This document contains a brief bibliography of peer-reviewed literature, with abstracts, on humor in later life. It is one of 12 bibliographies on aging prepared by the National Agricultural Library for its "Pathfinders" series of publications. Topics covered by the other 11 bibliographies include aging parents, adult children, dementia and…

This article provides a rationale for using humor to increase creativity in gifted students and suggests a variety of activities which focus on humor. (DB)

Presents six generalizations on using humor in public speaking. (PD)

This book presents a collection of cartoons that focus on the lighter side of teaching. In a tongue-in-cheek introduction, the book asserts that one achievable goal which should have been included in the 1994 Educate America Act is that all teachers will start each school day by reading one funny cartoon and having a good chuckle before they go to…

The production and understanding of humor calls for a specific competence. It appears that second language learners fail to develop this competence even when they reach native-like proficiency levels. A review of the literature suggests that the notion of humor competence in second language learning has not been examined. Humor competence can be…

This book presents classroom-tested ideas to help teachers make teaching and learning more enjoyable, noting that humor can be a positive force in teaching, learning, and health. The book is designed to: help teachers see the importance of a pleasant, good-humored environment; convince teachers that laughter can be an essential element in…

This book presents a series of personal essays in which the author analyzes and dramatizes the significance of subordination in academic life. Academic life is examined in terms of issues (such as sexual harassment) and structures (such as the figure of the dissertation director) but especially in terms of texts. The book looks at the stream of…

A professor explains how he uses cartoons in teaching science. (PR)

Describes a three-week summer course on humor for gifted high school students. Outlines 10 reasons for studying humor and describes the development of the course and activities during each of the three weeks. (DB)

Perhaps because of their familiarity with joke telling, students often do their best writing when using humor. In both telling jokes and creating humorous works, students need to develop a strong sense of audience, an awareness of the importance of vivid description, a strong sense of purpose, and the ability to use punctuation for effect. The…

By using a variety of riddle and poetry books, teachers may encourage young readers to appreciate and enjoy the subtleties of language. A list of 30 books involving either riddles or metaphor is provided. (JL)

Argues that humorous books have the potential to brighten the classroom environment, motivate students, and develop reactive, thinking readers. (FL)

Part of a series offering focused, authoritative treatments of subjects of current interest to educators and other readers, this fastback focuses on the topic of humor, particularly its usefulness in instruction. The fastback asserts that humor can increase attention and retention across curricular areas, create a more positive school climate,…

Studied the use of humorous cartoons to reduce the anxiety levels of students in statistics classes. Used the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) to measure the level of student anxiety before and after a statistics course. Found that there was a significant reduction in levels of mathematics anxiety after the course. (SLM)

Teachers' judicious use of humor in the classroom can have such positive effects as improving communication, focusing attention, provoking thought, liberating creative capacities, motivating students, and reinforcing desirable behaviors. Activities are suggested for exposing deaf students to various types of humor and helping them explore their…