Humor in the Classroom

Have you noticed how appropriate humor in the classroom can quickly lighten problem situations? Humor can help shift students out of fight, flight, or freeze thinking.

We would like to emphasize appropriate humor. Be mindful that the humor doesn’t cause anyone to feel uncomfortable. Appropriate humor can help students gain new perspective and often can replace anger with laughter.

Research shows that when teachers use humor effectively, students benefit in a variety of ways. Specifically, students feel more connected to their teacher and learning improves. Furthermore, studies show that appropriate humor in the classroom results in students being more motivated, and they perform better academically. In fact, students report that they value the personal and social qualities of a teacher more than the teacher’s intellectual ability. Students clearly value a sense of humor in teachers, and research supports the benefits when teachers create a positive learning environment using humor and are willing to share jokes in the classroom.