Abstract:

The present investigation was carried out applying an integrative approach, where it was intended that Biology students make a resource, in this case, a comic, based on understanding a scientific article. We did this activity intending to develop reading-writing skills in students that are not necessarily included or acquired during their stay at the university or when they conclude their professional studies. A group of 25 students of the Genetics subject, from the fifth semester of their Biology career, at the Faculty of Sciences (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) were provided with the document, in Spanish, on the function and role of the ALT1 gene in the mitochondria of the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The students were given a week to read the writing, and the following class was asked to create a comic with their understanding of the subject. After the comic was made, the author of the writing introduced herself and explained to the students the work done on it and, finally, reviewed the comics made. The results showed that 90% of the students could carry out the comic, and 10% preferred to do the writing. The students thought that the activity seemed interesting and creative to them, in addition to allowing them not only to share their knowledge but also to express their creativity freely. In conclusion, we observed that the students were motivated to read and acquire knowledge by creating comics.

Keywords:

Comics, reading-writing skills, creativity, integrative approach, undergraduate students.