Give them a good laugh
Having a great sense of humor always revitalizes the class and promotes discussions. The first day I tell all the students. No matter how bad your day is, I will make sure you when you leave you will have a smile and a new outlook for that day. We all have great stories that relate to our career. Tell them. It shows the trials that they will face and hopefully be ready for them.
I couldn't agree with you more. Having a good sense of humor make you human and approachable. It is the ice breaker in a new class. It also helps the student feel safe in the classroom.
I agree with Guy on injecting humorous stories. It grabs everyone's attention back from where ever they are just before the story and gives them a little added boost to pay attention.
Sometimes I will even tell them about certain things that I have worked on and how it relates to the subject matter.
Hi Amy,
Excellent point. I have seen situations where instructors had great senses of humor and with their dry wit they were misunderstood or misread so their humor didn't work well with the students.
Gary
I completely agree. However, if you have a dry sense of humor, beware. If you don't crack a smile you might be misunderstood and offend.
Humorous stories interjected throughout the course along with more mundane items does help students learn better. When some of these funny stories concerning our own "oops" moments are pointed out most students realize it is ok to make a mistake now and then. Letting the students see you as human and not someone that never makes a mistake helps takes pressure and self-condemnation away from them during labs and class.
By copying my vice and the way I always offer my help,"Who needs help?" they start to laugh and write their names on board.
Hi Gerald,
Good way to ease the students into the class and get them comfortable for the day. Also, I am big on laughter as well. Laughter really helps to set the tone and get people relaxed and communicating with each other.
Gary
On many days, I begin my class by asking each student to tell me something good about their day or their life in general. In addition to giving the students the opportunity to "disclose," each of the other students begin to find a connection with one another. I also read a joke or a communication story (since I teach Interpersonal Communication) at the start of the class. Laughter is good medicine for relaxing and initiating the beginning of lecture and/or class discussions.
Great tool... I try my best to keep the students smiling. I recieve feedback from many of them that it is a much more relaxed environment in what would otherwise be a very stressful one. Humor tends to take a little less focus out of the stress in the lab.
Hi Melissa,
Good way to start the class. Humor is a very powerful tool to use in getting students relaxed and ready for the upcoming session.
Gary
i always like to start off the class with a joke or funny quote to get the students engaged. For those that are having a bad day, it sets the tone in the opposite direction. I always tell them that I will do whatever it take to make them crack a smile.. and that usually does it!!
Anthony,
You are so right. I have full classes because I have a reputation for having a sense of humor that goes along with teaching the class. It is nice to hear students comment how much easier it is to learn when they are having fun.
Latazia,
I agree with you about telling stories about yourself. My students ask me to tell them humorous stories about my career especially concerning all the traveling I used to do and things that happened.
Hi Alan,
All good points about how to keep students engaged. What are some of the ways you use humor as a part of your instruction?
Gary
Make them want to be there. Field experiences are one of the best ways to share info and help them learn. Also, a good laugh will break the monotony and reenergize your group.
Hi Tiffany,
Your points are good ones about how to present yourself to the class the first time. Yes, you have to let them know you are prepared and organized for the upcoming class.
Gary
I apply that very same thought to every new group of students. If you remind them that they are human by making mistakes yourself or have shown them or shared with them that you have then they are more likely to be able to relate to you and share with you when they are having difficulty with material. You do however have to be careful not to make them think you are not prepared.
Hi Dan,
You are correct in this statement. Teachers have to have a great sense of humor or they will have a hard time dealing with all of the issues that come up with students.
Gary
I never thought of applying having fun to the rules or joyful aspects to the rules. They were always behavior restrictors. Thank You, that is awesome.
