Helping Students Develop Strong Communication Skills: Clear Data Presentation and Effective Feedback

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36

Seong Min Kim

Abstract

Is it always easier said than done? For students who lack confidence presenting, it might be a lot easier for them to do an experiment than explain it. Effective communication is a key competency students must develop in order for them to actively participate in the scientific community. Unfortunately, students are often left to themselves to figure out how to convey technical and complex information effectively. What is even more challenging is for students to give constructive feedback that will help their peers improve their communication skills. The intent of this workshop is to demonstrate a hands-on activity that could help students learn how to organize and present data clearly, and give constructive feedback. This activity was developed by GAANN (Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need) fellows in the department of Developmental and Cell Biology at University of California, Irvine and was implemented before a journal club session with emphasis in helping the incoming graduate students in the department. The activity can be modified to target different audiences, such as undergraduate and graduate students. By working in groups to help improve a “messy” presentation, participants will be able to practice organizing and displaying research data, and sharing feedback with peers.

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University of Oregon (2014)