The reading summary is done by:
ENGL300-1: Ross Henry
ENGL300-2: Bridget Meador
The article "The Straw Man Meets His Match: Six Arguments for Studying Humor in English Classes" by Alleen Pace Nilsen and Don L.F. Nilsen discusses the benefits of incorporating humor in classrooms. Research states that much effort has been put into eliminating humor from schools. The authors offer six arguments that their opponents have concerning why humor should not be used and the authors offer six justifications as to why it should.
The first argument is that children are exposed to enough humor outside of school. Nilsen and Nilsen say that this is exactly why it should be used in the classroom as well. Children will gain a better understanding of the various types of humor that are used in everday life as well as broadening the areas in which they draw experiences from for writing. The second argument is that teaching humor will eliminate time that could be use to teach "important" subjects such as literature and public speaking. By incorporating humor, students will enjoy the lessons and be more likely to retain the information and take an interest. The third argument is that teachers are supposed to be preparing students to earn a living. Well, with growing trends in humor-based careers it would appear that humor is doing just that. The fourth argument is that students are not mature enough and there will be a censorship issue. The Nilsen's state that yes, there will be but, it's okay. Children are going to encounter crude humor in their lives and they should be prepared with how to handle it and how to avoid using it themselves. The fifth argument is that humor can hurt people. Like the previous argument, it may hurt people's feelings but, that is why it must be taught so that children will learn the proper ways to use humor. The sixth argument is that not all teachers have a good sense of humor so, how are they expected to teach it? This article provides several lesson ideas for incorporating humor into lessons. Humor does not have to be used obviously and obtrusively. Children simply need to be aware of it and enjoy it.
By: Bridget Meador
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The article deals with the importance of humor in the classroom. I have to agree that comedy in the classroom is incredibly important, especially because it keeps students engaged. Unfortunately, too much humor could make for a classroom that is out of control. It's good to have a fun classroom--especially if you're reading very comedic things. Highlighting humor in literature is important, as this could inspire students to read more.
ReplyDeleteI believe humor in the classroom is important. Laughing is the best medicine and a way for students to bring their experiences into the classroom to help relate to the lesson plan. Having fun in a classroom allows students to relax and helps them realize that the classroom is not a horror site, it is a site to broaden their horizons and appreciate what they learn.
ReplyDeleteWhen we highlight humor in literature and the novels or books we read in class, it allows students to attach a deeper meaning to the passages and allows them to understand the book better. This will help them better educate themselves and score better on tests.
This article discusses humor within a classroom. I think this is a necessary thing to have in a classroom because of a lot of reasons. First, it helps everyone feel comfortable with each other. It also "breaks the ice" for people to feel more open to expression themselves. It also helps the teacher look more favorable, therefore the students will like their teacher more. It will also allow students to feel more positive towards their teacher which will allow them to ask more questions, therefore accomplish more.
ReplyDeleteI think that humor should be used in teaching grammar, because humor will mostly likely increase the level of student engagement. Grammar is typically something that students don't like to learn. I'm currently observing in a grammar class right now. The teacher is pretty straight forward with her lesson and uses little humor, games, and other varieties of creativity. The students in this teacher's class are not engaged (they seem really bored and non-cooperative). Yes, humor can be hurtful and an initiator of obscenities, but the teacher should be able to prevent these things. I think the main question in this discussion is, "How creative are you willing to be as a grammar teacher?" Each student learns in a unique way; teachers should use instructional variety, especially concerning "dull" subjects, like grammar.
ReplyDeleteI think that humor in all parts of life are important especially, However i don't think that it would be very effective when teaching grammar, because students may become side tracked by the comedy of the class and not really pay attention to what is really important. I think that this approach if used should be used as a reward system when over viewing or reviewing material that had been previouslly learned.
ReplyDeleteI think humor is appropriate in certain avenues of life. Teaching with humor can engage students in the learning process.I think that teaching humor as a part of writing can create help students write more creatively. I was always taught to write professionally without humor. I always thought that writing with humor was an unspoken rule of something we should not do.
ReplyDeleteI am a strong believer in living life with a sense of humor because living life too seriously can cause someone to be unhappy. I also believe humor should be integrated into the classroom because then, students become more engaged. However, living life with a strong sense of humor can sometimes become excessive. Incorporating too much humor in the classroom can lead to the students developing too much humor and focusing on themselves instead of the teacher. I find that when we do our pop up quizzes that contain a cartoon, it’s more enjoyable because the cartoon maintains my attention. I also believe that writing while incorporating humor increases my interest in the writing.
ReplyDeleteI think humor in any class makes it enjoyable and memorable. Everyone likes a good joke and catchy ones or funny events in a person's life are more likely to be retained and repeated. Connecting a lesson with a funny antidote or good humor can help students remember what it is you are trying to teach them. I know that when I have a good time laughing a joking in class, I tend to remember more of what I was taught in that class.
ReplyDeleteI think that some humor in class is a good thing then a person can connect a memorable moment with the lesson learned.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion humor is a very important element that needs to be incorporated in a classroom. With out humor classes, especially English classes, are very boring. I feel that humor will enlighten a paper and bring it to life. I feel that it is important to teach humor correctly as well because as the article states there are those who do not know how to correctly use humor. Humor also provides the teacher with a variety of opportunities in the classroom. Humor does have an enormous affect on how students learn and therefore, it should be used in class.
ReplyDeleteThis article was one I really enjoyed reading. Humor is something I enjoy a lot and can relate to. I believe the positive points the author made about relating laughter to learning to be very true. People tend to be more involved and pay more attention to subject matters when an upbeat mood is attached. If the majority of the teachers I have had growing up would have used more humor, I might have been a better student.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with this article in that laughter within the classroom is important. Laughter in the class does a lot for a class, laughter can help relieve some of the stresses that come with school work and it can also help people feel more comfortable around each other. Laughter in both of these ways can help a classroom and I believe that it is an important part of any good class.
ReplyDeleteIn their article "The Straw Man Meets His Match: Six Arguments for Studying Humor in English Classes," Alleen Pace Nilsen and Don L. F. Nilsen examine how the incorporation of humor within the classroom is essentially beneficial to the overall learning environment of students. Because humor increases the level of engagement and participation from students, it is then imperative for humor to be applied when instructing grammar. Many students believe that grammar is uninteresting (and even boring) and thus students do not enjoy learning it. Throughout the semester, I have been observing (and I am now teaching) a senior English class; and I have learned that one must use instructional variety to maintain each student’s attention. I have to use my creativity using humor, games, group activities, etc. to engage each student in the discussion/lecture. Regardless of the lesson or subject, students can become easily disengaged, or uninterested; and because students may view grammar as boring, teachers should use humor (and not be afraid of it stimulating vulgarities) to prompt class discussion. Therefore, a teacher’s creativity and humor is essential to engaging students, and thus his or her students will learn more effectively.
ReplyDeleteI think that humor is necessary to have in a classroom in order to keep students engaged. Just like all subjects, English can seem very dull. Using umor adds lightness to a classroom, as long as the humor is not too excessive and inappropriate. One of the reasons I have chosen to become an English teacher is because I had a really good teacher in high school. This teacher had humor which made the class enjoyable and I really admired her for that.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is a good idea to use grammar in the classroom because it helps students to be able to let out a bit of stress during certain times, such as a test. I know for a fact with my sixth grade teacher, she used humor in almost everything that she did taught. It made it easier for me to retain the knowledge of that particular funny joke and relate it back to the subject. One that stands out the most in my mind was during one of our spelling tests, we had the word "lettuce." Her sentence to go along with it was, "Lettuce continue," rather than the reall version, "Let us continue." Though it was certain funny wordings like that that would help me learn. I think that certain material could be eliminated from the lessons because it would not be child appropriate, but to throw in some things with a play on words is just fine with me.
ReplyDeleteI do not understand why some argue against humor in the classroom. The arguments against humor were very strange and surprising to me. I love humor in class and feel that it sets a great tone of fun and comfort. I have also found that when teachers use humor they hold the attention of the class better than those who do not. Not to mention it just makes class more fun. The teachers that I remember the best and have fond memories of are the ones who could make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that incorporating humor into the classroom is a great way to gain student's attention. When I was a tutor this summer I tried to keep the mood light and make jokes with my students. It is important for them to see that you aren't just about strictly teaching a lesson. Students will be more wiling to learn if they see you more on their level and not just a teacher. It is important to laugh at yourself when you make mistakes so when you're students make mistakes they won't be as embarrassed. There are times when humor is not an efficient tool to use, but part of being a good teacher is knowing when and where to use it.
ReplyDeleteI believe comedy should be in every classroom. No one would want to go to a class that has a robot in charge. Make things fun, interesting, and funny so that way the student looks forward to coming to class. Of course you cant take it to far though, because then the students might not respect the class or authority of the teacher. A healthy mix is all it takes to make a class that would be enjoyable yet educational.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this article. It gives reasons as to why it is important to incorporate humor into classrooms.I agree that it is very important for humor to be a big part of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteSome of my best teachers were funny and they made learning exciting and fun by incorporating humor.The authors of this article explain that humor humor benefits learning in classrooms because it teachers children correct humor. Humor allows students to be at ease and relaxed and ready to learn. It allows students to enjoy themselves and there is even a rise in humor based careers.
I feel like a stick in the mud with this topic. The authors of this article discuss the importance of humor within the classroom, and supply six "justifications" for the need for it. I don't agree that humor should prominently exist within the classroom, or should exist with the purpose of exposing students to the humor they will encounter in the "real world." I am not proposing a strict lecturing teacher with a monotone voice dry information. Teachers should still strive to make their students understand and enjoy what they are learning, but education should not be entertainment. Humor may be apart of our daily lives, but by striving to educate our students through entertainment we are teaching them that to learn anything, they must be entertained by it.
ReplyDeleteIT seems that there is a lot of positive sides towards including humor in classes. Students will more likely to remember what they learn in class if there is some type of humor incorporated. They will become more involved in classroom activities and will like what happens while they are in school. This article helps teachers understand how important humor can be, if incorporated in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI believe humor while teaching in any subject is a great idea. Humor while tetaching grammar would lighten the mood of the class. Students would feel more comfortable with presenting and answerig questions. It would also leave an impression on the student brains. People remember humorous sayings or ideas over ideas that are hard to understand. If more teachers brought humor into the classroom, more students would enjoy school a lot more.
ReplyDeleteTeaching humor may sound like a smart idea, but how exactly does one teach humor? Yes, there are many types of humor, but children probably are not going to be familiar with all of these. In essence, teaching humor does appear to be the correct approach since it is a part of our daily lives, but depending on the teach and the students, you could get anything from knock-knock jokes to crude humor that a child shouldn't be saying. I know the topic of censorship was brought up in the article, and I know that there is probably a way to teach children not to be crude, but I would hope that that would only be necessary would crude humor is brought up by a student. On the other hand, I think using humor as a method of teaching is a good thing. I would make the class more enjoyable for it's students, and probably for it's teachers since they will be grading these "humor" assignments. This article explains how humor can be incorporated, as well as bring the issues to light.
ReplyDeleteThis article begins by explaining the importance of humor. Psychological studies have shown that people respond better to humor. The question that arises is, "do people get enough humor already outside of school?" I do not believe that one can have enough humor in their lives. It helps people learn because it is more memorable than just reading from a textbook. It gives the classroom a more relaxed laid back attitude that is viewed as less threatening than a classroom that is mainly lectures. I agree that humor is a vital part of teaching, and helping students to better grasp the content.
ReplyDeleteThe article "The Straw Man Meets His Match: Six Arguments for Studying Humor in English Classes" by Alleen Pace Nilsen and Don L.F. Nilsen explain how important it is for teachers to involve humor in the classroom. I agree with the authors. English can become very become studying literature of authors whom have died hundreds of years ago. Mixing humor into grammar mistakes can make things seem more practical and fun.
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses the importance of humor. There have been Psychological studies, which show people respond better to humor. I believe humor is a useful tool in teaching and in life. If someone does not have a good sense of humor, life is going to tear them apart. People use humor for many reasons, some use it to hide behind their feelings, others use it to be funny, or popular, or to lighten the mood. Humor is essential in everyday life and should be used more in a classroom setting. The only issue that may arise is students not taking it seriously, so it must be censored humor, that correlates directly with the topic.
ReplyDeleteI think humor is important because you cant just always be serious every time. Sometimes bringing humor in adds just a little excitement to the topic being discussed. It focuses on the importance of it and what it does by having lots of humor involved.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think school should become so censored and robotic as to discourage harmless laughter. The argument that children experience humor too much outside of school is not enough to credibly say why scholars shouldn’t be able to laugh in classrooms as well. I don’t think that school should be that serious all the time. Taking humor out of classrooms is just another way to militarize schools and take away students freedoms.
ReplyDeleteIn this article the author talks about the importance of humor in the classroom. I agree that humor in the classroom is very important, it keeps the students listening and interested. I remember sitting in a grade school class with a teacher with no sense of humor, and all I did was spend my time staring at the clock.
ReplyDeleteIf a student is interested in the classroom, he will learn a lot more than if he was bored. Humor is a great advantage to use in the classroom setting. With humor, students are more likely to pay attention. Speaking from experience, being in a classroom that involves humor, I will pay attention way longer than if there is just a boring lecture going on.
ReplyDeleteI think that there can be a place for humor in the classroom. I think that in some instances teaching with humor can help students et engaged in the learning process. But humor should only be used every now-and-again. If humor is used too often then the classroom can get out of control and the teacher can loose control. So my ultimate opinion is that humor is good but only at certain times.
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