The Graphic Novel as an Innovative Teaching Methodology in Higher Education: Experience in the Physiotherapy Degree Program at the University of Almeria ☆

Abstract The graphic novel represents a new and current state of the comics industry. Recent studies have revealed the great educational potential of comics. However, scientific literature on their use in the university setting is virtually non-existent. The present paper aims to promote the use of the graphic novel as an innovative teaching methodology with a great potential in higher education, and to present and assess the experience conducted in the Physiotherapy degree program at the University of Almeria. Students were provided with a series of graphic novels that take an entertaining and practical look at the social healthcare reality of distinct pathologies. Along with discussions and debates that were conducted in class, an individual reflective work was carried out in writing by the students, in which they expressed their satisfaction regarding this methodology. Based on our experience, the graphic novel should be considered an innovative teaching methodology with a great potential in higher education.