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…

Two studies investigated humor among a total of 151 gifted adolescents. It was found that (1) in a sociometry of humor test, gifted adolescents received either few or many choices in a bimodal distribution; and (2) gifted adolescent humorists were more extroverted, more creative, and lower in need for social approval than other gifted adolescents.…

Identified taxonomy of humor that was developed during seven weeks of participant observation in a small, family-owned business. The various types of humor were found to help minimize differences in status and alleviate workplace tension. Humor also had implications for socialization of employees and appeared to create bonds among employees. (TE)

Describes how sociology teachers can use Western Apaches' joking about the characterizations of Anglo-Americans as learning experiences. Suggests that Keith Basso's ethnographic research on the Apache Indians is a good resource for this material. Gives examples of jokes and follow-up discussions. Lists five ways in which this material is…

Discusses the ways in which nonhostile, self-accepting, realistic humor may be an important coping strategy for children. Offers practical suggestions for parents, teachers, and other caretakers to encourage the development of humor in children. (FMW)

Investigates characteristics of young adult romance novels, particularly their lack of humor. Discusses ways to use romance in the classroom. Provides a list of young adult novels that deal with romance, humor, and body image. (MM)

Discusses the comedy in Eudora Welty's only children's book, "The Shoe Bird," and ways the book may be used in the elementary grades. (SR)

Summarizes and discusses the highlights of the American Library Association's Library and Information Technology Association's (LITA) third national conference, which was held in Denver, Colorado, September 13-17, 1992. Included many sessions on the Internet implications--changes in library role, strategic planning, building relationships among…

Presents a guide to the best humorous writing for children. Discusses the role of humorous books in coaxing reluctant readers to greater involvement in books. Analyzes types of humor and comedy while describing over 20 titles. (JB)

The importance of including humor and playfulness in the classroom is emphasized. Children in such classrooms learn quickly, retain more, and have fewer problems than other children. (DG)

Presents annotations of 26 humorous children's picture books and chapter books. (RS)

Describes six methods that can make mandatory training sessions more successful, including the use of icebreakers; emphasizing relevance; maintaining training focus; the use of humor; providing practice; and the use of evaluations. (LRW)

Humor is a critical ingredient for personal and organizational success, as it stimulates creativity, encourages relaxation, enhances attention levels, builds positive attitudes and team spirit, and establishes interpersonal rapport. A Virginia middle school devised a number of fun-filled activities to enliven faculty meetings, awards…

Administered Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale and Edwards Personal Preference Schedule to 426 adults, aged 18 through 90. Findings suggest that men create humor more, although women used more coping humor. As age increased, so did humor creativity, coping humor, and humor appreciation. Those who sought to create humor appeared to have need…

The relationship between humor and the physiological trait cardiorespiratory after pulse (CAP) was studied for 98 exercise clinic subjects. No significant correlation was found between the composite humor score and CAP, but some relationships were found with humor, CAP, marital status, and age. (SLD)