Humor is not only useful in speeches, conversations and other speaking activities. It can be considered as an essential quality of teachers that serves a number of purposes.

            Humor stands for anything funny, which elicits a smile, laughter or amusing reaction, although it may be cruel and insulting, oftentimes, offensive. But, it can also be kind and helpful. As a teacher, you can use it to drive home a point or just break the monotony or tension. Sometimes, it is also used to point students’ fault and always otherwise students profit from it. The class can see enough of themselves in them, as a result they change for the better. The class is amused, but a change comes over after the situations presented before the students in light, humorous banter. This is one of the advantages of humor. The students who sees enough of him/herself in the situation resolves to improve for the better. In seminars, trainings or workshops teachers will also benefit if the speaker injects humor in driving home a point, for everyone to get the message. The teacher must be tactful in delivering the lines of her humor.

            How does a teacher develop a wholesome sense of humor? There are some suggestions given by Tapalla(1998). First, always see the funny side of every annoying situation you may encounter. Second, be positive at all times. Fill your thoughts with positive things. Expect pleasant surprises to come and all surprises will truly come. You cannot be happy without thinking that you are truly happy. Third, pass on the happy feelings you possess. Fourth, surround yourself with all things that are good. As a teacher refrain no cracking green humor. Fifth, don’t overdo your humor. They might forget the lesson, but remember most the humor you have given them. Above all count your blessings, a good home, and well-disciplined students. Good teaching strategies, a good job, cheerful home, loving family. If cheerfulness runs in your system, and the thought of all these will make you cheerful. Above all, count your blessings that you receive from above you will be capturing good vibrations and at the end you will exude this happy and positive outlook.

            In this age and time, a teacher needs to be using diverse strategies, and one appropriate strategy is humor. Teaching nowadays has become more challenging. To be able to cope up, learn to live with all kinds of situations that may arise inside the classroom. Nothing will be difficult to undertake, since a common feeling of eagerness exist among students. It will not be surprising if students will be able to identify and describe their teachers easily by the enthusiasm and warmth they enjoy with them every minute.

Reference:

Corpuz, B. & Salandanan, G. Principles and Strategies of Teaching. Lorimar Publishing

Co. Quezon City 2003.

Tapalla, W.C. The Gift of Humor. Woman’s Companion.1998

 

By: Ailene F. Sulangi | Master Taecher I | Panibatuhan Elementary School Morong District | Morong, Bataan