OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

The Harder Side of Science Communication

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.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Deep dive into science communication psychology

According to students, this course offers a deep dive into the cognitive science and learning theories behind effective science communication, moving beyond surface-level tips. Learners praise its focus on evidence-based methods, particularly for tackling misinformation and cognitive biases. The unique learning engineering module is frequently highlighted as a powerful framework for designing impactful communication. While many find it provides concrete, applicable tools for complex challenges, some practitioners seeking immediate, simple 'how-to' strategies found it too theoretical and less practical for day-to-day application, indicating it's best for those seeking a profound understanding rather than quick fixes.
The instructor clearly explains complex topics and demonstrates expertise.
"The instructor's explanations were clear, and the learning engineering project was a fantastic practical application."
"Dr. XXX (instructor) was excellent, making complex topics accessible."
"The course is well-structured and the instructor knows their stuff, providing valuable insights."
Culminates in a unique project applying learning science principles to design communication activities.
"The learning engineering project was a fantastic practical application and rewarding."
"The learning engineering segment gave me concrete tools to apply these theories effectively."
"The 'learning engineering' final project was a bit vague for me, and applying it felt a bit open-ended."
Offers strategies to address cognitive biases and counter the spread of misinformation.
"The modules on cognitive biases and motivated reasoning were particularly impactful."
"I appreciated the discussions on misinformation and how to counteract it, which is so relevant today."
"The insights into how people resist new information or cling to existing beliefs were invaluable for my work."
Provides a profound understanding of how people learn and process information.
"It went beyond surface-level communication tips and delved deep into the cognitive science behind effective communication."
"This isn't just about 'what' to communicate, but 'how' to ensure it's actually understood by leveraging learning theories."
"I found the examples and case studies well-chosen, providing an excellent deep dive into the 'why' and 'how' of effective science communication."
Suited for those seeking deep theory, less for quick, direct applications.
"I struggled to see immediate practical applications for my work as a field scientist."
"I was hoping for more direct strategies or templates I could use, rather than just theories."
"It's definitely for a very specific audience interested in the academic side, perhaps less so for practitioners seeking quick fixes."

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
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"
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
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
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
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
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
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.

Career center

Learners who complete The Harder Side of Science Communication will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Educator
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Journalist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Scientist
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Museum 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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Zoo Educator
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator for Non-profits
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.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Advocate

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 .
Cover image
How People Learn II
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.
How People Learn II: Learners, Contexts, and...
Paperback
$$
How People Learn II: Learners, Contexts, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Essential Teacher Knowledge
Save
Comprehensive introduction to the field of learning, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It would be a valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Essential Teacher Knowledge
Paperback
Check
Essential Teacher Knowledge
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Sensation and Perception
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive psychology. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Sensation and Perception
Hardcover
$$
LMS Integrated for MindTap Psychology, 1 term (6...
Printed Access Code
$$$
Bundle: Sensation and Perception, 10th + COGLAB 5,...
Product Bundle
$$$$
Sensation and Perception
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of learning and motivation. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Using Talk to Support Writing
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive psychology, covering a wide range of topics including memory, attention, language, and reasoning.
Using Talk to Support Writing
Paperback
$$$
Using Talk to Support Writing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Motivational Interviewing
Save
Classic guide to motivational interviewing, a counseling approach that helps people change their behavior. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change...
Hardcover
$$
Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping...
Paperback
$$
Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change,...
Hardcover
$$$
Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for...
Hardcover
$$
Motivational Interviewing in Health Care: Helping...
Paperback
$$
Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of...
Paperback
$$
Finding Your Way to Change: How the Power of...
Paperback
$$
(Deutsch) Motivierende Gesprächsführung: Motivational...
Kindle Edition
$$
Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to...
Paperback
$$
Motivational Interviewing in the Treatment of...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
How We Think and Learn
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of educational psychology. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
How We Think and Learn
Paperback
Check
How We Think and Learn
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Learning Theories
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of learning theories. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective
Kindle Edition
$$$
Self-Regulated Learning and Academic Achievement:...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective (6th...
Hardcover
$$$$
Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective
Hardcover
$$$$
Motivation and Self-Regulated Learning: Theory,...
Paperback
$$$
Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective
Hardcover
$$
Learning Theories
Unknown Binding
$$$
Cover image
Artificial Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of the learning sciences. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Artificial Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction
Paperback
Check
Artificial Intelligence: A Very Short Introduction
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of multimedia learning. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven...
Hardcover
$$$
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven...
Kindle Edition
$$
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
An Introduction to Second Language Acquisition...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive linguistics and second language acquisition. It would be a valuable resource for anyone interested in this topic.
An Introduction to Second Language Acquisition...
Paperback
$$$
An Introduction to Second Language Acquisition...
Kindle Edition
$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to The Harder Side of Science Communication .
Introduction to Digital Epistemology
Most relevant
Science Communication: Communicating Trustworthy...
Most relevant
Learning Experience Design: Orientation to the Profession
Most relevant
Disease Clusters
Most relevant
Intellectual Autonomy
Most relevant
Human Decision Making and its Biases
Most relevant
The Softer Side of Science Communication
Most relevant
Decision Making
Most relevant
Leading Oneself with Self-Knowledge
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
6 hours to complete
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:
  1. The Harder Side of Science Communication (viewing)
  2. The Softer Side of Science Communication
  3. Modes of Science Communication
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to The Harder Side of Science Communication.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser