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Melanie Peffer
In this course, you will explore how to develop and implement evidence-based methods for science communication. We’ll discuss major theories of human learning, cognitive phenomena like bias and motivated reasoning that can undermine even the best activities, and the science behind why mis/disinformation spreads so quickly. We’ll end with motivational interviewing and a discussion of how to use learning engineering to design educational activities.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to the Learning Sciences
In this module, you will learn about the learning sciences. You will also discuss the methods used by learning scientists to generate evidence on how people learn.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to the Learning Sciences
In this module, you will learn about the learning sciences. You will also discuss the methods used by learning scientists to generate evidence on how people learn.
Read more
Introduction to Learning Theories
In this module, you will learn about four major theoretical frames for describing human learning. This includes cognitive theories of learning, contextual theories of learning, social cognitive theories and behaviorism.
Cognitive Biases and Science Communication
In this module you will explore cognitive phenomena such as epistemic cognition, cognitive biases, and motivated reasoning. You will also discuss strategies for designing science communication activities that will help mitigate the influence of bias.
Learning Engineering
In this module, you will learn about learning engineering. You will also have a chance to try learning engineering for yourself and either design or re-design a science communication activity using the principles from this course.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of science communication
Taught by Melanie Peffer, a reputable learning scientist
Explores various factors that can influence science communication effectiveness, such as epistemic cognition and bias
Includes modules on learning engineering, enabling learners to design and enhance science communication activities
Suitable for learners interested in enhancing their science communication skills in academic, industry, or personal contexts
May require prior knowledge of learning theories and principles for easier comprehension
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Save The Harder Side of Science Communication to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The Harder Side of Science Communication with these
activities:
Review introduction to learning science
Show steps
Review key concepts related to introduction to learning science such as the learning cycle to enhance understanding during the course.
Browse courses on
Learning Theories
Show steps
-
Read the required readings for the first week of the course.
-
Take notes on the key concepts of learning science.
-
Create a mind map to connect the different concepts of learning science.
Review "Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning"
Show steps
Reading "Make it Stick" provides a comprehensive understanding of learning science principles, enhancing the applicability of course concepts and improving retention.
View
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
-
Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
-
Identify how the principles described in the book can be applied to the course material.
Complete practice exercises on learning engineering
Show steps
Practice exercises on learning engineering strengthens problem-solving skills, develops critical thinking, and enhances understanding of course principles.
Browse courses on
Learning Engineering
Show steps
-
Identify a set of practice exercises related to learning engineering.
-
Attempt to solve the exercises independently.
-
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
-
Review the concepts covered in the exercises to reinforce learning.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a blog post or video about cognitive bias and mis/disinformation
Show steps
Creating a blog post or video about cognitive bias and mis/disinformation allows to demonstrate understanding, apply principles of science communication, and improve retention of course material.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Biases
Show steps
-
Identify the types of cognitive bias and mis/disinformation that will be addressed.
-
Develop a plan for presenting the information in a clear and engaging way.
-
Create the blog post or video.
-
Publish the blog post or video and promote it to your network.
Facilitate a peer discussion on a science communication topic
Show steps
Facilitating a peer discussion on a science communication topic helps improve public speaking and communication skills, and reinforces knowledge by teaching concepts to others.
Browse courses on
Motivational Interviewing
Show steps
-
Choose a science communication topic that is relevant to the course.
-
Develop a plan for the discussion, including questions and activities.
-
Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all participants have a chance to contribute.
-
Summarize the key points of the discussion and share them with the group.
Design a science communication activity using learning engineering principles
Show steps
Designing a science communication activity using learning engineering principles allows to apply course knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
Learning Engineering
Show steps
-
Identify a science communication topic and target audience.
-
Apply learning engineering principles to design the activity, including objectives, assessment, and feedback mechanisms.
-
Create a prototype or draft of the activity.
-
Test the activity and collect feedback.
-
Revise the activity based on feedback.
Contribute to an open-source science communication project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source science communication project provides hands-on experience, enhances collaboration skills, and strengthens understanding of real-world applications.
Browse courses on
Science Communication
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source science communication project that aligns with your interests.
-
Learn about the project's goals, codebase, and contribution guidelines.
-
Make a contribution to the project, such as fixing a bug, adding a feature, or improving documentation.
-
Submit a pull request and actively engage with the project community.
Review introduction to learning science
Show steps
Review key concepts related to introduction to learning science such as the learning cycle to enhance understanding during the course.
Browse courses on
Learning Theories
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the required readings for the first week of the course.
- Take notes on the key concepts of learning science.
- Create a mind map to connect the different concepts of learning science.
Review "Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning"
Show steps
Reading "Make it Stick" provides a comprehensive understanding of learning science principles, enhancing the applicability of course concepts and improving retention.
View
Make It Stick: The Science of Successful...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
- Summarize the main arguments and evidence presented in the book.
- Identify how the principles described in the book can be applied to the course material.
Complete practice exercises on learning engineering
Show steps
Practice exercises on learning engineering strengthens problem-solving skills, develops critical thinking, and enhances understanding of course principles.
Browse courses on
Learning Engineering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a set of practice exercises related to learning engineering.
- Attempt to solve the exercises independently.
- Check your answers against the provided solutions.
- Review the concepts covered in the exercises to reinforce learning.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a blog post or video about cognitive bias and mis/disinformation
Show steps
Creating a blog post or video about cognitive bias and mis/disinformation allows to demonstrate understanding, apply principles of science communication, and improve retention of course material.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Biases
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the types of cognitive bias and mis/disinformation that will be addressed.
- Develop a plan for presenting the information in a clear and engaging way.
- Create the blog post or video.
- Publish the blog post or video and promote it to your network.
Facilitate a peer discussion on a science communication topic
Show steps
Facilitating a peer discussion on a science communication topic helps improve public speaking and communication skills, and reinforces knowledge by teaching concepts to others.
Browse courses on
Motivational Interviewing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a science communication topic that is relevant to the course.
- Develop a plan for the discussion, including questions and activities.
- Facilitate the discussion, ensuring that all participants have a chance to contribute.
- Summarize the key points of the discussion and share them with the group.
Design a science communication activity using learning engineering principles
Show steps
Designing a science communication activity using learning engineering principles allows to apply course knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on
Learning Engineering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a science communication topic and target audience.
- Apply learning engineering principles to design the activity, including objectives, assessment, and feedback mechanisms.
- Create a prototype or draft of the activity.
- Test the activity and collect feedback.
- Revise the activity based on feedback.
Contribute to an open-source science communication project
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source science communication project provides hands-on experience, enhances collaboration skills, and strengthens understanding of real-world applications.
Browse courses on
Science Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source science communication project that aligns with your interests.
- Learn about the project's goals, codebase, and contribution guidelines.
- Make a contribution to the project, such as fixing a bug, adding a feature, or improving documentation.
- Submit a pull request and actively engage with the project community.
Career center
Learners who complete The Harder Side of Science Communication will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs. They work for schools, businesses, and other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Curriculum Developer. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and developing effective learning experiences.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers design and develop educational materials. They work for schools, businesses, and other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Instructional Designer. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and developing effective learning experiences.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants help organizations improve their educational programs. They work with schools, businesses, and other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Educational Consultant. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in analyzing educational programs and recommending improvements.
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coaches help teachers improve their teaching practices. They work in schools and other educational settings. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Instructional Coach. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in observing and providing feedback to teachers.
Science Writer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a wide range of audiences. They write for magazines, newspapers, websites, and other publications. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Writer. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in writing clear and concise scientific content.
Educational Researcher
Educational Researcher
Educational Researchers study how people learn. They work in universities, research institutes, and other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Educational Researcher. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and conducting research studies.
Science Communicator
Science Communicator
Science Communicators work at the intersection of science and communication. They help bridge the gap between scientists and public audiences by translating scientific information into language that is easy to understand. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Communicator. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in learning engineering, which is the process of designing and developing effective learning experiences.
Science Educator
Science Educator
Science Educators teach science to students of all ages. They work in schools, museums, and other educational settings. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Educator. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and delivering effective science lessons.
Science Journalist
Science Journalist
Science Journalists report on scientific developments for the public. They write for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Journalist. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in writing clear and concise scientific content.
Science Policy Analyst
Science Policy Analyst
Science Policy Analysts use their knowledge of science and policy to advise policymakers on scientific issues. They work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Policy Analyst. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in analyzing scientific information and communicating it to policymakers.
Learning Scientist
Learning Scientist
Learning Scientists study how people learn. They work in universities, research institutes, and other organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Learning Scientist. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and conducting research studies.
Science Advocate
Science Advocate
Science Advocates use their knowledge of science and communication to advocate for science-based policies. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Advocate. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in communicating science to policymakers and the public.
Science Museum Educator
Science Museum Educator
Science Museum Educators teach science to visitors of all ages. They work in science museums and other educational settings. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Museum Educator. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and delivering effective science lessons.
Zoo Educator
Zoo Educator
Zoo Educators teach visitors about animals and their habitats. They work in zoos and other animal care facilities. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Zoo Educator. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in designing and delivering effective educational programs about animals.
Science Communicator for Non-profits
Science Communicator for Non-profits
Science Communicators for Non-profits use their knowledge of science and communication to help non-profit organizations achieve their missions. They work for a variety of non-profit organizations, including environmental organizations, health organizations, and social justice organizations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Science Communicator for Non-profits. You will learn about the learning sciences, cognitive biases, and science communication strategies. This course will also help you develop your skills in communicating science to diverse audiences.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ddga1z/the
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The Harder Side of Science Communication .
Save
Landmark study on how people learn, commissioned by the National Research Council. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including implications for education.
Comprehensive introduction to the field of learning, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It would be a valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive psychology. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of learning and motivation. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive psychology, covering a wide range of topics including memory, attention, language, and reasoning.
Classic guide to motivational interviewing, a counseling approach that helps people change their behavior. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of educational psychology. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of learning theories. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of the learning sciences. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of multimedia learning. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive linguistics and second language acquisition. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ddga1z/the
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Effort
4 weeks of study
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Melanie Peffer
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Designing Effective Science Communication. It's comprised of three courses:
- The Harder Side of Science Communication (viewing)
- The Softer Side of Science Communication
- Modes of Science Communication
Good to know
Provides a comprehensive overview of science communication
Taught by Melanie Peffer, a reputable learning scientist
Explores various factors that can influence science communication effectiveness, such as epistemic cognition and bias
Includes modules on learning engineering, enabling learners to design and enhance science communication activities
Suitable for learners interested in enhancing their science communication skills in academic, industry, or personal contexts
May require prior knowledge of learning theories and principles for easier comprehension
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