The Harder Side of Science Communication

The Harder Side of Science Communication

This course is part of Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Instructor: Melanie Peffer

1,763 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Describe the field of the learning sciences.
Describe and compare different theoretical frameworks for explaining human learning.
Explain the relationship between cognitive biases and why people fall for mis/disinformation.
Describe the process of motivational interviewing and its utility in science communication.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

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.

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.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment1 plugin

3 videos Total 13 minutes

Welcome and Course Overview 4 minutes
How Do People Learn? An Introduction to the Learning of Sciences 4 minutes
Methodology in the Learning Sciences 5 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

Learning Sciences for Educators Video 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Introduction to the Learning Sciences 30 minutes

1 plugin Total 15 minutes

Introduce Yourself Map Padlet 15 minutes

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.

What's included

4 videos4 readings1 assignment

4 videos Total 22 minutes

Introduction and Cognitive Theories of Learning 8 minutes
Contextual Theories of Learning 4 minutes
Social Cognitive Theories 4 minutes
Behaviorist Theories 6 minutes

4 readings Total 20 minutes

Optional: Catharine Young TED-Ed, How Memories Form and How We Lose Them 5 minutes
Contextual Learning and How It Benefits Students 6 minutes
Scientists Who Selfie Break Down Stereotypes 5 minutes
Optional: Review of Early Behaviorism Experiments 4 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Learning Theories 30 minutes

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.

What's included

4 videos6 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

4 videos Total 45 minutes

Cognitive phenomena I: Epistemological beliefs 21 minutes
Cognitive phenomena II: Bias 8 minutes
The Science of Mis/Disinformation 7 minutes
Motivational Interviewing 10 minutes

6 readings Total 48 minutes

Julia Galef TED Talk: Why You Think You're Right — Even If You're Wrong 10 minutes
Motivated Reasoning: Mini Course 10 minutes
Countering Misinformation: Mini Course 10 minutes
Optional: Joseph Isaac TED-Ed, Why People Fall For Misinformation 5 minutes
Optional: Identifying Misinformation 3 minutes
Motivational Interviewing Techniques 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Cognitive Biases and Science Communication 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Reflecting on System Thinking 10 minutes

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.

What's included

2 videos4 readings1 peer review

2 videos Total 13 minutes

Learning Engineering 7 minutes
Evaluation of Science Communication Activities 6 minutes

4 readings Total 40 minutes

Learning Analytics Interview with Bror Saxberg 10 minutes
Moving from Counting to Programmatic Evaluation 15 minutes
Course 1 Resources 10 minutes
DESC Universal Final Project Instructions 5 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Course 1 Final Project 60 minutes

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Instructor

Melanie Peffer

University of Colorado Boulder

8 Courses 38,724 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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