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Internet culture may be useful when it comes to education.
A new study found that memes can help Gen Z students who are learning about science, and may improve their attitude toward it. The study, published in the Asian Journal of Biology Education last month, was conducted by researchers at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines.
Researchers observed 200 private school students in Grade 11 who were not involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses but had to take a biology class as part of their curriculum, according to the university’s news release about the study.
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One group of students was placed in a class where teachers used memes as part of the course; the other students were given traditional biology lessons without memes.
Some of the subjects covered in these classes included cellular division and genetics. After five weeks, students were tested on what they learned, and surveyed about their attitude toward the subject.
Those who learned with memes scored 21 per cent higher than the other students, the study found.
“The meme-ified group also developed more positive attitudes toward biology, and found greater confidence in their ability to grasp and apply scientific concepts. Overall, the use of memes helped reduce anxiety related to the subject and made the learning process more enjoyable and memorable,” per the news release.
The memes shared with the students were able to make complex topics more approachable while including relatable references.
For example, when discussing the difference between RNA and DNA, students were shown a meme of Daenerys Targaryen from the Game of Thrones television series. One lock of her hair resembled RNA, while the other lock of hair resembled DNA.
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When covering DNA replication, students were shown a meme of television host Oprah the moment she gifted her entire audience with new cars. She famously said, “You get a car and you get a car!” as she pointed to people in the crowd. However, the meme was adapted to fit the topic being covered, breaking down how DNA replicates.
This way of learning for Gen Z students, who are described as “digital natives,” can allow teachers to “foster a more enjoyable and effective learning environment while inspiring students to view science in a fresh and positive light,” per the news release.
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