Project Humanities hosts 'Funniest ASU Teacher' competition

Arizona State University's Project Humanities is proud to announce the second annual Funniest ASU Teacher competition. This competition reaches across all four ASU campuses and aims to highlight the importance of humor as an effective pedagogical tool in the classroom. Project Humanities first held this student-led event last year as part of its fall 2013 kickoff, “Humor… Seriously.” Because of the broad interest and success the contest generated, Project Humanities will continue the popular competition.

Last year’s winner, Tara Franks, was awarded the title after being nominated by her students and submitting a video which outlined the ways in which she used humor in the classroom. She says, “I use humor in the classroom because (well, let’s face it) not only do I believe the classroom is a funny place – full of surprises and laughable moments – but because humor is a rich and valuable learning tool that encourages us all to laugh at life’s absurdities, make sense of its paradoxes, and challenge cultural norms and stereotypes. Thanks to Project Humanities’ Funniest ASU Teacher contest, students are given an opportunity to publicly recognize and appreciate teachers that make a lasting impact on student learning through their use of humor in the classroom.”

To view Franks' winning video and see all the finalists from last year, visit http://humanities.asu.edu/funniest-asu-teacher.

Project Humanities is now accepting nominations for the 2014 contest at humanities.asu.edu. No self-nominations will be accepted. Voting will take place online and at the event after finalists are chosen.

The award will be given out at the Sept. 15 event, where Franks, faculty and student in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, will emcee.

For more information about the award-winning Project Humanities initiative at ASU, visit humanities.asu.edu or call 480-727-7030.