Exemplifying many of the best practices in science education, Foundations of Biochemistry encourages students to explore the synergy of working and solving problems in groups. The 36 activities in the POGIL-oriented workbook “cover the gamut of topics typically covered in a Biochemistry course,” according to a review by Ann Taylor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education (Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 128, 2010). “Each activity has three main components,” continues Taylor, “a pre-class assignment, an in-class assignment, and a post-class skill exercise.” The post-class activities encourage students to apply the skills in new ways, and to solve problems.

Following the POGIL method, the instructor facilitates the learning and encourages students without using lecture, “helping the students ‘see the forest for the trees,’” according to Mark T. Werth in Chemical Education Today (Vol. 87, No. 8, pp. 787-789, August 2010). Werth reports that the activities helped students to engage with the material at a deeper level, resulting in a longer discussion than usual “because the students were now prepared to ask really good questions during the lecture.”

Werth administered an anonymous survey in which his students reported that “the POGIL exercises helped them to apply what they were learning and that they learned better by actually doing.” Foundations of Biochemistry introduces students to the POGIL method by explaining that the study of biochemistry is largely about practicing and applying the skills that students already have. Authors Loertscher and Minderhout explain: “Although the sheer scope of the field of biochemistry may seem overwhelming to learn, you will quickly discover that you already have had experience with many of the concepts you will encounter... by actively engaging with the material, you will build your understanding of biochemical concepts while simultaneously gaining problem solving and critical thinking skills.”

To support instructors, there is an Instructor’s Resources web site that includes keys to the Assignments, Activities, and Skill Exercises. The addition of Facilitation Plans, Data Sheets and a Universal Report form will help instructors make the most of this book. For more information, including a preview of the full book, visit http://www.pcrest2.com/biochemistry You can also view other great POGIL and active learning workbooks at http://www.pcrest.com