Implications of Using Humor in the Classroom

Abstract

Used in literature, medicine and psychology, but also in leadership, humor has a special role in the classroom being considered an effective and appreciated tool for teaching. Studies on this issue (Herbert .P., Cornett, C. etc.) indicate the importance of using humor in the process of capturing and maintaining students’ attention, in creating a positive relationship between teachers and students, in reducing stress and tension in the classroom, facilitating learning and supporting a good retention, developing creativity and streamlining teaching in general.The present study addresses the issue of using humor in the classroom, outlining an analysis of the ethical and unethical implications of using humor in the educational act. The conclusions demonstrate the need to pay a greater attention to training teachers in the ethical spirit to appeal to the humanizing strategies of teaching in general, using humor artfully at lessons being one of the most representative ones.