See It, Speak It, Draw It, and Learn to Communicate in Simple Language

Abstract

Communicating with specificity and clarity—orally and in writing—is essential in the sciences where accuracy and precision are paramount. Yet, many students have limited opportunities to develop these skills beyond the typical lab report, mathematical proof, or research essay. In these exercises, students will work in pairs/triples to see, speak, and draw/build maths and science constructs to hone their oral and written communication skills. This exercise helps students realize the importance and necessity of using concise, accurate, and descriptive detail to convey scientific ideas. It also helps them to develop their listening skills, deepen their ownership of discipline-specific vocabulary, and realize the consequences of vague non-descript communication.