improving science communication through scenario-based role-plays preparing students and...
TRANSCRIPT
Improving Science CommunicationThrough Scenario-Based Role-Plays
Preparing students and professionals
L’Aquila, Italy, 2009 earthquake
• “Not science on trail, it was communication on trial” (Giuseppe Pellegrini)
• The role of science in society has evolved – From generator of knowledge to implicit duty to ensure
that knowledge is understood and used effectively– Integration of science into society– Expectation of science communication
New Zealand situation
• Communication not embedded systematically or explicitly in tertiary science / engineering curricula
• Unique window of opportunity for change
• Creation of a stand-alone, off-the-shelf modular Scenario-Based Role-Play exercise for communication to internal and external stakeholders– Evidence based, rigorous design and evaluation framework
Scenario-Based Role-Plays
• Real-time, authentic, active• Flexible, pace and difficulty can be adjusted on the fly– Complexity and cognitive load under the control of
facilitators
• Established method in other fields (e.g. business, nursing, military)
Disaster Simulation
Responding to an event
Seismologists and GeologistsWill this lead to a
future Alpine Fault EQ?
Civil Defence Emergency
ManagementHow can we
prepare/prime society?
MediaWhat does this
mean? PublicWhat should I do to be ‘safe’
BusinessWhat should we
do to survive, and thrive?
Time
RETURN TO QUIET
Decision Window
Major EarthquakeN
umbe
r of E
arth
quak
esMajor
Earthquake…eventually
RETURN TO QUIET
Our magic bag of earthquakes scenarios…
Sustained period of earthquakes
(swarm)
Scenario Tasks
• Communication of operational decisions, probability and uncertainty to various internal and external stakeholders– Other experts, general public, local and national
government officials and emergency managers
• For more targeted communication SBRP exercises, specific stakeholders can be added in
Expansion Opportunity
• Traditionally poor integration of hazard management, Civil Defence and emergency management with Iwi
• Research team aware of lack of expertise in this area, but vision is to create meaningful partnerships– Advisor Dr Dan Hikuroa (Nga Pae o te Maramatanga)
• Involved in Geothermal Exploration Exercise through Frontiers Abroad (resource consenting)
– Consultation with the UC Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in the near future
Research project team
Project Team
UC
Massey
UoA
GNS Science
Frontiers Abroad
Emergency Managers
• Diverse, experienced academic / operational team• Track record of working collaboratively
Measuring change for learners
• Participants will have a higher self-efficacy about science communication– Self-efficacy (PCRA-24)– Confidence in communication (SPCC)– Perception about communication instrument available, but
not yet validated• Quality of communication increases
– Appropriate to stakeholders information needs– Appropriate to stakeholders’ backgrounds
• Concepts of uncertainty and probability– Transparency of decision making
What we will produce?
• Modular design adaptable to the needs of various different parties– EQ scenario is core focus during development, but
emphasis is on producing a framework applicable to e.g.• Tsunami hazards in the Pacific• Biosecurity• Meteorological (e.g. Drought)• Corporate sector, business continuity planning and team
building
Project’s impact and contributions
• Students better prepared for the workforce– Experience importance of communication as a
transferrable skill
• Upskilled professional community• Off-the-shelf product available to the community,
including development and evaluation tools
Aim is for SBRP to become the standard practice in the field