Stephen F. Reed, a clinical law professor at Northwestern University School of Law, says professors shouldn’t underestimate the pedagogical power of laughter. “[H]umor can have value in creating a lively classroom environment in which students are ready to learn, and in its best forms can help faculty accomplish their pedagogical goals,” Mr. Reed writes. …
He encourages professors to brush up on pop culture and jot down ideas before class. And he also cautions against going overboard with slapstick: “I cannot emphasize this enough: do not be a clown in class; be a professor with a sense of humor.”
