Though after dinner speaking attracts fewer participants than most other categories at American Forensic Association tournaments, it can be one of the most fulfilling for those participating, coaching and listening. One of the reasons for the low participation rate is that judges offer vague and sometimes insensitive evaluations. Judges must not…

This study examines the earliest jokes produced by three children and investigates how these jokes contribute to a model of humor development. Subjects were three male infants, and data was collected through a diary record procedure kept by the children's parents. Data was collected on one child at age 13 months; data collection for the other two…

Boys, ages 6, 8, and 10, were classified with regard to conceptual tempo and were presented with cartoon stimuli varying in cognitive complexity and level of affectivity. The results indicate that reflective subjects generally displayed the highest comprehension scores while impulsive subjects displayed the greatest spontaneous mirth. (JMB)

Research has indicated that many teachers are not using teaching methods that work best for spelling; humor may be either a negative, neutral, or positive influence on learning, depending on students' intelligence and anxiety level. (Author/MLF)

A prevalent theory about the cognitive aspect of humor is that most humorous stimuli are characterized by incongruity that is first perceived and then resolved. However, the combination of incongruity and resolution is not sufficient for constituting a joke--resolution should be inadequate as well. In other words, resolution is brought about by…

The more than 600 books and studies on illustration and comic art cited in this booklist cover a wide variety of topics, including comic strips, political satire, pop culture, and animated cartoons. Materials are international in scope, and each item is listed alphabetically by its main entry in the Chesler Collection shelflist. A contact is…

This book has been prepared for the use of teachers, ethnologists, linguists, Indian studies scholars, language students and those who have an interest in the languages and cultures of the earlier inhabitants of this continent. The stories reflect the Navajo love for and genius with words and humor. Most of the humor represented is of three basic…

An attempt is made to show or suggest to the newcomer, whether adviser or reporter, some of the humor forms, devices, or ideas that can be used in a school publication. Twenty-four different types of humorous devices are included. These are boners (humorous errors); howlers (play on words); the pun; ethical light verse and limericks; humorous…

Tongue-in-cheek advice on how to survive the principalship. (Author/MLF)

Discusses definitions of humor and describes ways humor can be featured in school newspapers. Includes examples of humor from student and professional publications. (GW)

A senior editor and former teacher salutes the successes of teachers in a light-hearted column. (JL)

Argues that since technical and prose writing are both rhetorical discourse, technical writers should use the same devices as prose writers (such as metaphor and humor) and should be as aware of the political, ethical, and moral context of their writing as writers of prose. (ARH)

Offers a humorous look at the problem of assessment. (FL)

The comprehension of humor is described as a developmental ability related to children's cognitive, linguistic, and metalinguistic development. Examples illustrate the content and structure of riddles and jokes, as well as developmental changes in children's understanding. Ways to assess and develop humor comprehension are also discussed.…