The effects of the modern world on students' ability to learn are clear in every facet of life. Information overload, shrinking attention spans, rising stress and commitment, and a growing desire to get as much done as quickly as possible without stopping to think, all mean it is a larger challenge than ever before for educators, at all levels and ages, to "break through the noise." This workshop explores the research into the effects humor has on trying to educate a learning-disadvantaged population. Not surprisingly, when students are exposed to jokes and fun in a classroom (or other learning environment), two things which seem to be polar opposites to many, not only does their engagement and attention increase, but so does their long- and short-term retention of the material presented. Techniques are also explored for ensuring that humor is appropriate for the group (taking into account the diversity of your audience and ensuring that humor is able to effectively reach all parties); as well as for engaging neurodivergent students such as those on the Autism spectrum. The majority of the workshop time is to be dedicated to helping workshop participants develop and get feedback on ways they can implement humor into their own teaching/work.

Authors:
James Rahn, Outdoor Adventure Training Solutions, United States

About the Presenter(s)
James Rahn is the Sole Proprietor of Outdoor Adventure Training Solutions, which provides outdoor, medical, food safety, and sport-related certifications primarily in the United States.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule

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