Building a Community of Transformation and a Social Network Analysis of the POGIL Project

Abstract

Communities of transformation work to achieve deep, transformational change in higher education teaching practice. This case study of The POGIL Project follows the development of a community of transformation principally focused on the propagation of effective teaching in STEM. We describe the origin of the community, elucidate the emergent decisions that shaped its growth, and offer a social network analysis of the connections between change agents that have been deeply engaged in the growth and development of the POGIL community. The case provides concrete examples of how the features of a community of transformation, most particularly the community network, can be intentionally fostered. We discuss the implications for STEM education reform in light of the case analysis.