Communication and Learning

Melanie Booth-Butterfield and Melissa Bekelja Wanzer

9Humor Enactment in Learning Environments

Abstract: This chapter examines how enacting humor can be beneficial in all types of learning environments, and why that is true. We begin by offering definitions of humor implementation in learning environments, using a source perspective. Next, we describe four major theoretical approaches scholars and practitioners can take to understand the use and effectiveness of humor during instruction: theories of incongruity, disposition, benign violation, and instructional humor processing. Integrated throughout the chapter is research on humor in the classroom, both traditional and the most recent research findings for the use of humor in learning. In addition, ...