Applying Cognitive Theories of Learning to Improve Graduate Training in STEM Communication

This program created and delivered an innovative STEM communication graduate training curriculum to test the hypothesis that foundational training in cognitive science theories will improve students’ ability to communicate STEM. Students of the resulting curriculum will become better collaborators, more confident in their communication abilities, more competitive on the job market, and better equipped to impact the general public with the significance of their work.

In an interview by UNC Charlotte’s Graduate Admissions news, former project PI Jill Huerta stated, “The ability to explain one’s work to general audiences is critical to our graduate students’ career success. Whether they’re pursuing positions in industry or academia, they’ll need to talk with those outside their fields as they interview for jobs, pitch for funding or collaborate on interdisciplinary teams. In a larger context, finding solutions to the most vexing global challenges we face demands that scientists, business leaders and policymakers understand each other’s work.”

Core Outcomes

• Graduate students improved their oral and written communication skills through hands-on communication opportunities, creating authentic, real-world products such as infographics, science explainer videos, social media posts, op-eds and more.
• Students report enhanced confidence in their communication abilities and increased likelihood of participating in future public science engagement opportunities.

Key Features

• Six, asynchronous online modules to develop and practice skills in STEM communication
• Each module is paced for completion during a four-week period
• Assignments with corresponding rubrics are available for assessment if implemented as a course

Course Materials and More Information

For more details and to access publicly available course materials, check out the website STEM Communication Training or contact project PI Dr. Elise Demeter at edemeter@charlotte.edu.

Read the abstract for the NSF award here.

Learn more with UNC Charlotte Graduate Admissions News.