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Cosplay has numerous classroom applications that can both engage students and enhance learning experiences. Project NML, an educational program out of MIT that focuses on the implementation of new media literacy practices in the classroom, states that allowing students to take on new personas or "expressing characters" requires them to actively adapt and extend their knowledge in a creative way. Some possible examples of how this practice can be used in schools include:
1) Historical Reenactments: Broadening historical knowledge by allowing students to research and reconstruct costumes, props, and scenarios from specific periods of the past to make learning about history more memorable and enjoyable.
Image source: https://dartnewsonline.com/79337/news/history-class-dresses-in-character/#
2) Literature-based Cosplay: Acting out scenes or taking part in simulated trials related to themes within literature studied in class. Learners can take on the costumed personas of characters from stories, leading to a better connection with the material and more in-depth understanding.
Image source: https://www.weareteachers.com/book-character-costume-ideas/
3) STEM-based Cosplay: Students can craft custom outfits and props featuring STEM concepts such as elements, formulas, or scientific principles as an innovative way to reinforce course curriculum.
Image source: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsemmabee/video/7024650075754286342
4) Community-building: Encouraging school spirit by allowing students to dress up as the school mascot, wear school colors, participate in themed days, and holding costume contests focused on school culture during pep rallies or "spirit week.”
Image source: https://www.marist.net/events/homecoming-spirit-week/
Classroom Cosplay in Action
Cosplay in the HIstory Classroom
Cosplay in the HIstory Classroom
As much of history focuses on the stories of individuals who have shaped the world we live in, the subject lends itself to a variety of opportunities for cosplay to be used in the classroom. The article History alive: Engaging students in cosplaying describes several examples of practical ways to use cosplay in history classrooms, including a project where students create their own Comic Con style event where they research and cosplay as important historical figures, and conduct panels where they discuss important historical topics and events.
Reza, R. (2021, March 15). History alive: Engaging students in cosplaying. AMLE. Retrieved from https://www.amle.org/history-alive-engaging-students-in-cosplaying/
Exploring Difficult topics through cosplay
Exploring Difficult topics through cosplay
At Agnes Macphail Public School in Toronto, students explored the social justice aspect of clothing creation and acquisition, as well as the environmental benefits of recycling and repurposing clothes through a cosplay focused project. To make this project possible, a teacher in the school created a low cost makerspace where students created their costumes. The grand finale was a fashion show, where students examined Google image search results for “fashion show models” and discussed who seemed to be represented most frequently. While this project was completed in an elementary, many of the strategies could be implemented at the middle and high school level.
Maliszewski, D. (2018, March 27). Cosplay creation with elementary students. School Library Journal. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/story/cosplay-creation-maker-space
Using cosplay with eLL students
Using cosplay with eLL students
The article "Cosplay in the ELL Classroom" by Amanda Szwed and April M. Walker describes how cosplay can be used as a tool for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) in a fun and engaging way. According to the authors, cosplay can be used to promote language acquisition and cultural understanding. A framework and strategies are provided for incorporating cosplay into the ELL classroom, including how to select appropriate characters and create authentic experiences that promote language use, creativity, and motivation among students.
Szwed, A., & Walker, A. M. (2019). Cosplay in the ELL Classroom. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 63(2), 155-163.
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