Using Anthropomorphism and Fictional Story Development to Enhance Student Learning

Abstract

Understanding mechanisms of human disease can be very challenging for students with a basic background in anatomy and biology, and it can be nearly impossible for students without any prior exposure to these basic sciences. We have designed an approach for understanding human disease for learners of various science backgrounds. By using fictional character associations with disease processes, we have anthropomorphized disease components to make the mechanisms accessible to students with little to no science background, while still appealing and exciting to students with significant science backgrounds. By assisting students in the creation of fictional characters to represent disease processes, we have increased student understanding, engagement, enjoyment, and retention of course content.

Anthropocentrism and Microorganisms: Implications for Biosecurity

“…For example, (Yue et al, 2021) reported that promoting anthropomorphic ideas about animals can not only lead to a 'decrease in disease outbreaks and pandemics' but also has the potential of increasing conservation by decreasing the illegal trade in wildlife. Brossard Stoos and Haftel (2017) reported that young people better understood human diseasecausing agents when they were told a fictional story with anthropomorphised human disease-causing agents.…”