September 12, 2003

If Humor Works, Don't Knock It

To the Editor:

I read with mixed emotions the article about Ronald A. Berk and his successful use of humor in the classroom ("Did You Hear the One About the Professor?," July 25). I was encouraged to see a spotlight on a very successful practitioner of the teaching craft, and to know that his methods are helping both students and other teachers improve themselves. I was discouraged to realize that members of Mr. Berk's administration do not support his teaching methodology.