Inquiry-based learning as an instructional approach has been popular amongst STEM (i.e. science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines, but the practice specifically in engineering education deserves further exploration. Employing a case-study approach, the present study was aimed to explore POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) as an instructional strategy in an engineering course that included inquiry-based group activities. Using a questionnaire, students were then asked to report how they perceived their experience. The instructor's perception was garnered through an interview. Findings suggested that most students were in favour of the inquiry-based activities, but challenges in the implementation coexisted especially because it was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pedagogical recommendations were provided to shed light on future implementation.