When I was in college, my favorite instructor laughed a lot. She taught her students everything we needed to know, but she wasn't rigid or stern. She simply treated us respectfully and included humor in her teaching. She was always interested in our points of view. As a result, her students loved her classes. I hope to emulate her teaching style. -Jeanne
Sometimes using humor tastefully in the classroom can help a class get through a discussion of a very sensitive topic. This is especially true for some sociology courses.
Laughter is a good learning tool. Generally, everyone likes to laugh. It is very contagious. You can be in a bad mood and some one comes by and gets you to laugh. You have muuch better day.
Laughter is the best medicine and it helps one to learn that if you can laugh at it - you are on the right track.
Hi Rochelle,
Humor is needed! As you have mentioned, it is a time and place for everything.
Patricia
Thanks Patricia. I appreciate that comment. My approach to learning has just been published in my 5-year project: How To Bake Bread: The Five Families of Bread(r). by Michael Kalanty. I use a number of different "voices" for different sections of the book. Technical stuff is delivered in a very conversational tone, so that no big words can get scary. Bread formulas are presented in a no-nonsense manner consistent with industry practice. I include funny drawing where yeast looks like Ms Pacman so kids can understand its only job is to eat stuff. Then you win the game.
Anyway, I imagine you are pretty fun in the room too, so have a happy holiday.
MIKE
Hi Daniel,
You're right, you do not have to be firm and strict all the time. Laughter is good for everyone!
Patricia
I look at it as a student's point of view! Would I want to sit in a class for how ever many hours that is dull or boring, just because the instructor doesn't want any type of humor? Yes, there is certain times you wouldn't allow humor; for example if they were in the middle of a test. But, for the most part humor is fun!
Hi Tula,
Humor is good for everyone!
Patricia
Hi Mike,
I like your outlook and attitude. You seem like you are a fun instructor.
Patricia
Humor can be an effective tactic when dealing with dry information. As long as it is balanced with focus and respect for the subject matter. Some of our students see instructors who use humor as "soft touches" if humor is used to frequently or inappropriately. It can be a fine line.
I like to use humor in the class room and do when I can, but as I usually teach in a US Government setting I must take great care to be “politically correct” in every way. In addition, there is the requirement that any humor must be directly linked with the lesson objective/teaching point. Further, I often teach foreign people and finding humorous things that can be understood by peoples of diverse cultures makes it much harder again to inject humor. A way I tackle the problem is to use cartoons within the power point presentation—the visual is easy for people to understand. Another way is to keep jokes very simple, involving animals (birds, frogs, elephants, etc) rather than people. One effective approach is to just not try overt humor, but rather smile, be pleasant, cheerful and have a “sense of humor” as you teach. In my organization, one misstep with a joke is a career-stopper, so it is best to be prudent.
I find that if you and your students are laughing a little and having fun, they will retain more of the overall information because it will be more upbeat.
sometimes you just need to lighten the mood a little
Having a sense of humor about what is going on is necessary for success in the classroom. There's enough anxiety and confusion in the minds of the students. By leading a class with a sense of humor, an Instructional Delivery Expert gives credibility and accessibility at the same time. As Shakespeare noted, Tragedy and Comedy are one and the same. It's only your perspective that changes. Why not just make the whole thing fun. You'll generally have a better time.
Mike Kalanty. California Culinary Academy.
disclaimer: This is just what I think. You really can't go by it too much, since I am only a bread baker. But this is how I handle the classroom. Thanks for reading.
I also have noticed that humor can engaged those students who are usually not as vocal. It is nice to see them break out of their shell.
Hey Tracey I actually agree that humor is necessary at times.t serves as the best ice breaker for difficult courses and student engagement becomes second nature.
Hi Tracy-
I use humor as well in my teaching practices as I find it engages students. I agree that they feel more comfortable. In return, students will feel more inclined to speak up and discuss class topics.
One tip I have for using humor in the classroom is to try to make it fit the season. For example, I teach a math class, and students always forget to distribute the negative sign. So, last week I sang to the class a few cords of "Distribute. Distribute. Distribute all the way..." The students thought it was funny that I was singing impromptu to the tune of "Jingle Bells," and I'm sure it's something they won't forget anytime soon, but I think that's the point! I don't want them to forget this anytime soon. In fact, I never want them to forget it!
I agree completely. It is much more engaging for students when there is humor in the classroom. Humor is a great way to break the ice and helps build rapport between the class.
Hi Tracy,
Laughter is good to use in the classroom. It breaks the monotony. All work and no play makes for a dull instructor/student.
Patricia
