Discusses the techniques used by an author and illustrator of children's books in visits to elementary school classrooms. The techniques use humor in the form of words that have great sounds but do not necessarily mean anything to encourage children to write and illustrate their work. (BB)

Finds that New Zealand students sampled were significantly less willing to communicate and experienced greater communication apprehension than U.S. students. Finds significant negative correlations for United States students between communication apprehension and humor variables (liking of humor, sensitivity to humor, and coping humor), whereas…

Differences in comprehension, production, and appreciation of humor were explored among a total of 47 second and fourth graders, of whom 26 fourth graders had learning disabilities or developmental handicaps. Although children without disabilities comprehended cartoons better, no production differences were observed. (Author/DB)

In a tongue-in-cheek fashion, practical and creative suggestions for planning and carrying out a conference on legal scholarship are discussed, including topic selection, financing, choice of speakers, working sessions, logistical planning, and publication of the proceedings. (MSE)

Looks at three books for young adults by Brock Cole: "The Goats" (1987), "Celine" (1989), and "The Facts Speak for Themselves" (1997). Discusses common elements in these stories: young people who rise to the occasion; adults who often do not; characters readers can empathize with; an honest treatment of sexuality; and a wonderful use of humor. (SR)

Counters six arguments against humor in English classes. Presents arguments in support of studying humor in English classes, noting its usefulness and benefits. (SR)

Describes how the author uses the character George from the television comedy "Seinfeld" to offer her students a challenging inquiry into cultural studies in relation to television character analysis. Describes how the author uses a particular episode to discuss the relation between George's workplace travails and broader issues of…

Examines humorous literature in higher education and categorizes the genre into humorous academic stories and novels, essays, and expressions. Explores the first of these types. Demonstrates that Freud's "superiority theory" is alive and well in humorous campus literature but that it generally does not rise to the instrumental level of pure…

Describes how the author connects with today's adolescent readers by means of laughter and literature. Claims young adult literature can facilitate the growth of empathy and provide an impetus for adolescents to transcend the isolation modern culture engenders. (NH)

This interview with Christopher Paul Curtis, an award-winning author of novels for young readers, discusses combining elements of the author's own family heritage with American history; writing about race that appeals to black and white readers; the history of race relations; the use of humor; and thinking about the audience. (LRW)

Maintains that today's students have grown up in a time where they have been constantly entertained. Explains that using humor within the history classroom can increase students' interest in history and entertain them simultaneously. Recommends mixing historical facts with amusing stories about or straight from various historical figures. (CMK)

Conducts interviews with nine groups of South African women, examining their responses to episodes of "Suburban Bliss," a South African television sitcom that attempted to use humor as a catalyst to transcend the aftermath of apartheid. Evaluates whether "cultural reconciliation" is possible through harnessing the varying…

Medical writing is virtually devoid of reference to the use of humor as a teaching aid. Research into the role of humor in medical teaching is made difficult by such matters as the complex nature of the perception of humor, by difficulties in contriving humor in controlled settings, and by difficulties in establishing outcome measures for humor…

A middle-school teacher humorously observes seven other intelligences of students: random thinking; virtual memory void (erasing entire sections of personal memory); antigravity (balancing on two chair legs); intravacancy (achieving perfect, effortless aplomb); inter-Origami (intricate note-folding); stealth-kinesthetic (peashooting spitballs…

A content analysis of over 35 American motion pictures and television sitcoms since the 1950s showed principals most often portrayed as autocrats, bureaucrats, or buffoons. Sometimes, as in the TV movie "Kidz in the Woods," a single show depicts all three characteristics. Promoting instructional leadership and an ethic of caring among…