Educational strategies for teaching bioacoustic communication in marine and terrestrial species

Abstract

Bioacoustic communication encompasses a variety of vocalizations used for mating, territory defense, and navigation in both marine and terrestrial organisms. There are challenges in teaching communication bioacoustics due to the complex differences among organisms, their environments, and the sounds they produce. This paper aims to examine and propose possible methods for teaching bioacoustic communication. Marine and terrestrial systems will be integrated to demonstrate techniques, including the use of acoustic technology tools, field-based education, and interactive and multimedia workshops, that highlight the principles of sound production, transmission, and reception and their use in various organisms. The use of biological and acoustic tools, in combination with environmental science communication, is introduced into bioacoustic communication teaching methods. The paper emphasizes the need for students to apply hypotheses to the ecological and evolutionary aspects of bioacoustics. The educational techniques designed to fit diverse teaching situations, i.e., classrooms and the field, are expected to ease students' transition from theory to practice.