How memes are making learning memorable: the impact on academic process for students and teachers Exploring the potential of memes to enhance student understanding and critical thinking towards complex topics

Jasmine Mohamed

Learning is a lifelong journey that is often perceived as a dry and tedious endeavor. Textbooks are piled high, lectures are droned on, and the struggle to retain information becomes a constant battle.  However, a new wave of educational tools is emerging. Challenging traditional methods and injecting a dose of fun and relatability into the learning process which is memes.

These seemingly simple internet creations. Often combining humor and imagery captivating the attention of students across disciplines.  But are memes simply a passing fad. This exploration delves into the fascinating world of memes as educational tools. It is examining the scientific evidence behind their effectiveness and the impact they have on student understanding. 
 

The allure of the meme

Memes are typically composed of familiar images, videos, or sounds that are then overlaid with captions or edits. Playfully altering the original meaning.  Their creation is democratized, accessible to students, teachers, and even medical professionals. However, it's students, constantly bombarded with information, who seem to reap the greatest benefit from this communication style (1)(2).

1- From dry to engaging: the power of humor

Traditional learning materials can often feel dense and uninspiring. Memes, with their inherent humor and sense of familiarity, can grab students' attention and make them more receptive to information. This increased receptivity can pave the way for deeper understanding. Traditional learning often feels like a one-way street. Memes, with their interactive nature, can spark discussions and encourage active participation in the learning process (3)(4).

2- The relatable factor: connecting on a personal level

The relatable nature of memes allows students to connect with the learning material on a personal level. This connection fosters a deeper interest in the topic and can spark curiosity, encouraging students to actively engage with the learning process. Humor-infused memes tap into students' cultural understanding, making complex concepts more relatable and memorable.Memes combine humor with imagery, creating a powerful tool for visual information retention.

3- Active learning through memes

The impact of memes extends beyond mere entertainment. Analyzing and even creating memes require students to think critically about the subject matter. It is solidifying their understanding.  This critical thinking is an essential skill for academic success, and memes provide a unique platform for its development. The rise of memes presents a novel opportunity for educators. By incorporating memes into the learning process, educators can leverage the inherent appeal of these digital creations to enhance student understanding and foster a more engaging learning environment (5).

Finally, the article explains that memes can do more than just entertain students. It unveiled the potential of memes as powerful tools for enhancing student understanding. Memes, with their humor and relatability, capture attention and make complex topics more approachable. Their interactive nature encourages active participation, while the visual elements aid information retention. The process of analyzing and creating memes further strengthens understanding and critical thinking skills. The article concludes that memes are a new way for teachers to make learning more engaging and effective.