For decades, comic books have been a popular form of entertainment for both adults and kids. Superheroes who fight villains and promote good give children and their parents a bonding opportunities and a chance to escape from real life for a while.

Some folks believe that comics or graphic novels are packed with nothing but superheroes, villains, animals, and other creatures. They are more than that. Aside from being entertaining, comics are also considered solid material to use in classroom settings, lectures and presentations. The comic book medium has gained respect from educators across the globe.

The first comic book appeared more than 75 years ago. Over the past two decades, blockbuster films based on comic books have helped their popularity soar. Comics are now commonly recognized as a valuable literary form (which we already knew!). In fact, many school teachers and university professors don’t hesitate to harness the learning potential of comics.

Recent studies showed that students, who read comics are able to remember more information than those who don’t. Students who used comics during their classes gave more correct answers on memory questions than those who received the education material in only text format. Unlike other educational books, graphic novels contain both text and images presented in a specific order. This combination helps readers to remember information much better.

What is Special About Comics in Education?

In theory, comics can be a good tool for delivering information since they show content in both verbal and visual forms. Our brains deal better with material that is presented both verbally and visually. Because of this combination, comics make abstract notions easier to comprehend. Words and images work together to encourage better memory skills.

Comics can be an effective teaching tool. Not only with younger students but with undergraduates as well. They can cover different disciplines including history, statistics, psychology, and more. In elementary school, graphic text books have always been used. They are effective tools for training in reading, visual and perception skills, and are used in just about every subject.

Teachers know that it’s easier to teach students grammar and punctuation when they are fully involved in the learning process and comic books work well at drawing students’ attention. Using written and visual storylines are helpful for struggling students. In fact, many students use comics as references or topics for their academic papers. As an example, on the Internet, anyone can now buy an argumentative essay on their favorite superhero subject, etc.

Comics are a great teaching aid for kids who suffer from learning difficulties as well. Since the texts are accompanied by the images, it is easier for children to read the words. Those with learning difficulties do better if the texts are written in upper case letters, which is another feature of comic speech bubbles.

More Than Texts and Images

Another win for comic books is that they are helpful to those of all ages with reading difficulties. Once again, images in combination with words are a beneficial and enjoyable format. Comics allow the reader to absorb content in a way that’s different from a traditional novel. The images benefit the text and vice versa, like in educational material.

Along with helping students absorb material more easily, comic books are fantastic at involving them in the learning process and with passion. Isn’t that half the battle when it comes to teaching?

Some claim that comics are written in simple language. However, that’s not the case. Verbal communication in comics is excellent and perhaps better than some students use in real life. One can surmise that the more time a student spends reading comics, the better their verbal skills will be. And, of course, we think they will become smarter in general!

In summary, comics and graphic novels are helpful in improving school results. Comic books crafted specifically for educational use are of great value to both teachers and student. And, let’s not forget, more fun!

Featured Image from pixabay