Plantu and Pedagogy: The Draw of Editorial Cartoons in the Classroom

Comic relief has long been recognized in the classroom as a springboard for discussions about socio-political issues. Plantu's editorial cartoons, however, bring more than humor to a course. They provoke thought and initiate dialogue. This article offers course ideas that draw on Plantu's cartoons to help students become independent, critical, and imaginative thinkers. With his illustrations as prompts, students are asked to research topics, analyze various perspectives, and articulate their viewpoints in the target language while developing cooperative work habits. Suggested activities provide creative and engaging ways to maintain academic rigor in our programs of study.