Abstract:

One of the main objectives of science communication is to make scientific content accessible to a nonspecialized audience. However, its role is not limited to simply disseminating scientific information, but also to promote understanding, making it a form of informal education (1, 2).

Both formal and informal education require the use of appropriate language to facilitate understanding for the intended audience. The I Workshop on “Introduction to Science Communication” was held to teach communication skills to students from various scientific disciplines in the Faculty of Science of the University of Extremadura (Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Oenology, Physics, Industrial Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry), for a total of 20 hours during February and March 2023. The principal aim of the workshop was turning university students into active participants capable of communicating scientific basis of everyday phenomena in a clear and precise manner, to both specialized and non-specialized audiences. To achieve this purpose, lectures by experts in science communication, practical activities, and games were organized with an interdisciplinary approach. The workshop included experiences using appropriate language for a general audience as well as more technical language to address high school and university students.

The workshop assessment involved students presenting proposals for dissemination activities to be conducted in two sessions: one for the general public and the other for a specialized audience. These activities could be presented by the students in the classroom or on video, depending on their complexity.

Through these activities, students were able to practice the knowledge and guidelines taught during the training sessions. This workshop on science communication has helped students improve their skills and confidence in effectively communicating science to various audiences. Furthermore, it has contributed to their motivation and enthusiasm for science.

References:
[1] Burns, T. W., O’Connor, D. J., & Stocklmayer, S. M. (2003). Science Communication: A Contemporary Definition. Public Understanding of Science 12, 183-202. https://doi.org/10.1177/09636625030122004
[2] Holmes, R (2014). In retrospect: On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences. Nature 514, 432–433. https://doi.org/10.1038/514432a

Keywords:

Science communication, Communication skills, Popular Science, Non-specialized audiences, STEM, University students.