When does humor go too far
Many instructors like to incorporate humor into there classroom environment. Is humor a good or bad tool to use in a classroom environment? What is enough and what is too much?
I agree that using humor is an effective tool, but it needs to be done with caution so that you don't offend anyone. I also feel that it should be directed towards the material that you are teaching.
I agree! I've learned the hard way that you have to be careful with those shy ones though. The goofy extroverts love having attention called to them when people are kidding around. I used to call out the shy ones the exact same way in the interest of treating everyone the same, until a couple of them explained to me that while they do like knowing their instructor notices them, being put on the spot caused them great social anxiety.
I use a lighter "kidding" approach with the quiet ones now unless/until they appear to become more confident and social.
Relevance and respectfulness is key I think. It's never a good idea to cross lines that may stigmatize someone or even lead to litigation, simply not worth the risk.
That said, some of my colorful medical anecdotes regarding things like patients misunderstanding rectal medications would be inappropriate and possibly creepy in a business class but during gastrointestinal anatomy, it is effective to relieve awkwardness and relate course material to the real world.
Humor is a good way to break the ice especially when it is directed at yourself. It make you human and makes you more approachable. It is always important to not direct the humor at an individual or the institution.
I usually turn the humor on myself--for example, I tell them I haven't lived in the area for long, so when I ask students where they live--usually one of the surrounding towns or neighborhoods, I have no idea where they are talking about. I make them give me directions using the most basic landmarks they can--and I still get lost. I've used this for two years, and it's a running joke amoung students who have had me for more then one class--I get teased about getting lost on my way to work, and I'm fine with it.
Eva--
Humor can indeed be tricky. I have always found it easiest to use humor about me...something I have done or experienced that would help them, but where I am the point of the joke.
Susan
Agreed that cultural sensitivity is important in using humor. I teach a cultural diversity class and although I do like to use humor sometimes to ´break the ice´, I try to be sensitive not only to students´ culture and beliefs but also to not single anyone out. I guess humor in the classroom is similar to humor in life... some people are more comfortable using it than others.
Christophe--
Very true! There is nothing like a real life story.
Susan
I also involve with real life experience and our students truly enjoy and get exiting about life experiences!!!
Humor can actually be very good but an instructor has to be culturally sensitive to today's diverse populations that s/he does not offend or that it is in bad taste.
Inappropriate jokes could be on religion, ethnicity, culture, etc.
Tiffany
Agreed. Relevance, and some common sense rules are the guidline needed for humor. Students appreciate it, but it can never be forced.
I have been fortunate in respect to past experiences in the industry I teach that make for some fairly humorous anecdotes. These stories always relate to the current topic, teach lessons on proper safety precautions and allow the students to laugh at my predicament, not a particular group of people or inappropriate subject. This type of humor has worked well for me as it does not offend or embarrass any students. It also promotes a more relaxed teaching environment and I appear a little more "human" in the students' eyes.
I have never thought of this, but in retrospect it has probably occured in my classroom. Thank you.
Humor is good in the class, helps break the tension when class is not going quite right, or to help get a point across at times. As long as the humor stays recpectable.
I don't think it's something that is easy pin down.
Humour is a major tool in the arsenal of many GREAT instructor's, and their class just wouldn't be as good without it.
But one person's hillarious joke can seem very un-funny in another mouth,and downright offensive in the mouths of others. Hard to police, and not a problem any of us want to deal with...
I think your best bet is in good hiring practices and a clear understanding of school ethics and expectations by all staff.
there is the expectation of a certain kind of humor in my career field, not necessarily good or kind. this needs to be tempered with the learning outcomes of the students and their own maturity level.
I think instructors need to be cautious with their humor and make it particular to the subject matter. I often relay humorous stories about particular things that have happened or that I have seen when I worked in the industry.
One needs to maintain professionalism at all times, but unfortuantely such a term is relative. What is professional to one individual may not be professional to another, so guidelines need to be given to instructors as well.
Humor directed towards a stduent that may be "just a joke" to an instructor may offend a student, discourage a student, or even cause that student to rethink their pursuit of education.
I think humor is an important part of creating rapport with students. However, humor should always be associated with the topic on hand.
Most importantly, humor should be used as a way to reflect on industry experience an a message or conclusion behind it.
It is important to be knowledgeable about the subject in order to utilize humor as a tool to engage students. Constantly changing assignments and classes can undermine the instructors ability to use this tool
This is an excellent question. Sometimes instructors who are really funny and some students relate well to their extroverted style leave out students who are less secure, are more introverted and can't join in with the jokes. Cliques may develop around the instructor, leavining out shy students without the instructor really being aware of it. I think humor is a great way to knit a class together but it should be natural, spontaneous and never leave anyone out or be insulting to any group or student.
