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Science Communications Lab
Strengthening Scientists' Communication Skills
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Communications Modules

The communication skill characteristics reusable learning modules for secondary agricultural students are based on Crawford et al.’s (2011) seven communication characteristics:

  • Module 1: Asking Effective Questions
    • Summary:
    • Learning Outcomes:
      • Use critical thinking concepts to listen for keywords
      • Develop clarifying questions to further understand complex issues
  • Module 2: Communicating Accurately and Concisely
    • Summary: 
    • Learning Outcomes:
      • Interpret scientific, evidence-based data
      • Summarize key, accurate points of the data
  • Module 3: Communicating Appropriately and Professionally Using Social Media
    • Summary: 
    • Learning Outcomes: 
      • Compare and contrast two oral presentations that focus on a complex agricultural issue.
      • Develop and deliver an oral presentation emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses of two presentations.
  • Module 4: Communicating in Writing
    • Summary: 
    • Learning Outcomes:
      • Create pleasant and professional evidence-based messages for dissemination through professional documents (e.g., emails, letters)
  • Module 5: Communicating Orally
    • Summary: 
    • Learning Outcomes:
      • Use critical thinking concepts by listening for keywords and concepts in oral discussions
      • Develop clarifying questions to further understand complex issues
  • Module 6: Communicating Pleasantly and Professionally
    • Summary: 
    • Learning Outcomes:
      • Use critical thinking skills to identify effective questions
      • Develop clarifying questions of fact, judgment, and preference
  • Module 7: Listening Effectively
    • Summary: 
    • Learning Outcomes:
      • Defend agricultural issues on social media platforms using scientific, evidence-based information
      • Prepare a response to a negative argument for delivery on social media

This project was supported by the Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants Program no. 2019-38414-30265 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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