Trans-Disciplinary Communication for Policy Making: A Reflective Activity Study

Abstract

This paper reports on a workshop conducted at the NSF's 2023 Eddie Bernice Johnson, INCLUDES National Network Convening: Sustaining Equity-Driven Systems Change, held in Washington, DC, from August 2-4, 2023. Titled "Enhancing Inclusivity through Expertise Sharing: A Reflective Group Activity on Effective Policy Development," the workshop employed Trans-Disciplinary Communication (TDC) as a methodological framework. Participants represented a cross-section of academia, nonprofits, federal agencies, and the general public, focusing on STEM Education, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and traditionally underrepresented groups (TUG). The paper delineates the protocol for eliciting robust participation and facilitating knowledge sharing. Subsequently, it scrutinizes the outcomes of these interactive discussions, culminating in an analysis of the broader implications of the activity. A significant finding emphasizes the pressing need for greater dissemination and divulgation by successful programs. A pivotal question underpinning this study is: How can Trans-Disciplinary Communication (TDC) be operationalized to foster equitable and innovative policy development in STEM fields? This inquiry fosters actionable steps and constructive dialogue toward achieving equity-driven systems change.