A study conducted with 12- to 14-year-old Nigerian students showed that ridicule (and to a lesser degree insult) is an effective motivator to improved academic achievement in the classroom. It should be asked, however, whether the emotional and psychological implications of ridicule justify its use in education. (Author/GC)

Uses research findings to show when educational leaders can use humor to increase their effectiveness and how they can use it more effectively. (FL)

Offers a humorous look at some approaches to research in reading. (FL)

Four teachers discuss benefits of humor and the disadvantages of sarcasm. Includes a humorous piece on teaching cheating in the classroom. (EL)

In a question-and-answer format similar to that used by Dear Abby and Ann Landers, a professor suggests possible letters he might receive and formulates humorous answers to them. (DF)

Argues that the value of humor in a reading/language arts program may not be understood completely and may often be overlooked. Suggests that the use of humor is supportable by many learning theories and that it has probable affective and cognitive benefits. (FL)

Suggests slyly that, while word processors may have increased writing speed, they cannot ensure improved writing quality. (MM)

Reports a study conducted in Holland that concludes that "All In The Family" isn't likely to have a reinforcement effect on persons high on parental authoritarianism, lifestyle intolerance or ethnocentrism. (MH)

Literacy and boys is currently a hot issue in education and the media. This new book by award winning authors Knowles and Smith explores the facts and research on the topic and furnishes annotations of current, relevant journal and magazine articles. It gives strategies for making changes in the classroom and the home to help improve the literacy…

A collection of humorous plays with real-life settings and contemporary characters, Just Deal with It!, includes readers theatre scripts that poke gentle fun at annoying traits, school-based dilemmas, or the embarrassing moments that are part of growing up. With resolutions that emphasize creative solutions, good humor, or cleverness, these…

This paper tells the story of its authors' living and teaching experiences in Afghanistan from 1967 to 1969. The paper explains that "Don" taught at Kabul University, "Alleen" taught at the American International School of Kabul, and their three young children were in elementary school. It describes their day-to-day activities…

In the year 2000, news and entertainment programs dedicated a great deal of comedic attention to the presidential election. Taking a Uses and Gratifications approach, this paper examines the role of comedy among the young electorate (undergraduate students at a Texas university). It concludes comedic programs, while popular, are among many sources…