Communication across the curriculum in animal science

Area of Science:

• Animal Science Education
• STEM Communication

Background:

• General education requirements prompted curriculum review focusing on communication skills.
• Effective communication is crucial for agriculture graduates entering the industry.
• Over-reliance on English departments alone inadequately prepares students for professional communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of integrating communication skills into an animal science course.
• To determine if incorporating communication improves students' application of animal science concepts.
• To explore broader academic and personal benefits of enhanced communication instruction.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills within an animal science course.
• Evaluation of student academic achievement, attitude, confidence, and self-image.
• Observation of student engagement and participation levels.

Main Results:

• Improved academic achievement and positive shifts in student attitude and confidence.
• Enhanced ability for students to apply and utilize animal science concepts.
• Students transitioned from passive note-takers to active participants in learning.

Conclusions:

• Integrating communication skills into science curricula significantly benefits students academically and personally.
• This pedagogical approach better prepares graduates for professional communication demands in agriculture and related industries.
• Successful implementation requires faculty development and administrative support for substantial curriculum changes.