If you don't have a Sense of Humor your in the wrong Career Field
The one think that I have learned (Often the hard way) is that my selfimage is protecte and preserved by the ability of being able to laugh at myself and to remember that we are outnumbered by the students. One is out there alone. Lets say you have 20 in a class and each one asks 5 questions (usually very close together). It is easy to get confused and like Lucy you relply, blank out or forget what question you have given a totally unrelated answer. Hey it can be a little face redding - don't take it to seriously your a human. Often the students can and will relate to that. None of them want to be up in front of the class. Many times later on you'll think that the whole thing makes a great story. Enjoy teaching and use your sense of humor as a survivor tool.
Hi Trena,
I fully understand! A smile can really go a long way, and after all a smile is contagious. You made someone's day bright with a priceless smile!
Patricia
I agree, I felt real good one time when I noticed that a sudent appeared sad, not wanting to be nosey, I decided to smile at her and make a comment about the day...she responded by saying, "I knew I could count on you to make me laugh", and she smiled the remainder of the class. Public professionals got to have a sense of humor....laughter makes the world go round.
Hi Linnie,
Humor is good for everyone! We all need to laugh from time to time, and needless to say, laughter is healthy.
Patricia
Being able to laugh at myself and sharing my mistakes with humor is, to me, the most effective way to teach. Not only do my students realize I am a regular person, but it is almost guaranteed they will not make that same mistake.
I agree. Approachability is a key factor in student success.
Great point. Having fun in the class room makes it more fun for students as well. If they see that you have a sense of humor it definitely helps them feel at ease.
Hi Amy,
Students need to know that you are approachable. Being friendly and smiling with your students let them know that you are approachable as well.
Patricia
I agree and have used humor to engage students for 30 years. Students stay more alert and more interested. A dry on going tedious class can put anyone to sleep. Minds start to wonder. Do you remember that one professor that made you so sleepy that you wanted to scream? Don't be that professor. Be fun and insightful, both can be easily managed with great learning and fun to be had by all. I teach grammar, if I didn't make it fun I would loose my entire class, and my mind.
I have found that using humor in the classroom lets students see that you don't have a one-sided personality and that makes you and even better example of a successful, professional *human being*. This creates a situation where students can identify with you and will be much more likely to approach you when they need to, and that kind of communication makes everyone's life easier.
Hi James,
Education is serious, but it can be fun. Humor is healthy for us all.
Patricia
Hi Pamela,
Laughter is good for everyone! Students do seem to make a connection and become more interested whenever humor is involved.
Patricia
Hi Nicole,
Humor is important in education. Laughter is good for everyone. Sometimes a good laugh makes the air lighter, and students feel more at ease.
Patricia
I agree, James. I find that allowing humor into teaching can only create a positive atmosphere. I keep in mind that I too was once a student, and seemed to learn better in a relaxed setting. Taking one's self too seriously can create a unintentional between instructor and student. If my students see that I can laugh and learn from my own mistakes, I can only hope they feel free to do the same.
Hi James! I agree with you 100%! I find some of my best times teaching are when I add humor to the discussion. I find that especially for the adult learner they need to have humor so you seem more approachable to them. I currently teach every aspect of dental assisting. I find that when I tell them a funny true life patient situation, of which I have many, their attention is on what I am saying because their is more of a common ground. I love to laugh and I feel that it is important to be able to laugh at yourself and be real.
