In a Development and Criticism of Broadcasting course, humorous cartoons and television commercials were used to stimulate critical thinking about course content. Students were taught to use the higher order thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation to turn passive viewing or listening skills into active thinking activities. Humor…

The theory and practice of analyzing jokes, with implications for class discussions. (RL)

Outlines the many benefits of humor. Describes a reading and writing strategy to help at-risk college students reduce stress, appreciate the humor in many areas of college life, and use reading and writing about humorous college situations as a tool for developing critical thinking. Describes an application of the strategy. (SR)

A review of the educational research on humor use will answer many questions about how it works in the classroom. Humor can be classified in three ways, each with its own primary function: superiority theory--sociological function; relief theory--psychological function; and incongruity theory--intellectual function. Classes filled with relevant…

Humans in technology classrooms have allowed themselves to become dependent on technology. Especially when the technology fails, the instructor has to fall back on non-technology driven methods to teach technology applications. Issues arise, including time use, teacher credibility, and efficiency of teaching. This paper presents experience of…

Teachers can use play and humor to establish a climate conducive to learning and mastering effective skills in interpersonal communication classes. A classroom, wherein everyone is considered a teacher and student at the same time, is a classroom acknowledging students, promoting respect and acceptance of others' worldview on a wide range of…

Contends that the study of the psychology of humor integrates areas such as child development stereotyping and creativity. Describes an undergraduate college-level course in which students apply psychological theories of humor to understand both popular humor and experiences in everyday life. (CFR)

Advertisements can be used in many ways to facilitate the teaching of a commercial language. If reproduced as slides or other visual aids, they serve as a visual warm-up exercise for each class period, either reinforcing previously discussed topics or introducing new ones. Catchy headlines in commercials promote rapid expansion of vocabulary and…

A study examined the positive effects that being a parent may have on communication teachers. Three major advantages that parenthood gives teachers (self-disclosure, use of humor, and the incorporation of games and activities) were considered. Several informal interviews with communication instructors who raise children were conducted. One hundred…

Articles on various aspects of second language teaching include: "Global Education Language Teaching Activities" (Kip A. Cates); "Classroom Management in Japanese Colleges and Universities: Some Practical Approaches" (Paul Wadden, Sean McGovern); "Control: An Independent Learning Model" (Don Maybin, Lynn…