Education
Communicating STEM
Module code: 899S4
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Portfolio, Presentation
This module aims to develop the skills and understanding required for explaining STEM concepts to a range of audiences, with a particular focus on school aged pupils (11-16). The module has been designed to also try to encourage more MPS and Life Science undergraduates to consider a career in teaching following their university studies. By the end of the module students will have a greater understanding of the complex nature of the role of a teacher and be better informed as to how to communicate with pupils of school age. The aims of this module are: To develop the skills and understanding required for explaining STEM concepts to a range of audiences, with a particular focus on school aged pupils (11-16). Encourage more Life Science, Maths and Physics undergraduates to consider a career in teaching. Develop students’ communication skills through presentations about STEM topics. Develop STEM students’ engagement with social science literature through reading, reflective and critical writing and carrying out Harvard style referencing.
Module learning outcomes
- Apply knowledge and understanding of how explanations and models can be used to communicate STEM effectively to different audiences
- Draw on a range of sources to inform the development of effective explanations in STEM education, communicating these clearly, either orally or in writing, using academic conventions for referencing
- Evaluate a range of learning theories and teaching models that can be used in explaining STEM to a specific audience.
- Apply problem solving skills to develop explanations or teaching models that challenge a specific misconception in STEM education.