CLIPS - Communication learning in practice for scientists

CLIPS – Communication learning in practice for scientists

About this resource

Description

The CLIPS website was built to provide some of the essential information on communication skills that a science student needs during their degree and in the workplace. The ‘CLIPS for University’ section covers communication skills for university. The modules align with the variety of assessment items found within the sciences, from short-answer questions to PowerPoint presentations. The ‘CLIPS for Work’ section covers communication skills for the scientific workplace. This is a great resource for all science students and graduates, whether you’re applying for jobs or searching for work experience opportunities.

Length

At own’s pace

Pedagogical backing

Rationale

The website was created to support science students to understand and develop the skills for communication in the sciences, enabling them to recognise the norms of the scientific genre but also to appreciate disciplinary differences. It was created based on the principles of the science threshold learning outcome for communication (TLO4). The website encompasses many of the communication assessment tasks commonly found within the undergraduate science curriculum, providing examples contextualised for different disciplines, but also includes broader communication skills such as communicating with the public, creating infographics and giving oral presentations. An extension of the website to create ‘CLIPS for work’ means it now also provides skill development for students as they graduate and enter the scientific workplace.

How is the resource used

As the website is available worldwide, students and interested individuals can access the information at any time and can explore the information as their interest dictates. Student access to the website can be promoted by providing links through course learning management systems and assessment guidelines, allowing students to undertake self-guided activities. Alternatively, its use can be prescribed, by directing students to read and/or answer questions regarding specific sections of the website in assessment tasks or guidelines, prompting student interaction. Student feedback on CLIPS has been overwhelmingly positive; in a recent course questionnaire, over 75% of second year undergraduate science students said they had used and valued CLIPS as a resource for developing their science communication skills.

Student feedback on CLIPS has been overwhelmingly positive; in a recent course questionnaire, over 75% of second year undergraduate science students said they had used and valued CLIPS as a resource for developing their science communication skills.