Using 3MT Storytelling Approaches to Improve Science Communication
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| Title: | Using 3MT Storytelling Approaches to Improve Science Communication |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kristy L. Daniel, Ryan Ament, Myra McConnell, Bria Marty, Jenn L. Idema |
| Source: | Bioscene: Journal of College Biology Teaching. 2023 49(1):26-38. |
| Availability: | Association of College and Biology Educators. Web site: http://acube.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Story Telling, Communication Skills, College Students, Scientists, Science Education, Public Speaking, Scientific Literacy, Competition |
| ISSN: | 1539-2422 |
| Abstract: | Traditional academic communication practices tend to be jargon-heavy jargon and lack public relatability. Thus, it is paramount that scientists learn to develop effective communication skills. The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is one avenue to refine and build science communications skills. Using one static slide as a visual supplement, competitors have three minutes to explain their research goals and relevance through easily comprehended vernacular. Using an observation protocol including three criteria: presentation framing, verbal, and non-verbal communication, we identified characteristics of prior successful 3MT presentations. We also tested the identified characteristics by observing 15 local 3MT presentations and found that all successful presentations contained similar communication patterns. For example, we found that using storytelling frames resulted in the most compelling and successful presentations. Our study offers implications on how these identified characteristics can be used to help budding scientists build critical communication skills for sharing their research with non-scientists. Scientists can apply our outcomes to build effective presentations and successfully deliver science messages helping create a more informed public. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1411513 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Traditional academic communication practices tend to be jargon-heavy jargon and lack public relatability. Thus, it is paramount that scientists learn to develop effective communication skills. The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is one avenue to refine and build science communications skills. Using one static slide as a visual supplement, competitors have three minutes to explain their research goals and relevance through easily comprehended vernacular. Using an observation protocol including three criteria: presentation framing, verbal, and non-verbal communication, we identified characteristics of prior successful 3MT presentations. We also tested the identified characteristics by observing 15 local 3MT presentations and found that all successful presentations contained similar communication patterns. For example, we found that using storytelling frames resulted in the most compelling and successful presentations. Our study offers implications on how these identified characteristics can be used to help budding scientists build critical communication skills for sharing their research with non-scientists. Scientists can apply our outcomes to build effective presentations and successfully deliver science messages helping create a more informed public. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1539-2422 |
