Facilitating student learning in science education by using POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) and CATS (Classroom Assessment Techniques)

It is imperative for science educators to realize that straight lectures that can become difficult to concentrate, “60 minutes of lecture is 30 minutes of effective teaching.” More instructors are realizing that to foster learning environment straight lectures can be amalgamated with novel teaching strategies. As science educators we have our own dynamic style and use variety of techniques and assessments to measure learning outcomes. Learning concepts and absorbing plethora of information in life sciences can be an arduous task for learners that can be circumvented by using a variety of assessments. In teaching a variety of courses in biology, physiology, pathology and nutrition the use of POGIL (process oriented guided inquiry learning) and conducting novel classroom assessment techniques such as minute papers and concept maps can develop more interest in basic sciences and could provide a more vibrant learning environment.