
Getting Meme-ified: Interesting Study Finds that Memes Improve Learning and Attitude Towards Science
Ateneo de Manila University researchers have found that using internet memes, such as reaction memes, template memes, and educational memes, to teach science can significantly improve learning outcomes for senior high school students.
When I was growing up, I wasn’t mainly a Science whiz. No, not ever. My attitude towards the different sciences varied, perhaps depending on the topic or the teacher. However, in college, I realized that Biology and Biodiversity enamored me, remembering all the times when I listened intently to my teachers. A proud moment I can’t forget was at the end of my first-year Biology class when I raised my hand and summarized the day’s lesson about the concept of ecosystem. I also enjoyed Chemistry—the discourses where we combine the quantities of different substances in a chemical reaction—I could do it the whole day.
My focus on my science classes was determined by what my current circumstances were. Like any student, I faced a lot of distractions, and my active side career as a vocalist in a band impacted my academic performance. As a result, I struggled to concentrate and barely managed to pass my classes.
Proper schooling had evaded me since 2010 when I graduated with my bachelor’s degree—a whopping 15 years ago—a time considered an infancy stage in digitalization. Now that the digital age has almost come full circle, learning has evolved, particularly in Gen Z and Gen-Alpha students.
Gen Zs generally revolve their lives around the internet and social media. I’m pretty sure they are constantly distracted by news and trends from which they derive their interests. The new learning dynamic led two scientists, Alyanna Nicole Carlos and Dr. Emmanuel Delocado, from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Science and Engineering’s Department of Biology and the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, to conduct research regarding using memes as tools to make students learn and continuously spark their interest in their Science subjects.
Meme-ifying the Science Lessons
The study involved over 200 Filipino private high school students in Grade 11. It specifically focused on students in non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) tracks who were required to take biology as part of their curriculum. The students were divided into two groups: the experimental and control classes. The teachers integrated memes into biology lessons in the experimental classes, whereas the control classes only received traditional teaching materials.
Over five weeks, both groups were taught complex topics, including cellular division and genetics. The experimental group actively engaged with memes by creating fun ones related to the lessons.
To assess the effectiveness of this approach, the study employed pre-tests and post-tests, each consisting of 30 questions designed to evaluate students’ understanding of the material. Apart from that, surveys measuring students’ attitudes toward science and their self-efficacy in biology were administered.
The Results
Students who were taught with memes scored 21 percent higher on their post-tests than those taught without memes, with an average of 21.46 correct answers versus just 17.74 for the control group. The meme-ified group also developed more positive attitudes toward biology and demonstrated 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.
Takeaway
The Ateneo study proved memes’ potential to make complex scientific concepts more approachable and engaging by integrating humor and relatable pop culture references. Memes helped students connect with learning materials and retain information more effectively.
When the study was first pitched to me, I wasn’t surprised by its results. Before the digital world reached its peak, my teachers and I (yes, I was once a teacher) made a concerted effort to be creative and make our lessons engaging and enjoyable for our students. That was a challenging task, so Dr. Delocado and Ms. Carlos’ research definitely provided a valuable tip for educators, especially in this age when students demand more engaging and dynamic learning experiences. Who would’ve thought that memes could create a more delightful and fresh outlook on the sciences?
Important note: This study focused on a specific population in a particular educational setting (as mentioned). Further research is needed to examine the broader applicability of the teaching method in different educational contexts, like in public schools and with other subjects.
Alyanna Nicole Carlos and Dr. Emmanuel Delocado published their findings in the Asian Journal of Biology Education. The research received the 2024 SOSE Week Special Citation for Outstanding Graduate Research.
Source: https://archium.ateneo.edu/biology-faculty-pubs/176
