Tests make students nervous.
Even well-prepared students experience test anxiety, and anxiety is the enemy of learning. A tense brain struggles to retrieve information, while a relaxed brain performs much better.
One small way to lower that tension is humor.
As mentioned in previous posts, humor can appear in several places within an exam. Instructors might include a pop-culture reference in an application question, add a funny “choice E” option, or end the test with a lighthearted final item.
Another simple option is to add a few whimsical instructions to the test directions.
For example:
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The use of a #2 pencil is recommended because a #3 pencil could cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Keep your eyes on your own paper—it makes your writing more legible for classmates who are trying to copy.
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If you don’t have a #2 pencil, you may substitute two #1 pencils.
Humorous instructions can break the tension students feel when opening an exam.
There is one potential drawback: students often take directions literally.
If you use humorous instructions, it’s wise to briefly warn students that the exam may contain a little humor. Otherwise, someone without a #2 pencil might genuinely ask for a Valium.
Another easy approach is to include a humorous quote about test-taking somewhere on the exam.
“A burp is not an answer.”
—Bart Simpson
Of course, the instructional humor principle of less is more still applies.
Tests are serious academic tools, and humor should never interfere with assessment. The safest place to experiment with humor is in low-stakes settings such as practice quizzes or classroom exercises.
Because while humor can reduce test anxiety…
It’s never funny to get the wrong answer because of a joke.
