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Can Laughter Lead to Learning?: Humor as a Pedagogical Tool

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  • Faieza Chowdhury

Abstract

The word humor can be defined as something which is perceived to be funny, comical, or amusing. However, in the case of humor perception plays a key role. This is mainly because what is regarded as humorous by one person may not be funny to another person. Hence, humor like beauty lies in the eyes (ears) of the beholder. The potential of humor as a pedagogical tool is not a new concept in education. Teachers around the world have a mixed attitude towards the use of humor in the classroom as a pedagogical tool. Thus, in this study we sought to investigate the perceptions of students towards the use of humor as a teaching tool at higher education institutions in Bangladesh. For this purpose, we have performed both quantitative and qualitative analysis. In the quantitative part of the study, we collected data from 300 students and performed a binary logistic regression. On the other hand, for the qualitative analysis we have undertaken interviews of 30 selected students at a higher academic institution in Bangladesh. Overall, the results of this study indicate that most of the students considered humor as a positive and beneficial teaching tool in the classroom.

Suggested Citation

  • Faieza Chowdhury, 2022. "Can Laughter Lead to Learning?: Humor as a Pedagogical Tool," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 11(1), pages 175-175, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:ijhe11:v:11:y:2022:i:1:p:175
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Deiter, Ronald E., 2000. "The Use of Humor As a Teaching Tool in the College Classroom," Staff General Research Papers Archive 5224, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    2. Deiter, Ron, 2000. "The Use of Humor as a Teaching Tool in the College Classroom," ISU General Staff Papers 200006010700001500, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    3. Ali Ziyaeemehr & Vijay Kumar & Mohd Abdullah, 2011. "Use and Non-use of Humor in Academic ESL Classrooms," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 4(3), pages 111-111, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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