Job Discussion Forums

droidman · Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7

I've been a teacher for a long time, and I hope that my ability to effectively communicate concepts is what makes me a good teacher. But the feedback that has come my way suggests that the fact that my students think that I am sometimes funny rates way above my communication skills.

Humour in the classroom tends to be something you can't plan for, and I have found that it requires a positive imput from the students, and a reasonably good mood in the mind of the teacher. I've also noticed that too much humour can be unproductive because the students often become too hyper, which can be a scary thing.

So the question is ... do you use humour in your teaching? Is it an important component of your teaching style, and can a really good teacher be totally devoid of a sense of humour?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

...smile bone connected to the...learning bone...

I like to use humour in class, but not an extreme or at the expense of getting work done. I think students can fell more comfortable with learning English if they can have a laugh from time to time. I work mostly with adults, but the the kids have fun too.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I try to strike a balance where students have fun, yet are still serious and learning. I find that if students are relaxed, they open up more and are less fearful of speaking. This is vital in a country like Japan.

Too many jokes and I don't think your students will take you seriously.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

lower that filter Cool

let the learning begin

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

It's in your own interest to take things with a pinch of humour - otherwise your job gets too stressful!
Yes, humour greases palms, makes people more compliant. It's especially effective when you don't have a large amount of language in common!

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

valley_girl

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Oh Come on!

do you remember the first pay check you received as a teacher abroad?

Too blo.dy right you need a sense of humour

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

valley_girl · Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 1:48 pm Post subject:

Deconstructor · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 775 Location: Montreal

Sense humour: fundamental!

In every aspect of teaching, from discipline to giving fun examples, sense of humour is indispensable. It is what separates great teachers from mediocrity.

zanne · Joined: 01 Feb 2006 Posts: 7

I have just presented a demonstration class to headmasters and teachers from all parts of China. They remembered me as "the teacher with the funny face". I may not look that good but I do exaggerate my expressions and they all love it. I'm quite good as an actor.I must have passed muster as I am booked to do more of these.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 3:34 pm Post subject:

I have never met a good teacher with no sense of humour. But then, I have never met a human being with literally no sense of humour either. Humour isn't just jokes; humour is part of the armor that keeps us from going insane.

Do I use my sense of humour in the classroom? Hell yes. It's absolutely essential. But remember that humour isn't all jokes, although I know some good ones for the classroom. Humour is a way to have a smile, instead of a frustrated frown, when the going gets tough. Humour is a way to keep a student who keeps having trouble with the same point, after a long day at work, from burning out. Humour is one of the ways I try to keep students wanting to come to class. Humour keeps teens from being surly, kids from being distracted, and adults from falling asleep. If I was told I had to be completely "serious" in class, I would have to quit. I couldn't teach.

Regards,
Justin