Humor as a Strategy to Motivate Students in Higher Education
Welcome to the Flash Seminar “Humor as a Strategy to Motivate Students in Higher Education.” In this dynamic and interactive session, we will explore how humor, when used intentionally and pedagogically, can enhance student engagement, motivation, and emotional connection in university settings. The seminar will take place in person at the Pedagogical Innovation Center of the Polytechnic of Porto and will include practical activities, examples, and short experimental exercises. Participation is free but requires mandatory registration.
Content
• Fundamental concepts on the pedagogical use of humor
• Scientific evidence on humor, motivation, and learning
• Strategies to integrate humor ethically, inclusively, and intentionally in teaching
• Examples of teaching practices that use humor to foster engagement and rapport
• Reflections on boundaries, contexts, and considerations when using humor in higher education
Target Audience
Higher education teachers, students, researchers, and anyone curious about innovative pedagogical practices who would like to understand how humor can be integrated responsibly and creatively into teaching and learning.
Motivation
Humor, when applied effectively, can transform learning environments by promoting motivation, proximity, and a positive climate for active participation. This seminar is an opportunity to expand your pedagogical repertoire with simple and powerful strategies that enrich the learning experience and make classes more engaging and memorable.