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Using Humor in the Classroom

Or…

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“Everything you wanted to know about being funny in class but were too afraid to

ask.”

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Why Even Try to Be Funny??

Humor:

Increases student attention and involvement.

Has a positive effect upon learning retention.

Creates a comfortable social environment.

Gets discussions started faster

Encourages response in Q&A sessions.

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Make Humor Relevant

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Make Humor Relevant

Humor does not have to be a diversion or digression from the lecture.

Whenever possible, weave humor into what your students are already learning.

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Focus on the Positive!!

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Focus on the Positive!!

Adopting a light, playful mind set helps establish a warm, safe learning environment.

Negative comments, such as on the usefulness of the material, create frustration in students and leads to low motivation.

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Practice Verbal and Nonverbal Playfulness

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Practice Verbal and Nonverbal Playfulness

Use facial animation: smile, make lively expressions, and let your eyes sparkle.

Use comfortable body language and a relaxed voice. Make sure your nonverbal messages match your verbal messages.

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Use Humor to Relieve Tension

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Use Humor to Relieve Tension

Develop your ability to read your students' tension levels.

When you sense tension, try to defuse it by making a humorous remark or telling a funny story.

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Target Yourself, Not Your Students

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Target Yourself, Not Your Students

To avoid a sense of threat, the safest target for humor is yourself, not your students.

DO NOT poke fun at religious beliefs, race, or gender. Such comments cause animosity and a hostile environment for learning.

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Target Yourself, Not Your Students

Four Questions to Ask Yourself When Using Humor:

1. Is it Appropriate?

2. Is it Timely?

3. Is it Tasteful?

4. Is it even Funny?

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AT&T Humor Test

Humorous? Yes___ No___ Depends:___

Appropriate? Yes___ No___ Depends:___

Timely? Yes___ No___ Depends:___

Tasteful? Yes___ No___ Depends:___

Activity:

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Questions & Comments

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References and Further Information:

Deiter, Ron "What's So Funny About Teaching 'Dismal' Science Classes?" http://www.cte.iastate.edu/newsletter/november98/humor.html

Gorham, J., & Christophel, D.M. (1990). The relationship of teachers' use of humor in the classroom to immediacy and student learning. Communication Education, 39, 46-61.

LeMieux, A.C. (2000). Only Connect. ALAN Review, 27 (2), 11-16.

Project T.E.A.C.H: Teacher Effectiveness and Classroom Handling. http://www.plsweb.com

Shade, Richard A.: “License to Laugh: Humor in the Classroom”