Use of games in computer-based training (CBT) can enliven material, encourage discovery and experiential learning, and make visceral connections for learners. However, humor can offend or wear thin, and games can be perceived as playing rather than as learning. (JOW)

Describes a three-week summer course on humor for gifted high school students. Outlines 10 reasons for studying humor and describes the development of the course and activities during each of the three weeks. (DB)

Advocates outcome-based teaching as a method to justify "unwarranted" field trips. Lists outcomes that may be associated with viewing the film "Titanic," such as "students will learn that iron will float--sometimes." (SR)

Offers suggestions for making effective videos for academic or commercial presentations. Highlights include focusing on the objective of the video; communicating the intended message; limited use of special effects; showing versus telling; careful use of narration; use of humor; and endings. (LRW)

Creativity is valued increasingly in business and education. Humor, fun, and play take the brain from a cognitive, rule-bound state to a more fluid state where the whole body can work on a problem while the "thinking mind" is relaxed. Vignettes demonstrate how adventure education stimulates creativity through play, fun, humor, and…

Asserts that humor helps facilitate learning and reduce stress in the classroom. Addresses the use of humor in bibliographic instruction and encourages the use of humor with practical teaching tips. Provides examples of proper and improper uses of humor in the classroom. (CW)

Provides teaching suggestions for metric units incorporating humor. Includes teaching suggestions and rubrics. Also includes connections to other subject areas in literature, science, and mathematics. (MM)

Focuses on the relationship of three student predispositions to their expectations for instructor communication behavior. Examines students' communication apprehension, grade and learning orientation, and humor orientation in relation to students' expectations for teachers' use of verbal and nonverbal immediacy behaviors, clarity behaviors, and…

Perspectives on humor of families who have a member with a disability were examined using a qualitative methodology. Findings offer complex and challenging lessons for those who work with and for families of children with disabilities. I compared the traditional view that families of children with disabilities go through a constant process of…

This article surveys existing research on the role of humor in early childhood. Babies and toddlers use humor to develop, apply, and expand their understanding of existing concepts; define themselves; and establish relationships with peers and caregivers. Humor helps young children view stressful situations in a nonthreatening way. As soon as…

This brief article discusses how carefully selected comic strips can become great teaching aids for (English Second Language) ESL instructors. They are beneficial in part because they provide brief conversations in English with pictures that help convey the meaning of the words. ESL teacher Dina Dahbany-Miraglia, author of Speaking American…

This article examines an amusing application of the concept of kinetic energy. Using some rudimentary physical notions, we have analysed the energetics of the motion of Santa Claus. The results, which are quite surprising, can be of interest to high school and early college physics educators when they teach kinetic energy, and energy conservation…

Todd Lee and colleagues share some of the common technology "pranks" and peculiarities from the three most common technology tools used in our classrooms: Microsoft Excel, graphing calculators, and The Geometer's Sketchpad. The "Surfing Note" includes a link to a collection of funny math cartoons from the Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Native American humor is explored through a brief discussion of the current literature regarding the use of humor in counseling and descriptions of various forms and communication styles of Native humor as spiritual tradition. Implications for multicultural awareness in the use of humor and possible use of Native humor in counseling with Native…

For fifteen years, the presenter has engaged college students in discussions and writing assignments that pertain to the outstanding characteristics of their most effective teachers--"effective" meaning that these teachers made the most significant impact on their lives. Based on those recurring themes, the conclusion is that effective teachers…