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The Open University

Achieving public dialogue

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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There are a wide range of interactions between 'science' and 'the public'. Examples range from visiting a museum, or indulging in a science-related hobby, to reading a newspaper article about a breakthrough in the techniques of therapeutic cloning. Many of these interactions could be said to be 'passive'. This free course, Achieving public dialogue, explores the practicalities of the public becoming more 'active' in the direction of science practice by 'two-way' interactions, with dialogue taking place between science and some part of 'the public'.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 How did the notion of public dialogue arise?
  • 1 How did the notion of public dialogue arise?
  • 2 What should dialogue with the public aim to achieve?
  • 2 What should dialogue with the public aim to achieve?
  • 3 Consensus conferences
  • 3 Consensus conferences
  • 3.1 Introduction
  • 3.2 Public consultation vs public engagement
  • 3.3 The consensus conference concept
  • 3.4 Consensus conference on plant biotechnology
  • 3.5 Consensus conference on radioactive waste
  • 3.6 How valuable have consensus conferences proved to be?
  • 4 The GM Nation? debate
  • 4 The GM Nation? debate
  • 5 How might dialogue move on from GM Nation?
  • 5 How might dialogue move on from GM Nation?
  • 6 DEMOCS: ‘The game to play to have your say’
  • 6 DEMOCS: ‘The game to play to have your say’
  • 6.1 Introduction
  • 6.2 How DEMOCS works
  • 6.3 Some issues for consideration
  • 7 Final thoughts
  • 7 Final thoughts
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

3.3 rating at OpenLearn based on 3 ratings

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  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    20
    Having completed The Open University's "Achieving Public Dialogue" course, I found it to be an intellectually rigorous examination of the evolution from the deficit model of public understanding of science towards more meaningful, two-way engagement. The course accurately presented its content, providing a critical overview of mechanisms like consensus conferences, the GM Nation? debate, and innovative tools such as DEMOCS. The time commitment was as stated, and the certificate of participation provides formal recognition of this professional development.
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