Learning Leaders in STEM: Teachers or YouTubers? Insights from Italian Secondary Education

What is this article about?

This article explains how Italian secondary students perceive and use YouTube and educational influencers as learning tools, especially for mathematical STEM competencies. Gil-Quintana, Malvasi, Castillo-Abdul, and Romero-Rodríguez surveyed 4,845 Italian adolescents and analyzed the content and impact of Elia Bombardelli, a popular math youtuber. They compared these findings with insights from teachers through interviews.

Why is it important?

This research reveals a significant generational shift in educational leadership: while students value teachers for in-person learning, they rate YouTubers higher as digital learning figures, especially when facing difficulty in subjects like math. The study offers practical and ethical implications for digital education, influencer culture, and participatory learning.

Key Findings

1. YouTube is the top STEM learning tool

• 80% of students use YouTube to learn math at home

• YouTube surpasses apps like Photomath, Geogebra, or textbooks

• 35% use it in class; only 22% of teachers include it in lessons

2. Adolescents trust youtubers over teachers

• Youtubers scored 8.32/10 vs. teachers’ 7.84/10

• Influencers are seen as more enthusiastic and clearer, though less variable in content

3. The most-followed youtuber is Elia Bombardelli

• 49% of students recognize him as their preferred math youtuber

• Strong engagement: 299,000 subscribers, 30k views/video, 10% engagement rate

4. Preference varies by region and school type

• Students in Sardinia prefer youtubers to teachers

• Technical school students use YouTube more than those in professional institutes

5. High number of followers correlates with low math performance

• Adolescents with 5,000+ followers perform worse in math

• Those active in participatory culture often face challenges balancing screen time and academics

Methodology

• Mixed methods: quantitative surveys + qualitative interviews

• Tools: Google Forms, SPSS, Atlas.ti, Influencity

• Participants: 4,845 students (aged 13–22), 12 math teachers, analysis of 15 YouTube videos

FAQs

Q: Do Italian students prefer youtubers over teachers?
A: They rate youtubers higher but still prefer teachers for direct interaction and help.

Q: Is YouTube effective for math learning?
A: Yes. It’s widely used and considered helpful across gender, age, and geographic areas.

Q: Who is Elia Bombardelli?
A: Italy’s most-followed math youtuber, known for clear explanations and accessible videos.

Q: Should teachers worry?
A: No. Teachers remain vital but should adapt digital strategies and learn from influencer engagement models.