Teaching biochemistry with comics: a semiotic study based on implicit statistical analysis

Authors

  • Alzira Carla de Oliveira Dias Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)
  • Priscila Aparecida Santos Cordeiro Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)
  • Ana Maria dos Anjos Carneiro Leão Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)
  • Maria Teresa Lopes Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)
  • Rafael Santos de Aquino Instituto Federal do Sertão Pernambucano (IFSertãoPE)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31416/rsdv.v13i2.1117

Keywords:

Triadic sign, Vygotsky's theory, Energy metabolism

Abstract

Biochemistry is a complex field that involves abstract and challenging concepts. Therefore, this work aims to investigate how Biological Sciences undergraduates construct and approach biochemical concepts related to energy metabolism through the creation of comic strips. To facilitate students’ learning, we proposed a workshop that uses comic strips as a didactic resource. The workshop addresses glycemia regulation and energy metabolism, topics of the Cellular and Metabolic Biochemistry course. We analyzed the semiotic elements of the comic strips from Peirce’s perspective, based on the triadic sign of icon, index, and symbol. The workshop aims to encourage students to create their own comic strips about the studied content. This proposal aligns with Vygotsky’s theory, which emphasizes the importance of cultural mediation and the construction of meanings for student development. The data were approached according to the premises of Implicit Statistical Analysis (ISA), obtaining the Implicit Graphs and Cohesive Trees. The use of comics as a didactic resource was important for the development of academic and scientific concepts, contributing to a deeper and more meaningful understanding of the studied content.

 

Author Biographies

Alzira Carla de Oliveira Dias, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)

Master in Biology Teaching from UFPE and Bachelor in Biological Sciences from UPE. Currently a teacher of basic education in the State of Pernambuco, where she teaches Biology. She develops research in the areas of Biology Teaching, Comics, Teacher Training and Technology in Education.

Priscila Aparecida Santos Cordeiro, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)

PhD student in Science Teaching by the Postgraduate Program in Science and Mathematics Teaching (PPGEC) of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Master's degree by the same Postgraduate Program in the research line Processes of construction of meanings in teaching Science and Mathematics. Graduated in Full Degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco - UFRPE (2018). Bachelor's degree in Nursing from the University Center of Guararapes - UNIFG (2014-2019). Nursing Technician from the Almirante Soares Dutra State Technical School - ETEASD (2014). She worked as a scholarship holder in the Institutional Program for Teaching Initiation Scholarship - PIBID of UFRPE (2014-2016) and as a scholarship holder and volunteer in the Institutional Program for Scientific Initiation - PIIC of UNIFG (2016/2017). She worked as a volunteer in the University Extension of UNIFG - Humaniza, whose project promotes community health actions in the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes. She currently teaches Biology (volunteer) in the Project Rumo à Universidade (PRU) and is part of the research group linked to the Laboratory of Research in Science Teaching (LAPEC/UFRPE).

Ana Maria dos Anjos Carneiro Leão, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)

Graduated in Medicine (1986) and with a Master's degree in Biochemistry (1992) from the Federal University of Pernambuco, she has a PhD in Sciences (Biochemistry) from the Federal University of Paraná (1998). She completed a postdoctoral internship at the Federal University of Ceará (2006). Between 1988 and 2006, she developed research activities in the area of ​​Biochemistry (biologically active molecules), developing preclinical tests of polysaccharides and lectins for schistosomicidal and antitumor activity, and especially in the modulation of inflammatory and healing processes. She is currently an associate professor at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, dedicating herself to teaching-learning processes in Biology. Her experience in the area of Teaching emphasizes the construction of meanings related to microscopic and procedural contents/concepts of Biology (Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics), in a systemic-complex perspective and in the multicultural context. These activities are aimed at the initial and continuing education of teachers to work in secondary and higher education. The institution operates in the following postgraduate programs: (1) Postgraduate Program in Science Teaching (master's and doctorate) at UFRPE, since 2001, assuming the Coordination team of this Program in the four-year period 2016-2020; and (2) Northeast Education Network (RENOEN), UFRPE hub, being part of the Coordination of this Hub in the two-year period 2022-2024.

Maria Teresa Lopes, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE)

Post-doctorate in semiotics from the Université Sorbonne, Paris 1. PhD from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), with a Sandwich at the Université Sorbonne, Paris 1. Researcher in the areas of Formation of the Gaze, Semiotics, Sociology and Politics applied to discussions on female emancipation, fashion and design; with a Master's in Information Design from UFPE, whose research is related to the formation of the gaze of teachers of Brazilian undergraduate courses, regarding the relationship with design. I am currently a professor in the National Professional Master's Program in Physics Teaching MNPEF Polo Caruaru, Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Pernambuco Campus do Agreste UFPE/CAA. I am the leader of the Study Group on Formation of the Gaze GEFol and Vice-leader of the Study Group Authoritarianism and Contemporaneity and Vice-leader of the International Network of Information Design - RIDE and I coordinate the Laboratory of Formation of the Gaze LabFol. Carrying out teaching, research, extension and innovation activities in the mentioned areas.

Rafael Santos de Aquino, Instituto Federal do Sertão Pernambucano (IFSertãoPE)

Professor at the Instituto Federal do Sertão Pernambucano - IFSertãoPE since 2010, he has a degree in Animal Science from the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE and participated in the CAPES/FIPSE-USA Sandwich Degree Program between UFRPE and Texas AM University, resulting in a Specialization in Agriculture and Life Science. He also has a degree in Biological Sciences (UFRPE) and is a specialist in Biology Teaching (Universidade Cândido Mendes, UCAM). He has a Master's degree in Animal Science (UFRPE). He completed his doctorate in co-supervision between the Postgraduate Program in Science and Mathematics Teaching, PPGEC/UFRPE and the École Doctorale Éducation Culture et Politique, ECP at the Université Lumière Lyon 2, in France, obtaining the degrees of Doctor in Science and Mathematics Teaching (UFRPE) and in Science de l'Éducaton et la Formation from the French university. Works in the area of ​​Animal Science and Biology, Science Teaching, Applied Implicit Statistical Analysis (ISA), Multicultural Education and Mixed Scientific Methodology applied to Teaching and Education. Full professor of the Postgraduate Program in Professional and Technological Education (ProfEPT) - Professional Master's Degree in Professional and Technological Education in the National Network by IFSertãoPE Campus Salgueiro.

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Published

2025-04-12

How to Cite

CARLA DE OLIVEIRA DIAS, Alzira; SANTOS CORDEIRO, Priscila Aparecida; DOS ANJOS CARNEIRO LEÃO, Ana Maria; LOPES, Maria Teresa; SANTOS DE AQUINO, Rafael. Teaching biochemistry with comics: a semiotic study based on implicit statistical analysis. Revista Semiárido De Visu, [S. l.], v. 13, n. 2, p. 69–89, 2025. DOI: 10.31416/rsdv.v13i2.1117. Disponível em: https://revistas.ifsertao-pe.edu.br/index.php/rsdv/article/view/1117. Acesso em: 20 apr. 2025.