Clear, Compelling, and Convincing Science Communication: Designing an Online Science Communication Learning Module for STEM Graduate Students
Open Access
Author:
Swayne, Matthew
Graduate Program:
Communications
Degree:
Master of Arts
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
October 02, 2020
Committee Members:
Lee A Ahern, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Jessica Gall Myrick, Committee Member Juliet Pinto, Committee Member Anthony Olorunnisola, Program Head/Chair
Keywords:
science communication health communication risk communication science communication training
Abstract:
Over the past two decades, online media technology has disrupted the operation of numerous newsgathering and news distribution operations. Science journalism has not been immune from the disruption and, in fact, the rise of online and mobile technologies has deeply impacted the profession, causing layoffs and decreasing job opportunities for science journalists. As the number of professional and independent science journalists and editors has declined and the number of people who are accessing news through often unfiltered channels, such as social media, has increased, there is a growing need for scientists to learn more about science communication in order to more effectively participate in the science news distribution process. Properly trained researchers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields can help identify scientific advances that the public may be interested in, guide the crafting of messages about health and science and serve as primary sources for science news stories. In this review, I discuss the creation of an online applied science communication module for graduate students in the STEM fields. I will review both the societal and student need for better science communication skills, explain the curriculum development theoretical approaches and design of the module, cover theoretical approaches of science communication, and discuss potential gateways, as well as roadblocks, in developing a course to help scientists communicate their work in clear, compelling, and convincing ways.
