Using Humor

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

A Brief Dedication
Classes

Louis XVI
Words and Dresses

Why

in which I learned more

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.

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 studentteacher 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)

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

From
Lei et al. (2010)

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)

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

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 (SemrudClikeman, & Glass, 2008)
Math (Warwick, 2009)
Language Arts (Minchew, & Hopper, 2008)
ESL (Bell, 2009)

Selected References
Garner,

R L HUMOR IN PEDAGOGY: HOW HAHA 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;

Thank You for

Your Time and
Attention!
Any Questions/Discussion?