Improving together: better science writing through peer learning

Stiller-Reeve, Mathew A., Heuzé, Céline, Ball, William T., White, Rachel H., Messori, Gabriele, Van Der Wiel, Karin, Medhaug, Iselin, Eckes, Annemarie H., O'Callaghan, Amee ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9111-6081, Newland, Mike J., Williams, Sian R., Kasoar, Matthew, Wittmeier, Hella Elisa and Kumer, Valerie (2016) Improving together: better science writing through peer learning. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 20 (7). pp. 2965-2973. ISSN 1607-7938

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Abstract

Science, in our case the climate and geosciences, is increasingly interdisciplinary. Scientists must therefore communicate across disciplinary boundaries. For this communication to be successful, scientists must write clearly and concisely, yet the historically poor standard of scientific writing does not seem to be improving. Scientific writing must improve, and the key to long-term improvement lies with the early-career scientist (ECS). Many interventions exist for an ECS to improve their writing, like style guides and courses. However, momentum is often difficult to maintain after these interventions are completed. Continuity is key to improving writing. This paper introduces the ClimateSnack project, which aims to motivate ECSs to develop and continue to improve their writing and communication skills. The project adopts a peer-learning framework where ECSs voluntarily form writing groups at different institutes around the world. The group members learn, discuss, and improve their writing skills together. Several ClimateSnack writing groups have formed. This paper examines why some of the groups have flourished and others have dissolved. We identify the challenges involved in making a writing group successful and effective, notably the leadership of self-organized groups, and both individual and institutional time management. Within some of the groups, peer learning clearly offers a powerful tool to improve writing as well as bringing other benefits, including improved general communication skills and increased confidence.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sdg 13 - climate action ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/climate_action
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Climatic Research Unit
Related URLs:	http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/20/...
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	24 Sep 2016 00:15
Last Modified:	14 Jun 2023 12:38
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/59948
DOI:	10.5194/hess-20-2965-2016

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