Teaching Genetics and Genomics for Social and Lay Professionals

Abstract As genetics and genomics no longer remain in the scientific realm, more and more professionals are being required to know about and increasingly inform colleagues and clients about aspects of these concepts as they apply within their own, often nonscientific, work practices. This chapter provides practical information, plus a little theoretical knowledge, for social and lay-professionals about the when, where, and how of teaching genetics/genomics. While information is provided about the ‘theory’ of education, this chapter also provides information about other strategies and tools that can facilitate teaching moments. This chapter emphasizes the need for any teacher to be clear about the message they want to convey to their audience and prepare it well. Equally essentially, we emphasize the need for all teachers of genetics and genomics to address and overturn misconceptions, which often arise when genetic- and genomic-related information is being presented.