Enhancing Student Communication Skills Through Constructionist Learning and Authentic Advocacy

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring and Applying Constructivism Across Learning Populations (Table 12)

Abstract

This design-based research examined an innovative pedagogic strategy engaging undergraduate public health students in a project that required them to communicate their knowledge, practice, and values on a real-world health issue to a public policymaker. The project was grounded in constructionist learning theory, emphasizing learner agency, authentic purpose and audience, and the construction of artifacts. The objective of this study was to determine how authentic advocacy can impact student communication skills. Student reflections were collected, and evidence-based design moves were developed to help students overcome their struggles and successes in this activity. The study's design moves have broader applicability for improving student communication skills in other disciplines, and the findings offer insights into more extensive pedagogical practices.

Authors

• Kelli M. Adam, Texas A&M University

• Mahjabin Chowdhury, Texas A&M University

• Jonan Phillip Donaldson, University of Alabama - Birmingham