Five recommendations for scientists venturing into science communication with teachers¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 4 claims (3 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Drawing on a decade of disseminating retrieval practice research, the author offers five recommendations for scientists seeking to engage in science communication: share colleagues' work if hesitant to share your own; "Approach science communication like an experiment or pilot test"; aim to be credible and relatable by pairing data with stories, since "people learn through stories"; get input from someone outside your expertise; and offer talks or Q&As to local schools and colleges. The recommendations are experience-based, not empirically tested.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Written or low-cost formats the article highlights: forms of communication with which scientists already have experience, not requiring financial resources, and provided free of charge

Constraints¶

• The author states science communication can become time consuming and there is no perfect design or procedure; an active online presence or large following is not needed

Target Learners¶

• K–12 teachers
• higher education faculty
• students and parents

Target Learning Goals¶

• Translating cognitive psychology research on learning strategies into classroom practice

Claims¶

• A newsletter issue featuring a specific teaching activity yielded a higher email open rate than previous research-focused content, and teaching-activity content drove engagement [+W]
• There is currently no direct empirical connection established between teachers' learning about retrieval practice and their classroom implementation of it [~W]
• Teachers engaged with research beyond reading: over 2,600 subscribers clicked a link to an academic article on test anxiety, and many requested the survey and research-methods information [+W]
• Dissemination data from the author's resources show approximately 15,000 monthly website visitors, at least 250,000 practice-guide downloads, and a newsletter with nearly 18,000 subscribers and a 50% open rate [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Disseminate research to practitioners through knowledge brokers and accessible formats such as short videos and social media threads
• Bridge scientist-educator divides by clarifying visions of participation and identifying scalable practices

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Pooja K. Agarwal. (2024). Personal reflections on science communication and sharing retrieval practice research with teachers. Educational Psychology Review. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09839-w