Streamlining scientific writing for students: the role of online language simplification tools

Abstract

Professional skills development is crucial in higher education but remains underemphasized in STEM programs. Skills like effective communication and simplifying complex concepts are especially vital for students aspiring to medical careers. Online language simplification tools offer a promising avenue for improving written communication. This study evaluated such a tool with 93 undergraduate science majors at Michigan State University. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three writing feedback groups and tasked with simplifying a scientific abstract for a targeted audience. Results showed that groups using the tool simplified messages more effectively than those with moderate or no feedback (p =.0364 and p =.0775, respectively). Students reported the tool to be intuitive and helpful for identifying scientific jargon and simplifying intrinsic complexity. However, the tool was less effective at addressing contextual complexity, highlighting its limitations. These findings suggest that language simplification tools can play a key role in teaching communication skills in STEM education, but they should be complemented by strategies for addressing broader contextual challenges.