Humor is good, but not too much!
One of the mistakes that I made when I was just starting out was trying to be funny before I had the student's respect. Then they just thought of me a comic relief and wouldn't take me seriously.
Hi Mickey,
I agree with your response! It has to be a balance with humor!
Patricia Scales
I agree with the subject heading of this topic. Humor is a good thing. As a chemistry instructor, a lot of the material is difficult for many students. A little humor thrown in every now and then, I believe, relieves some of the building stress that comes as one begins to feel overwhelmed with the difficult material.
On the other hand, too much humor most likely means that little is being taught and learned.
Hi Robert,
Having the student's respect is a must! When students respect you, it makes for a class where effective learning can take place.
Patricia Scales
i did the same and class time was wasted with jokes instead of getting valuable info out
I always start off by trying to gain their respect and let them know the dress code and sop's first then they know what is expected of them . Then later I want them to relax so I thow in a little humor to let them know we can have fun but still learn because their instructor is human.
I agree in part with this statement, however there can be a fine line between smart and stupid humor. As in many students have different perceptions on what may or may not be funny, so it is hard to try and get the whole class relaxed by humor. For me I start off slightly serious then drop a little humor here and there to see what type of response I get from each student and go from there. However I do love humor, as in a quote from Mel Brooks "Humor is just another defense against the world"
I believe class should have some humor in it. I believe that the humor used should be smart humor not stupid humor.
This is something that I am constantly wrestling with. My method of dealing with most things is with humor. It's gotten me into trouble even. But I do feel that it is the best way to keep people interested and not feeling threatened by the situation of being in a class.
Hi Dianna,
Trying hands-on activites, games, field trips, guest speakers, youtube, role playing, etc. to add flavor to a boring course.
Patricia Scales
Hi Marcus,
I have been teaching in the medical field for 35 years and I have found that sometimes the "comic relief" is the way to go.
There are some topics that are a "little dry" and I get the students laughing by being just a bit silly and they seem to remember the information a little bit more.
Some of my students have commented about how I have made a boring class more tolerable.
Any other thoughts on the subject?
Dianna
Hi Marcus,
It is better to start off firm then ease up verses starting off easy and trying to become firm later.
Patricia Scales
