19th Symposium on Education

3.6

Eloquent Science: A course to improve scientific and communication skills

David M. Schultz, Universities of Helsinki and Manchester/Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland

One of students' most common weaknesses is scientific communication skills. Regardless of what career path students take after graduation, writing and speaking skills are in demand in many jobs for atmospheric science graduates. Developed from six years of teaching undergraduates during a summer research experience in Norman, Oklahoma, "Eloquent Science: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Better Writer, Speaker, and Atmospheric Scientist" has been recently published by the AMS. The book was adapted to a 14-week writing and speaking course at the University of Helsinki. Featuring peer review of student manuscripts, brainstorming exercises, and class presentations designed to bring the students closer to a submission-quality manuscript, the class was offered for the first time this past year. Lessons learned from teaching the course and how to adapt lessons from the book into any classroom to improve student communication skills will be discussed.

extended abstract  Extended Abstract (724K)

Supplementary URL: http://www.eloquentscience.com

Session 3, University Education
Tuesday, 19 January 2010, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM, B214

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