Science for communicators and communication for scientists

This is a short post today because I can’t say anything better than Alan Alda can. As a teacher, teacher trainer, and someone who wants everyone to get excited about science, and get moving on climate change and other sustainability challenges, I was intrigued by Alda’s most recent book “If I understood you, would I have this look on my face?: My adventures in the art and science of relating and communicating”, then I started reading it. Suddenly, I want to take improv classes with other scientists and educators, I want to help start a camp in Alberta that teaches individuals with autism how to handle strange social scenarios through improv games, and I want my current students (teachers in training) to start playing “Yes And”

Alda uses personal anecdotes, other people’s anecdotes, and scientific research to back up his claims about the importance of listening, empathy, and theory of mind to truly communicating with others. So far it has been an interesting, valuable, and inspiring read. Now I need to go think about how I’m going to incorporate some improv activities into my class for the rest of the semester.