Memes: The Gateway to Critical Reflection for University Students?

Written by Peer Writing Advisor, Hayley Morgan. Hayley shares her experiences of using memes in the classroom.

Let's face it, memes are the lifeblood of today's digital culture. They're everywhere – on social media feeds, in group chats, and even in academic presentations. But beyond the laughs and viral shares, memes hold a hidden potential: they can be powerful tools for teaching critical reflection to university students.

However, teaching critical reflection and analysis to Foundation Year students all the way up to Master’s, has taught me that ‘edutainment’ still has it’s place- using viral memes to carry ‘catchy’ concepts that could improve writing depth seems a bit too gimmicky, right?

Hold onto your hats. Your weird, medieval hats. For the meme in question is the famous ‘Y tho’ baby:

Critical reflection can seem repetitive

When teaching students how to burrow their trails of thoughts deeper to gain richer levels of critical analysis and critical reflection can seem repetitive to students (as judged by exasperated sighs and eye rolls at times). However, this catchy meme can provide comic relief to weary brains. I have printed out these memes and handed them to students on many occasions, to the point a group of students gave me a sticker of the meme as an end of module gift which now lives on my phone case, staring at me blankly.

An example of how I used this goes as follows:

Hayley: Let this meme haunt you. Every time you right a sentence that contains a stand-alone thought or detail, bring out the Y tho baby. For example, if your critical reflection is ‘I struggle with reaching out for help in my studies’ ask yourself ‘Y tho’. Maybe the answer is ‘because in school I found it hard to ask for help’. ‘Y tho’? ‘Because I felt different from undiagnosed neurodivergence and didn’t want to stand out or appear needy’. ‘Y tho?’ Because of cultural perceptions of difference and disability’.

A brain version of an ear worm

For critical analysis, the meme could enable the following:

‘There are more diagnosed adult men/AMAB with Autism’. ‘Y tho’?. ‘Because of gendered assessment and diagnostic methods’. ‘Y tho’?. ‘Because of things like Male Brain Theory and female masking’... and so on and so on.

I truly believe that letting this little oil painted dude creep over your studies can give a brain version of an ear worm that will help give your writing depth. Here's how integrating memes into your studies can make a difference.

The Appeal of Memes

Memes are relatable, engaging, creepy and funny. They capture complex ideas in a simple, visual format, making them easy to digest and share. This accessibility makes memes an ideal medium for connecting with students who are already immersed in meme culture. By tapping into this familiarity, we can create a more engaging and relatable learning experience.

Memes as a Reflection Tool

Critical reflection involves analysing and questioning one's own beliefs, experiences, and understanding. Memes, with their inherent ability to condense complex ideas into bite-sized content, can serve as catalysts for this process. Here's how:

1. Visual Metaphors: Memes often use visual metaphors to convey deeper meanings. By dissecting these metaphors, students can explore underlying concepts and challenge their own perspectives.
2. Humor and Satire: Many memes rely on humor and satire to make a point. Analyzing the humorous elements can help students understand the nuances of social commentary and develop critical thinking skills.
3. Cultural Commentary: Memes frequently comment on societal norms, trends, and issues. Reflecting on these cultural commentaries encourages students to engage with current events and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them, and how they relate to them as a learner.

Practical Applications in the Classroom

Incorporating memes into academic settings doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here are some practical ways to use memes for teaching critical reflection:

1. Meme Analysis: Assign students to analyse popular memes related to course topics. Encourage them to dissect the visual elements, underlying messages, and societal implications.
2. Meme Creation Ice Breakers: Have students create their own memes to express their understanding of complex concepts. This exercise not only promotes creativity but also requires students to distill their knowledge into a concise format.
3. Discussion Starters: Use memes as icebreakers or discussion starters in class. A well-chosen meme can spark lively debates and encourage students to think critically about the subject matter.
4. Digital Portfolios: Encourage students to curate digital portfolios of memes that resonate with their learning journey. This ongoing project can serve as a reflective tool, allowing students to track their growth and insights over time.

Conclusion

Memes are more than just fleeting internet trends; they are powerful tools for fostering critical reflection and analysis in university students. By leveraging the relatable and engaging nature of memes, we can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. So, let's embrace the meme culture and unlock its potential for deeper, more meaningful education.

Happy teaching, and may the memes be ever in your favour!