“Robots Vs Animals”: Establishing a Culture of Public Engagement and Female Role Modeling in Engineering Higher Education

Fogg-Rogers, Laura; Sardo, Margarida; Boushel, Corra

Abstract

© 2017, © The Author(s) 2017. 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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 2, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Mar 25, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Feb 8, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 8, 2017
• Journal: Science Communication
• Print ISSN: 1075-5470
• Electronic ISSN: 1552-8545
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 195-220
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547017696169
• Keywords: public engagement, organizational culture, role models, women in STEM, engineering
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/889725
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547017696169
• Contract Date: Feb 8, 2017