# Teaching undergrads public communication

> Students write accessible articles on societal issues using The Conversation.
- Title: Teaching undergrads public communication · The Conversation
- Summary: Students write accessible articles on societal issues using The Conversation. Undergrads create public-facing articles on real-world issues through The…
- Keywords: the conversation, undergraduates, public communication, authentic learning, classroom writing, geographers, academic writing, public storytelling, science, ideas, Teaching, undergrads
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/from-jargon-to-impact-teaching-undergraduates-the-art-of-public-communication-293752
- Author: Derek H. Alderman
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: the conversation, undergraduates, public communication, authentic learning, classroom writing, geographers, academic writing, public storytelling, science, ideas
## Public storytelling in education
Undergraduates learn to apply academic research to societal issues through public writing exercises.
## The Conversation as classroom tool
Educators use The Conversation articles to teach authentic learning and public storytelling skills.
## Why it matters now
Higher education faces scrutiny, politicized attacks on truth-telling, and pressure to show broader relevance.
## Student writing assignment
Students draft articles on pressing issues using The Conversation's style and pitch process.
## Student outcomes
Students produce concise, evidence-based articles they can publish or include in portfolios.
## Why scholars write for The Conversation
Scholars translate complex academic work into jargon-free, accessible writing for broad audiences.
## Reader engagement
The Conversation articles reach thousands of readers without paywalls or logins.
## What's next
Educators can integrate The Conversation articles into classrooms now for assigned reading or creative writing.
## Key takeaway

Undergrads create public-facing articles on real-world issues through The Conversation's style.