More than 45 instructors from institutions across the country recorded audio from their small lab classes. The researchers listened to the recordings and marked moments they judged as humorous. Students in those classes completed surveys asking whether they found their instructor funny.
The results showed that the researchers’ judgments of humor did not predict how students felt about the course. Instead, students’ own views mattered. "If a student thought their instructor was funnier, they had more positive emotions about the course and fewer negative emotions about the course as well," said Trevor Tuma, a coauthor and a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Georgia.
The study also found different kinds of jokes, and researchers suggest that short, situational humor can help students feel more relaxed and more willing to take part in class.
Difficult words
- instructor — teacher who leads a class or courseinstructors
- researcher — person who studies a topic to collect informationresearchers
- judge — decide or form an opinion about somethingjudged
- humorous — showing or causing laughter or amusement
- survey — list of questions people answer about opinionssurveys
- predict — say what will likely happen in the future
- emotion — feeling such as happy, sad, or angryemotions
- situational — related to a particular time or place
- take part — join in an activity with other people
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had an instructor who used humor in class? How did it affect your learning?
- Do you think short, situational jokes are better than prepared jokes in class? Why or why not?
- How could an instructor use humor so more students feel relaxed and willing to take part?
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