Decoding Science: Development and Evaluation of a Science Communication Training Program Using a Triangulated Framework

The authors describe a science communication training called “Decoding Science” and the steps taken to develop and assess program effectiveness. Evaluation is based on a triangulated framework involving feedback from graduate student trainees, faculty trainers, and ordinary citizens who are not specialists in the field. Three cohorts of graduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) students participated in the training in Spring 2016 (N = 18), Fall 2016 (N = 11), and Spring 2017 (N = 14). Analysis of these evaluations indicates significant improvements in trainees’ communication of science. We conclude that our triangulated approach can be useful in science communication training