemistry lessons in the POGIL methodology (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning).

POGIL, is a learning methodology that seeks knowledge and skills in students through guided questions and is based on cooperative work in groups of students. It is a learning and laboratory technique that seeks content and skill development through key processes. It works in small groups (with or without role play) These materials provide the data and information that guide students to create their own knowledge and acquire skills related to the scientific method.

The role of the teacher is to guide, observing and guiding, individually or collectively, students or groups of the class according to their specific needs.

Here is a video of how POGIL works in the classroom.

• Advantages:

It motivates students and teachers to provide immediate and constant feedback about what students understand or not. Fast learners capture the message that logical thinking and teamwork have a reward beyond getting correct answers. It is emphasized that learning is not only a task of memorizing information, but rather an interactive process to refine what one does not understand and to develop one's own skills.

• Disadvantages:

Usually, working in groups requires more time to impart the curriculum. You have to know the students for a correct distribution of the groups and it needs specific and adapted content. A very good source is the website of the University of Colorado website.

Beyond the classroom:

A good option are Video lessons that allow students to access content from home and then share questions, opinions, etc. in class. As advantages, this methodology allows students to learn at home first and consolidate their knowledge in class. As an inconvenience, sometimes we could have students with difficulties to access these contents from home or students who do not perform these tasks at home on time and therefore can not keep up with the class.

Collaborative works such as Glossaries or Wikis are also a good option to increase interactivity in the classroom and beyond the classroom, making students build their own knowledge.