Learning science communication skills online through peer collaboration and interactive activities

Elvira Mambetisaeva (Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Division of Biosciences)

Asynchronous Submission

The biggest challenge that university teachers faced during remote teaching forced by the COVID-19 pandemic is student engagement. In teaching science communication skills, student engagement and interaction with other students have been achieved by introduction of peer assessment, group work and a participation in a scientific debate. Working in small groups (3-4 students) during pre-class preparation for in-class presentations enabled students to interact with other students irrespective of their location. Throughout the term, the flipped classrooms were combined with the use of breakout rooms in the Teams and Zoom during synchronous sessions allowing students in small groups to collaborate and work with each other on the given science communication activity. Finally, the scientific debate enabled students to express openly their own opinions and hear views of other students. These approaches helped with student engagement in learning science communication skills during remote teaching and gained positive feedback from students.