Library Instruction:
Active Learning and Humor
Laura Saunders
Simmons College
June 2002
Active Learning
• Active learning refers to any number of
techniques in which learners are motivated
to interact directly with curriculum content,
not merely gain exposure to it through the
traditional avenues such as reading,
listening, or observing
– Tracy Bicknell-Holmes, Paul Seth Hoffman
Types of Active Learning
•
•
•
•
•
Discussion
Question and Answer
Hands-On
Peer Tutoring
Discovery Learning
–
–
–
–
Case-Based Learning
Learning by Reflection
Simulation-Based Learning
Incidental Learning
Peer Tutoring
• Students teach each other
• Can work well in classes of mixed abilities,
grade levels
• Students retain much more of what they
teach- the teachers are learning, too!
Case-Based Learning
• Students learn vicariously through stories
that illustrate effective use of knowledge
and skills
– Case Studies
Incidental Learning
• Content is linked to fun, game-based
activities. Students “learn in passing”
– Library Jeopardy
– Murder Mystery
– Crossword Puzzles
Learning by Reflection
• Students apply higher-level cognitive skills
to carry out sophisticated analyses.
– Web Site Evaluation
– Journaling
Simulation-Based Learning
• Instructor creates an artificial environment
to provide learning and the practice of skills
– Role-playing
Humor
• Humor can be very effective in engaging,
motivating and interesting students in the
subject matter.
• Humor helps alleviate stress.
• Librarians do not have to be stand up
comedians in order to integrate humor into
their teaching.
Humor
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Humorous stories, jokes
Humorous questions, problem sets
Warning or cautions on a set of handouts
Spontaneous humor
Planned humor
Comic Strips
Graphics
Audio Clips
Things to Remember
•
•
•
•
•
Don’t give up after one try.
Practice, practice, practice.
Always remember your audience.
Integrate new methods slowly.
Be Yourself.
Thank You!!
Humorous Questions
• You’ve been working out at the gym for a
few weeks, and all of a sudden your back
hurts. Who would you ask for advice?
a The doctor
b A psychic
c Your mom