Using Humour in University Classes
This online workshop aims to help lecturers to use humour in the classroom successfully. We will discuss how humour can be used as a tool to boost content retention and to heighten our rapport with students. Although we will discuss some theory related to humour, the main design of the course is to be as practical as possible. It will provide participants with a range of techniques designed to bring fun and humour to the classroom, and participants will practise a number of techniques themselves through controlled exercises. As well as considering good practice, the course will also point out types of humour to avoid, including forms of humour that may be culturally inappropriate or offensive. By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident in integrating humour into their classroom activities in order to create a memorable learning environment.

Learning outcomes: The participants will be able to…
  • better understand the scientifically-proven benefits of using humour and its usefulness in a teaching setting
  • adapt humour to specific audiences
  • draw on a range of techniques to make activities more fun and bring more humour to the classroom
  • know what to do if it ‘all goes wrong’


Content:
  • Theory and benefits of humour
  • Exchange of best practice
  • Dos and Don’ts
  • Icebreakers & fun discussion formats
  • Opening lectures dynamically
  • Improvising
  • Using cartoons and images


Preparation and further information:
Participants must have B2 level English or above.
Dates:
Target group: all teaching staff
Max. participants: 14
Trainer: Dr. Darren Paul Foster
(Freie Universität Berlin)
Date/Time: Fri, May 17th 2024, 9 am–5 pm
Room: Online
Recognition: 8 AE, Teaching & Learning