On many days, I begin my class by asking each student to tell me something good about their day or their life in general. In addition to giving the students the opportunity to "disclose," each of the other students begin to find a connection with one another. I also read a joke or a communication story (since I teach Interpersonal Communication) at the start of the class. Laughter is good medicine for relaxing and initiating the beginning of lecture and/or class discussions.
Hi Gerald,
Good way to ease the students into the class and get them comfortable for the day. Also, I am big on laughter as well. Laughter really helps to set the tone and get people relaxed and communicating with each other.
Gary
By copying my vice and the way I always offer my help,"Who needs help?" they start to laugh and write their names on board.
Humorous stories interjected throughout the course along with more mundane items does help students learn better. When some of these funny stories concerning our own "oops" moments are pointed out most students realize it is ok to make a mistake now and then. Letting the students see you as human and not someone that never makes a mistake helps takes pressure and self-condemnation away from them during labs and class.
I completely agree. However, if you have a dry sense of humor, beware. If you don't crack a smile you might be misunderstood and offend.
Hi Amy,
Excellent point. I have seen situations where instructors had great senses of humor and with their dry wit they were misunderstood or misread so their humor didn't work well with the students.
Gary
I agree with Guy on injecting humorous stories. It grabs everyone's attention back from where ever they are just before the story and gives them a little added boost to pay attention.
Sometimes I will even tell them about certain things that I have worked on and how it relates to the subject matter.
I couldn't agree with you more. Having a good sense of humor make you human and approachable. It is the ice breaker in a new class. It also helps the student feel safe in the classroom.
