Laugh a Little

Humor can and should be a key component of any teacher's classroom.  Using humor in the classroom is beneficial to both the student and the teacher.  The introductory chemistry classes of Tom Gufrey are a testament to this fact.  His students have been observed to be actively engaged and participating far more than students in other classes, not hesitating to ask questions and eagerly volunteering to work out problems in class.

It is important, though, not to let comedy become a distraction.  Here are some helpful tips in how to use humor effectively.

-Be sure you are relating to the appropriate age group.
-Steer clear of inside jokes between you and just a few students.
-Be creative.  Use jokes, anecdotes, cartoons, etc.
-Do not use off-color humor.
-Don't try too hard.  Be yourself.  Students can see if you're "faking" it.

So relax a little and have some fun!  The more you enjoy yourself while teaching, the more your students will enjoy learning.

Technology Goes Social

We've already discussed technology being implemented in the classroom.  There are reports, though, that suggest that technology that is social is most beneficial to students.

An article at mashable.com summarizes the reasons why social media should be used in today's classrooms.  Some of these key points are:

• Social Media Is Not Going Away
• Students are familiar with this technology.  Use their technology to your advantage.
• Safe Social Media Tools Are Available -- And They're Free
• Many teachers are scared to use this sort of technology for fear of predators.  Fear no more!  There are many sites available, like kidblog.org, that are safe for student use.
• Social Media Encourages Collobaration Instead of Cliques
• Using social tools reflects more of the real world collaboration seen in most businesses today.  

Embrace technology, especially social media, and you will see results in your classroom!