Designing Effective Science Communication from Coursera

Although many would prefer to leave science in the past and no longer engage with it once completing compulsory science classes in school, the reality is that engaging with science is an integral part of our daily lives. Moreover, for the safety and wellness of human society, it is necessary to engage with scientific information. We are faced with the necessity of examining scientific evidence on topics ranging from conservation to public health and make decisions that impact not only our families but those around us. However, in spite of decades of science education reform and dedicated efforts to improving science literacy, many members of the general public lack the confidence, skills, or interest in engaging with scientific issues, instead choosing to align their scientific decisions with non-scientific stakeholders, such as political or pop culture figures. These problems are ongoing and destructive. How do we communicate science more effectively with the general public? With other scientists?

This course is designed for scientists, science educators, and science communicators who are interested in re-thinking how we communicate science to diverse audiences, particularly to the general public. Topics include evidence-based considerations of human learning as well as effective communication through a variety of modalities, including oral presentations, written forms of communication, technology, and artistic media. The objective of this course is to equip learners with the skills needed to design and implement effective methods of science communication. Learners will be able to identify key principles of human learning that undergird science communication, describe pitfalls in “popular” avenues for science outreach, and apply best practices to science communication in a variety of media.

What's inside

Syllabus

Connecting the Science of Learning to Science Communication

In this module, you will learn the basics of human learning, including an overview of the cognitive processes that underlie learning (e.g. perception, attention, motivation, memory), major educational psychology theories (e.g socioculturalism, constructivism, behaviorism) and aspect of human cognition that can lead to difficulties with outreach (e.g. bias, motivated reasoning, epistemic cognition). We will also discuss use of evidence in designing outreach, how to evaluate types of evidence, and principles behind effective design of outreach.

Speaking of Science: Oral Presentation

In this module, you will learn important considerations for effective oral presentations, including best practices for giving live, recorded, and virtual presentations. In addition, we will also cover best practices for creating visual supports (poster, PowerPoint slides) to help communicate your message during an oral presentation. We will also discuss best practices for media interviews.

Writing Science: Written Communication

In this module, you will learn best practices for writing as a vehicle for science communication. Rather than focusing on grammar and general writing mechanics, this section will focus on how to effectively use the written form as a tool for science outreach, including how formal scientific writing varies from pieces for the general public.

Decoding Science: Technology Based Communication

In this module, you will learn about technological forms of science communication outside traditional media (e.g. written or oral communication). In this module, we will discuss how science is communicated through various forms of educational technologies, including computer games, simulations, and social media. We will also briefly discuss learning analytics and their utility in understanding learning in technology-based environments.

Creating Science: Artistic Forms of Communication

In this module, you will learn about the importance of artistic forms of science communication. The arts can serve as an important gateway between scientists and the rest of society making difficult or abstract concepts feel more personal and less intimidating. Here, we will talk about use of art, such as photography as well as music to help feel others connected to science topics.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers opportunities to practice public speaking and media interviews, which is essential for effective science communication

Covers the use of different modalities for science communication, including oral presentations, written forms, technology, and artistic media

Addresses challenges in communicating science to the general public, such as bias, motivated reasoning, and epistemic cognition

Provides strategies and techniques for designing and implementing effective methods of science communication

Emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches in science communication, which aligns with best practices

Taught by Melanie Peffer, a recognized expert in science communication, which adds credibility to the course content

Reviews summary

Effective science communication

Students largely agree that Designing Effective Science Communication provides a good overview of the field. They appreciate the flexibility and pace of the course, while also enjoying the practical elements, like interviews with experts and TED talks. However, some students wish that there were more research and practical examples included in the materials.

Self-paced learning

"The course content and activities are valuable and doing the course at my own pace really helped."

Assignments, Interviews, and TED Talks

"I really enjoyed this course and I am very grateful for the oppertunity this has given me. I've learned a lot of ways on how to communicate science accurately and efficiently."

"The TED talks, interview with the science communicators, introducing some of the kids’ magazine , cartoons made this course more interesting."

Additional research and examples

"I think the topic of this course is very interesting and relavant, especially in this day and age. The content is delivered well and in a clear and accessible manner. While I really enjoyed the theoretical aspects of the course, the practical elements could have been explained and illustrated more clearly."

Career center

Learners who complete Designing Effective Science Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Science Communicator

Science Communicators use a variety of media, including oral presentations, written articles, and social media, to share scientific information with the public. This course will help you develop the skills to communicate science in a clear and concise way, and to engage with audiences from all backgrounds.

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Science Educator

Science Educators teach science to students of all ages, from elementary school to college. This course will give you the foundation to develop curricula and lesson plans that are based on the latest research on how people learn science. You will also learn how to assess student learning and to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information to users. This course can help you develop the skills to write clear and concise technical documentation that is easy to understand and use.

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Science Librarian

Science Librarians help researchers and students find and access scientific information. This course can help you develop the skills to organize and manage scientific information.

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Science Journalist

Science Journalists report on scientific research and discoveries for the general public. This course will help you develop the skills to write engaging and accurate articles, blog posts, and other forms of written communication that will help people understand and appreciate science.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and programs. This course can help you develop the skills to design and develop effective science learning experiences.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific and technical information to non-scientific audiences. This course can help you develop the skills to write engaging and informative articles, blog posts, and other forms of written communication that will help people understand and appreciate science.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts use their understanding of science and policy to advise policymakers on the potential impacts of scientific research. This course will help you develop the skills to analyze scientific information, to communicate scientific findings to policymakers, and to advocate for evidence-based policies.

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Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and exhibits that teach visitors about science and natural history. This course will help you develop the skills to create engaging and informative exhibits, and to communicate science in a way that is accessible to all.

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Education Researcher

Education Researchers study how people learn and how to improve teaching and learning. This course may be helpful for those interested in conducting research on science education.

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Curator

Curators oversee the collections of museums and other cultural institutions. This course may be helpful for those interested in working in a science museum.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. This course may be helpful for those interested in working in a science museum or library.

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Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. This course may be helpful for those interested in working in science communications or public relations.

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Event Planner

Event Planners organize and manage events, such as conferences and workshops. This course may be helpful for those interested in planning science conferences or other events.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for research and other projects. This course may be helpful for those interested in working in a science research institution.

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