Podcasting Neuroscience: A Science Communication Assignment.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience Education
• Science Communication

Background:

• Effective science communication is a core neuroscience competency, yet undergraduate curricula often lack public-focused communication training.
• Traditional assignments emphasize scientist-to-scientist communication, missing opportunities to engage a broader audience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a blueprint for a science communication assignment focused on engaging a general audience.
• To integrate effective science communication into undergraduate neuroscience education.

Main Methods:

• A scaffolded, group-based podcasting assignment was developed for a 400-level neuropharmacology course.
• Students researched, scripted, and recorded audio podcasts for a non-specialist audience.
• Incorporated iterative feedback from peers and instructors to refine communication skills.

Main Results:

• The podcast assignment promoted deeper learning and increased student engagement with neuropharmacology content.
• Student feedback indicated a positive reception to the assignment's structure and learning outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Broadly-oriented science communication assignments, such as podcast creation, can effectively enhance neuroscience education.
• This approach fosters essential science literacy skills and prepares students for diverse communication challenges.