Using Humor to Maximize Learning The Links between Positive Emotions and Education

by Morrison, Mary Kay

• ISBN13: 9781578867325
• ISBN10: 1578867320
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-12-28
• Publisher: R&L Education

Summary

What is humor exactly? How do you use it to maximize learning? If it is so important, why is it rarely mentioned in teacher preparation without some clues for finding and using it? The purpose of this book is to affirm, sustain, and encourage educators in the practice of humor not only as a personal tool to optimize a healthy lifestyle, but to maximize the benefits of humor in education. These benefits include current research-based data on the use of humor to nurture creativity, to increase the capacity for memory retention, to support an optimal learning environment and to build safe communities that reflect the relational trust necessary for collaborative learning. An environment of fun is an indicator of a culture of trust. Each chapter of this book includes a study group format and powerful practice ideas for leaders.

Author Biography

Mary Kay Morrison, founder and director of Humor Quest, is dedicated to the mission of exploring the links between cognitive research and humor

Table of Contents

Illustrations	p. vii
Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Humor-The Tonic for Tired Educators	p. 1
Developing Your Humor Being: A Nut Is Born	p. 23
Examining Brain Research and Humor: Mouse Droppings	p. 43
Hurtful Humor Is No Laughing Matter	p. 71
The Humor Workout: Pumping Up with Practice	p. 93
Humor Extravaganza: It's a Circus Out There!	p. 117
Survival Humor for Stressed Leaders	p. 143
Appendixes
Humor Terminology	p. 157
Comedian List	p. 163
Playful Suggestions	p. 165
Sense of Humor Reflections	p. 167
Humor Styles Inventory	p. 169
Several Categories of Humor	p. 171
Humor Belief Inventory	p. 173
Humor Terminology List	p. 175
Familiar Song List	p. 177
Toy List	p. 179
Silly Word List	p. 181
Bumper Sticker Bombardment	p. 183
Take It and Make It-Funny	p. 187
References	p. 189
About the Author	p. 199
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