Journal Clubs and Lab Courses – The Prose and Cons

 

Alp E. Oran

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2016, Volume 37

Abstract

Communication skills are often cited as a key component of a successful undergraduate education as well as being a highly coveted skillset for the workplace. Literature-based discussions, known commonly as Journal Clubs (JCs), have been traditionally used as a means to showcase research and scholarship at the undergraduate level. This report will summarize why and how JCs can be modified to include communication skill development for science undergraduates registered in a laboratory course. The effect of JC exercises on undergraduate science communication development can be measured with the help of different assessment tools, as described in this report.

Keywords:  communication, assessment, journal club

Boston University (2015)