The Harder Side of Science Communication

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.

• Introduction to the Learning Sciences
• 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.
• Introduction to Learning Theories
• 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.
• Cognitive Biases and Science Communication
• 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.
• Learning Engineering
• 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.