Humor in the Classroom
I find using humor in the classroom helps to engage students. Doesn't particularly matter what brand, but mine is usually a dry wit. I also think it initially sets a comfort level with the students, particularly for those of us who always "look serious".
I teach nursing, so humor can be a pleasant break in the content-heavy lectures. It's important to use respectful humor - don't denigrate any group.
I like to use humor in the classroom for a variety of reasons. Our classes tend to be 4+ hours in length so I, personally, need to try to maintain my own sense of humor for that time. I try to keep it relevant as well, such as saying things like "This may seem like something only a chemist would love, but as nurses . . " etc.
I do use funny stories in some classes. In a pharmacy class I tell the true story about the patient who went back to the pharmacist and complained about the taste of the pill. It turns out that the "pill" was a suppository that they unwrapped and ate. After the laughter dies down I relate it to why the pharmacy staff needs to make sure the patient knows how to take the medication. They are unlikely to forget that one.
Hi Rey,
Humor is certainly a way to help jog the memory. Humor is a great way to break the monotony as well.
Patricia
I tell my students the humorous things past students have done [leaving out names of course] to hopefully have them remember not to do the same things.
I agree that humor can be used effectively to engage the students, but that it can also be lethal if used too much. A guest in my class (from our college administration) peppered his presentation with way too much humor and one of my students asked me afterward if he was a frustrated stand-up comedian. Unfortunately the presentation was critical to their utilization of our career development services and I fear he lost most of the message in his attempt to be "engaging." Watching my students respond to his presentation made me evaluate my own use of humor in the classroom. I make sure to include things to smile about during my classes, but I try not to be a Joan Rivers.
Agree with you all whole heartedly. I am an instructor in a course that requires some physical dexterity and a little humor helps people to relax berfore engaging in the physical/mental challenge.
Margaret
Susan,
I would look at what you find funny--what do you find humorous? Sometimes non-verbal expressions can be humorous. To this day, I remember the facial expressions of my elementary school teachers and I chuckle. Also, while doing my student teaching, my mentor took a course and had a book about how humor enhances learning. Just some suggestions.....Oh, and sometimes just putting up silly cartoons in the room might help.
Your comment is interesting because it certainly challenges you to be cautious when using humor--something we probably don't usually consider. In one of the courses I teach; however, we discuss quite a bit the respect for others from different cultures and how certain actions could be offensive. The idea of visuals is a tool I don't implement but will have to in the future.
Hi There,
I always tell my students that I like to have fun in the classroom; I encourage a warm, light-hearted environment where they will feel less stressed with all the work they have to complete. I use humor in all of my classes, and I realize that it helps to get to know my students better.
Lisa
All these comments are great...but I'm not funny. How do I develop an easier more humorous style. Logically I understand, but realistically I struggle with being too serious.
I agree humor can be an effective tool to help all students engage in class room activites.
I have found classroom humor to be effective in establishing a good rapport with students, especially on the first day. They see you as being human, like themselves, and approachable. But don't be a clown, as I have seen with a few instructors, which then trivializes the course content.
I agree with this 100%. I have a fairly large class and we are always laughing and having a great time. Seems to work for the class when it comes time for a review for a quiz or final because they have something to think back on something that had a good positive energy.
Hi Amy,
Great point! Amusement jogs the memory!
Patricia
Hi Rocco,
I agree.I have found that having a sense of humor in my classroom helps my students to relate to each other and the information being taught. If the student can find something amusing about a certain subject, they are more likely to remember it.
Hi Jose,
Laughter is good for everyone. It is a good way to break the monotony.
Patricia
Hi Tracy,
Utilizing humor in the classroom keeps the class from becoming mundane. It keeps the students alert and ready to absorb the classroom material.
I agree making the class fun helps the students to absorb the info
Hi Tracy -
I enjoy the use of humor in the classroom and I believe I can manage the humor experience fairly well. However, I caution others not to use humor if they feel uncomfortable with it because then it becomes an ineffective tool. But, if you have the knack for using humor - go for it. The levity that humor adds to the classroom experience is great and makes learning more fun.
