Experience science again: Comics as a learning aid in St. Pölten!

Experience science again: Comics as a learning aid in St. Pölten!

The “Comixplain” project of the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences aims to clearly explain complex scientific contexts through the use of comics. This form of science communication combines text, image and narrative structure, which makes learning considerably easier. The use of comics enables readers to walk through the fabric at their own pace without feeling forced to take breaks. In this way, understanding is promoted on several levels, which is particularly supported by the emotional representations of the protagonists.

Studies show that comics represent an effective learning medium for both children and adults. The combination of narrative structure, visualizations and infographics helps to make complex information understandable. According to noen.at, the project serves to enrich scientific teaching and show innovative ways in the public communication of research and innovation.

target groups and subject areas

in St. Pölten mainly science comics for the StEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). These comics are aimed at adults and students and children. Due to the visual preparation, teaching units that are often considered difficult or abstract are made more accessible to the learners.

comics have been known since antiquity and classified in France as ninth art. They tell stories sequentially in pictures, often supplemented by text in speech or thinking. A wide range of topics can be treated and many people who find science as dry. The achievement of new target groups and promoting learning motivation are further advantages of this form of communication. There are already comics on a large number of specialist disciplines, as shown on [Science Communication.de] (https://www. science communication.de/Format/comic/).

production and design of science comics

The process for creating a science comic comprises several steps. First of all, a concept is developed that includes both the content and the drawing implementation. This is followed by the creation of a script and the development of storyboards. Before completion, it is important to find suitable illustrators and to design a platform for online publication. So that the comics also reach their audience, strategic marketing is essential.

according to Annaheger.de bring comics information over faster than pure texts or picture stories and enable an effective connection of image and text elements. This enables complex facts to be compacted and various aspects can be presented in parallel. This form of graphic storytelling emphasizes the importance of the visual elements and creates a new dimension of science communication.

The “Comixplain” project is therefore not only used as a supporting teaching material in class, but also as a creative solution to improve the public perception of science and research.