"Robots Vs Animals": Establishing a Culture of Public Engagement and Female Role Modeling in Engineering Higher Education. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fogg-Rogers, Laura; Sardo, Margarida; Boushel, Corra
• Other Names: van der Sanden Maarten guest-editor.; Evans William guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Science communication. Volume 39:Number 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 220
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: public engagement -- organizational culture -- role models -- women in STEM -- engineering; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Knowledge, Sociology of -- Periodicals; Communication in science -- Periodicals; Communication of technical information -- Periodicals; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Information scientifique -- Périodiques; Information technique -- Périodiques; Communication en sciences sociales -- Périodiques; Communication en médecine -- Périodiques; 300.14
• DOI: 10.1177/1075547017696169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1075-5470

Abstract

A widespread culture supporting public engagement activities in higher education is desirable but difficult to establish. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this science communication project aimed to enhance culture change in engineering by developing communication skillsets of early-career engineers, particularly supporting female engineers as role models. Engineers received training in storytelling to present at live events, enhanced by peer group social persuasion and vicarious modeling. A science communication coordinator and senior management endorsement removed barriers to participation. Evaluation showed engineers' self-efficacy levels significantly increased. Qualitative data highlighted a developing culture of engagement but purposive selection of women proved controversial.