1. Using Humor to Engage Student Learning Bryan C. Duncan, MS, LPC-S, NCC

2. A Brief Dedication  Classes in which I learned more  Louis XVI  Words and Dresses  Why this topic is important to me  Teacher and Student Roles  I do not want to teach a class, I would not want to sit through as a student.

3. The Professor Stereotype  Knowledgeable, quiet  BUT dull and dry  The perception:  If the students laugh or have fun it means they are not taking the class or subject seriously  Stern instruction is required for a healthy student-teacher relationship  Seriousness is required to present a professional and mature persona  Humor is a distraction and reduces classroom efficiency. (Lei, Cohen, & Russler, 2010) Where did this come from? See Kuhrik, Kuhrik, and Berry (1997)

4. Benefits of Humor  Stimulates the cerebral cortex improving both physical and mental health (Lei et al., 2010).  Those who utilize humor are more positively rated by both students and peers (Garner, 2006)  Example: Stats Ratings  Production of endorphins and natural painkillers (Lei et al., 2010)  Reduces anxiety and stress (Garner, 2006)  Example to come…  Improves student Morale (Lei et al., 2010)  Creates a positive social and emotional environment (Garner, 2006)  AND MUCH MORE

5. From Lei et al. (2010)

6. How Humor Helps Learning  Laughter means your students are awake!  Laughter means they are listening (Lei et al., 2010)  Humorous teaching increases retention (Garner, 2006)  Overall students prefer humorous teaching (Lei et al., 2010)  Exceptions  Humor increases student recall (Garner, 2006)

7. How can I use humor in my class?  Some examples  Stats  Diffusing the introduction of standard deviation formulas or the ANOVA (stress reducing tactic)  Pointing out flaws or missing information in a text book or article  Creating funny or ironic illustrations and examples  Comics/funny (a word of warning)  To enhance the relationship between you and your students  Being human and being willing to laugh at yourself

8. What classes benefit from humor?  College (Garner, 2006)  Online Classes (James, 2004)  Business (Benjelloun, 2009)  Preschool (Gartrell, 2006)  Nursing (Englert, 2010) (Kuhrik et al., 1997)  Those with learning differences (Semrud- Clikeman, & Glass, 2008)  Math (Warwick, 2009)  Language Arts (Minchew, & Hopper, 2008)  ESL (Bell, 2009)

9. Selected References  Garner, R L HUMOR IN PEDAGOGY: HOW HA-HA CAN LEAD TO AHA! College Teaching; Winter 2006; 54, 1  Lei, Simon A;Cohen, Jillian L;Russler, Kristen M Humor on Learning in the College Classroom: Evaluating Benefits and Drawbacks From Instructors‘ Journal of Instructional Psychology; Dec 2010; 37, 4;

10. Thank You for Your Time and Attention! Any Questions/Discussion?