Hi Todd,
We are educators and entertainers all at the same time.
Patricia
I teach at 6:00a.m. and find that humor is a great way to get the students motivated. Most people enjoy either movies or music so I incorporate a little trivia and movie lines during those early mornings.
I am a big fan of humor in the classroom. It is a great way to bring fun to a subject and can help with inattentive students. The problem I worry about is that sometimes what one perceives as humorous or funny may not be to another. As class leaders, we need to make sure our humor does not offend anyone.
I was told by a co-worker once that we "edu-tain" as a way to get our information to students and keep them engaged. I've noticed since then that my teaching style has evolved into a more humorous "give and take" style than when I started. Or I could have just gotten better. : )
Hi Tony,
WOW! I felt your energy from your response here. I can see how your students can gain energy from your exclamatory remarks.
Patricia
Hi Hope,
We all need humor both the instructor and student. Humor is a nice breath catcher!
Patricia
I agree one hundred percent....humor in the classroom breaks up the lectures and makes the class feel at ease. I use it often, and the students seem to like it.
I use a lot of "exclamation" marks - a lot of "wow!" and "That sounds GREAT!" and "I'm sooooo glad you shared that with me!" and You are doing a FABULOUS job!"
I try to "over" exclaim in the classroom so they can feel my energy through emails and discussion board posts.
Hello Toni,
How do you over animate, what is it that you do to over animate?
Patricia
I teach online and use humor in many aspects - I "over-animate" in order for the students to get a "feel" for who I am i nteh virutal classroom.
Hello Barbara,
As long as I have been teaching (21 years) I have never humiliated a student. They are people just like we are. I give my students the utmost respect.
Patricia
Hi Christine,
As the old saying goes, "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." I believe in having fun, yet I know work must be done first.
Patricia
I use humor in my class to help break up lecture and keep the class engaged. i also find that if i tell a story about myself it can help to create a more relaxed enviorment, one in which students can relate to me as person who may have stuggled or made mistakes just as they have done.
Hi Thomas,
Great points addressed! Humor can help ease the toughest situtation. Sometimes all we need is a good laugh.
Patricia
Scott, I think humor is a great tool to use in the classroom. People like to have fun and they can do that while they are learning. I wish I had your skills. I'm sure your students appreciate it.
I would never use public ridicule though. On the first day of class when I talk with my students about what we can expect from each other, I specifically say I will never humiliate them in class. It can have only negative repercussions.
You need to mix being casual with being the instructor. I, too, like to be informal in class. I believe it does enhance accessibility. I don't think you need to worry about your credibility unless you become pals with your students instead of maintaining a instructor/student relationship.
Hi Kay,
Yes, we must treat our students as adults. They want to be treated as such. I've had students to tell me Ms./Mr. ??? is treating me like I am a child...I am grown. They do not wanted to be treated like elementary children although they may act like them at times.
Patricia
I agree. Humor breaks up tension in any situation. Let's be honest, there is tension in almost any class, no matter who the instructor is or what the subject matter is. I have found that when I am able to tell a humorous story about myself that relates to the subject matter it eases whatever tension there may be. Remember that tension can come from a good students who had a very tough day or the class has a tough assignment that needs to be completed. When they can relate to the instructor with humor it always seems to relieve the tension. They always seem to be more focused.
When working with adults they appreciate if you treat them as such. Yes, you are the information expert but the way you deliver that information has a huge impact on their willingness to learn. An informal environment that also has humor puts them at ease. They are more likely to contribute and look forward to class. The important element is that respect be maintained.
Hi Scott,
Humor is a great thing! It depends on the situtation as to whether it is helpful or hurtful.
Patricia
