A study was done to examine whether certain observed play behaviors of young children might show relationships to scores of assessments of cognitive constructs. The investigation sought to determine the extent to which responses related to such behaviors as pretend play, sense of humor, acts of aggression, and talkativeness. (JN)

Pictorial humorous illustrations were found to have (1) no effects on information acquisition and on motivation, (2) positive effects on appeal, and (3) negative effects on persuasiveness. (PD)

Examines group relational factors in negotiations regarding humor. Examples from a self-analytic group are discussed. Proposes humor can turn into hostility unless it periodically comes under negotiation and efforts are made to place it under normative regulation. (JAC)

Examines group structure and process through a serious consideration of word play of group members. Issues explored include ways in which metaphors externalize emotions, human identities are constructed metaphorically, interactional situations are managed metaphorically, and humor is related to dominance. (RC)

Folk tales, jokes, and other forms of folk culture are used to explore the love-hate relationship between Blacks and Jews and to trace the changes in this relationship. (RLV)

The use of comics in the classroom is examined as an aid for foreign language instruction, teaching English as a second language, and remediating learning disabilities. A selected bibliography is included. (CMV)

Negative attitudes, as expressed in humor, to aging, old age, and death were found by analysis of jokes in currently available jokebook anthologies. In particular, very negative attitudes to aging of women were found. Some ambivalence in attitude was discovered. (Author)

Notes that information presented in dialog form in a foreign language lends itself more easily to conversation than does intricate narrative prose. Using background information on Halloween, the article adapts the text to present information about the target culture as well as to humorously present facts about the North American festivity.…

During a (hypothetical) phone interview with a university researcher, an elementary principal reminisced about a lifetime of reading groups with unmemorable names, medium-paced math problems, patchworked social studies/science lessons, and totally "average" IQ and batting scores. The researcher hung up at the mention of bell-curved assembly lines…

Examines uses of humor in middle level classrooms and relationships between humor and effective teaching. Suggests that, with the incorporation of humor into the classroom to facilitate rapport building, student empowerment, creative thinking, attention, self-esteem, and socialization, middle-level teachers have the power to become the genesis for…

Focuses upon the role of humor in the cultures of young men in school and argues that humor is a technique used for the regulation of masculinities and the negotiation of sexual hierarchies within pupil cultures. Also focuses on conformist aspects of humor and recognizes the oppressive dynamics articulated in these exchanges. (GR)

Discusses humor development in children and other factors that influence children's interpretation and enjoyment of literary humor. These factors include the child's cognitive and linguistic stage of development, the object of humor, sex differences, and past experiences. (BB)

A humorous list of 10 guidelines details the obstacles and difficulties that a university educator faces in the production of an educational CD-ROM, and offers advice for those who choose to pursue multimedia development for educational purposes. (JKP)

Discusses techniques for teaching descriptive adjectives in second-language classrooms that rely on humor to help relieve the stress of learning situations. Specific examples of Spanish adjectives and humorous phrases are provided. (contains two references) (MDM)

Notes that jump rope rhymes and street chants are part of an oral tradition that links communication and play. Although rarely incorporated into the elementary curriculum, they expose children to rhyme, rhythm, humor, and poetry. Discusses opportunities for student involvement and integration of rhymes and chants across the curriculum, and…