John Huss, associate professor, Northern Kentucky University

John teaches Introduction to Education, Participatory Action Research and Program Evaluation and wil[more]l be teaching the new Introduction to Educational Research for School Leaders. He received a B.S. in sociology, a B.A. in Middle Grades Education and an M.A. in education, all from Northern Kentucky University, and his Ph.D. in education (curriculum and instruction) from the University of Cincinnati.

This session will examine the body of research suggesting that humor in the classroom facilitates retention of information, improves problem solving, reduces test anxiety, relieves stress, and humanizes the instructor. Participants will discover practical strategies for infusing humor that is targeted to the topic, audience-appropriate, and placed in the context of the learning experience-even in so-called “dread” courses for which students display great apprehension. The presenter also will explain how to avoid unsuitable uses of humor and potential threats to the credibility of the professor and content. This session is appropriate for all disciplines and professors, even those who question their capacity for humor.

Keywords: humor, motivation, supportive learning environment