Using Memes to Hear the Student Voice

Joanne Irving-Walton, Helen Tidy, Rachel Bolton-King , Carrie Mullen, Ruth Croxton, Felicity Carlysle-Davies , Leisa Nichols-Drew, Paolo Monachello, Gary Currie, Kimberlee Moran

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Transitioning to University can be an intimidating and anxious time for students. This is especially true for those who are first generation entrants and have no reference point for what University involves.

This project looked at how using memes allowed students to express their feelings upon starting University, in a relaxed and humorous manner, within personal tutor or cohort groupings. Students were asked to produce a meme (using MemeGenerator) which reflected how they felt about starting University. These were then shared with other students within the session via an anonymous Padlet. This activity was carried out over a range of universities and courses and an anonymous survey was completed at the end of the session.

Most students found that the meme making activity helped them express how they were feeling about starting University whilst the process of sharing the memes produced by the group via Padlet helped reduce anxiety in over half the students.

Meme-making in this manner allows personal tutors and course leaders to engage students in a low-stakes, entertaining and creative activity whilst also allowing real and immediate data and insights into the concerns of their students to be quickly revealed. Sharing these memes with a personal tutoring or cohort group further allows students to appreciate that they are generally not alone in their concerns. This lessens anxiety an can act as a conversation starter between peers or provide a basis for a more structured tutor led discussion.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 9 Apr 2024
EventUKAT ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024: PERSONAL TUTORING IN THE SPOTLIGHT -
Duration: 8 Apr 20249 Apr 2024
https://www.ukat.ac.uk/events/ukat-annual-conference-2024

Conference

ConferenceUKAT ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2024
Period8/04/249/04/24
Internet address

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