University at Buffalo (UB)
3MT Micro-Credential: Communicating Research to Broad Audiences
Launched in the fall of 2021, the 3MT micro-credential Communicating Research to Broad Audiences is an optional resource intended to help graduate students interested in participating in the Three Minute Thesis competition.
Participants will learn how to articulate strategies and techniques to communicate graduate-level research to a non-specialist audience. Upon completing the micro-credential, participants will have prepared a three-minute pitch about their own research and developed an effective, supporting PowerPoint slide, all while giving and receiving peer feedback.
To successfully complete the micro-credential, participants must complete four modules and a summative "Peer Pitch" assignment by the due dates described below.
Graduate students in all disciplines are eligible to participate.
Part 1: Four Modules
Upon registering for the micro-credential, participants will receive an email with a link to the first module in the series. There are a total of of four modules, which should be completed in sequential order. Upon completion of each module, participants will receive an email with a link to the next module. In each module, participants will be required to watch a video and complete the corresponding assignment.
Module 1: Communicating to a Non-Specialist Audience; Module 2: Pitch + Presence; Module 3: Data Visualization; Module 4: Presentation Zen
All modules must be completed by Friday, April 19, 2024 to be eligible to participate in Part 2: The Peer Pitch.
Part 2: The Peer Pitch
The Peer Pitch will occur using the online platform Flip. Participants will record their three minute pitch, using one static slide. Participants will then receive feedback from peers and outside judges, and will be required to watch and evaluate pitches from other graduate students. The Flip presentation is the final evidence for the micro-credential.
Flip presentations and the corresponding PowerPoint slides must be submitted by April 24, 2024.
Students who successfully complete four modules and the Peer Pitch by the prescribed due dates will earn the Three Minute Thesis: Communicating Research to Broad Audiences micro-credential.
Advanced doctoral students who complete the Three Minute Thesis: Communicating Research to Broad Audiences micro-credential and participate in the 3MT competition can earn the Three Minute Thesis: Advanced Practitioner digital badge in the spring semester.