Explains why humor should be studied in English classrooms and how humorous writing serves as a vehicle for making its readers more socially conscious of human values. Offers a list of books that can be used in classroom discussions of humor. (RL)

Subjects rated the humor of jokes under conditions of high and low spatial density. Crowding was found to significantly diminish appreciation of three types of humor. Significant sex differences in reactivity to crowding were found. (Author/CS)

An active sense of humor is a vital but often neglected resource in teaching methods as well as in everyday life. (LH)

Analyzes joke-telling trends from 1970-75 and emphasizes that such an analysis may yield a significant reflection of American life during this time period. (MH)

Examines the replication of a 1970 study and concludes that anti-female bias in humor is still present. (MH)

An early childhood education professor humorously recalls his first day observing 3 year-olds as part of his university practicum. Intimidated by the sight of 15 lively youngsters roaming about, he manages okay, but injures a child when helping with a zipper. Saved by Bactine and Dumbo Band-Aids, he nonetheless worries about the accident report!…

Ten not-so-serious recommendations for policymakers based on the rationale that art education takes time away from the classes that prepare students for standardized tests. (Author/MLF)

Reviews mail sent in response to a year's worth of "Middle School" columns in this journal. Notes that the column on a middle scholar's inquiry excursion went completely unnoticed and that the column on portfolio assessment received the most attention. (SR)

Presents student-written summaries about nine science fiction, mysteries, humor, historical fiction, classics, and books that may become classics that the students felt were the best books they ever read. (SG)

Presents some funny stories that can be used to develop a mathematical method as a starting point for creating alternative approaches to solving traditional algebra word problems. (KHR)

Argues that (1) knowledge has been narrowed to "facts" or "information"; (2) a superstitious belief in education as a panacea is pervasive; and (3) education lacks a coherent set of goals or overarching philosophy. Calls for more understanding and less knowledge, more being and less doing, more humor and less seriousness. (SK)

Discusses how speeches delivered at a 1960 dinner by then presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon changed the face of political campaign rhetoric. Argues that both men used comic strategies to create a more inclusive American covenant, and emphasizes the importance of examining pragmatic and cultural implications of presidential…

Argues that humor can be accomplished in computer-mediated communication and can be critical to creating social meaning online. Analyzes the humor of the USENET news group rec.arts.tv.soaps (r.a.t.s.), which discusses soap operas. Combines user surveys with message analysis to show the prevalence and importance of humor in r.a.t.s. (RS)

Although humor may be a key element in successful programs, little sophistication has been shown in understanding the various roles humor may play in helping troubled students. This report provides specific instances and practical examples of how humor might be used to provide education for troubled students. Draws on anecdotes and scenarios…