Evaluating science communication training: Going beyond self-reports

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of science communication training opportunities worldwide utilizing different practical approaches and theoretical models. However, little attention has been paid to the development and validation of tools for evaluating these training programs for their impact, efficiency or outcomes at the individual or course levels. In this chapter, we argue for the importance of evaluating science communication training and the need to define learning goals and outcomes to do so. We suggest a framework for evaluation based on the Human Resource Development (HRD) literature and review practical methods that go beyond self-assessment, including expert and peer evaluation and computerized tools to analyze participants’ products.