Science Communication Training, Skills, and Importance among Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Scientists

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Science Communication Training, Skills, and Importance among Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Scientists
Language: English
Authors: Rebecca D. Swenson, Corissa Marson
Source: NACTA Journal. 2025 69:273-287.
Availability: North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. 1014 6th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. Tel: 208-957-7001; e-mail: support@nacta.org; Web site: https://nactateachers.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 15
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Scientific Literacy, Land Grant Universities, Information Dissemination, Science Curriculum, College Curriculum, Public Opinion, College Faculty, Graduate Students, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Surveys, Agriculture, Environmental Education, Biological Sciences
Geographic Terms: Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin, California
ISSN: 0149-4910
Abstract: Science communication practice aligns well with land-grant missions, can increase public understanding of science disciplines and institutional work, and has the potential to be a key part of agricultural, food, and environmental science programs. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of science communication's importance, skill needs, and training interests among faculty and graduate students in agricultural, food, and environmental science disciplines at land-grant institutions. Through open and closed-ended survey questions, participants describe time currently spent, time desired, perceived costs, and potential motivations for initiating or devoting ongoing time to science communication training and practice. Potential skills that are valuable to include in science communicating curriculum and training workshops are shared. The study identifies key similarities and differences between students and faculty participants and offers potential suggestions for how to approach science communication skill development within the agricultural, food, and environmental sciences.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1494849
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Science communication practice aligns well with land-grant missions, can increase public understanding of science disciplines and institutional work, and has the potential to be a key part of agricultural, food, and environmental science programs. The purpose of this study is to explore perceptions of science communication's importance, skill needs, and training interests among faculty and graduate students in agricultural, food, and environmental science disciplines at land-grant institutions. Through open and closed-ended survey questions, participants describe time currently spent, time desired, perceived costs, and potential motivations for initiating or devoting ongoing time to science communication training and practice. Potential skills that are valuable to include in science communicating curriculum and training workshops are shared. The study identifies key similarities and differences between students and faculty participants and offers potential suggestions for how to approach science communication skill development within the agricultural, food, and environmental sciences.
ISSN:0149-4910