Using Humor in the Classroom

National Council for Staff, Program and Organizational Development

Using Humor in the Classroom

Linda Shoesmith, Eastern Iowa Community College, IA

Many students come to our classes with apprehension and anxiety. I dismantle fears with humor. The first day of class I use cartoons to talk about study skills. It adds interest to a discussion the students have probably heard many times! I have also found cartoons to be an excellent ice breaker as well as "wake me up" when the subject matter (math) has been especially heavy. Jokes and cartoons make excellent anticipatory sets! I'm on a constant prowl for those related to school and my subject area. They can be found in the newspaper, magazines, the Internet, and books. Just make it a habit to scan the daily paper and the Reader's Digest. You'll find many prize additions for your collection.

One-liners are great in a lecture. They buzz right over some heads!

At the bottom of tests, I have put a question like "What is your favorite subject?' and they are to connect the dots and get the word "math!" I use silly names in problems like Candace b'Dunn or Ima Nut.

A good reference is Professors are from Mars, Students are from Snickers, Ronald A. Berk, Mendota Press. Berk cites several studies that substantiate the benefits of humor in communicating, for example he quotes Wright and Wright (1985) as listing the following advantages:

1) One of the most effective forms of emotional communication;

2) Can dissolve tension and help people relax;

3) Can help gain and keep your listeners' attention;

4) Can increase your credibility;

5) Can help overcome resistance to points you are trying to make;

6) Can provide needed breaks;

7) Can help drive home a point (p. 9)

He suggests using a "Top 10 List" so popular in comedy circles today. He also suggests a

definition format such as: "A team effort is a lot of people doing what I say." "Diplomacy is the art of letting someone have your way." (p. 25)

Be careful of inappropriate targets and avoid: put-downs of any individual or group; sarcasm and ridicule; sexual innuendo; profanity and vulgarity; humor about physical characteristics or extremely sensitive issues. (p. 45)