What can humor do in a diverse classroom setting?

In a diverse classroom setting, humor has the potential to unite people from varying backgrounds by creating common ground. When instructors use humor thoughtfully, it can help to break down barriers, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and understanding. Shared laughter can serve as a bridge between different cultural perspectives, allowing students to connect over their shared experiences and break down the walls that often exist due to differences.

Additionally, humor can build rapport between instructors and students, encouraging participation and engagement. When students feel comfortable and connected through shared humor, it can enhance collaboration and communication within the classroom. This sense of unity is particularly valuable in diverse settings, where differing cultural norms and values may otherwise create misunderstandings or discomfort.

While humor has many positive effects, it doesn't necessarily guarantee comfort for everyone or always lighten the mood universally, as humor can be subjective and varies significantly across cultures. It also does not eliminate cultural differences; rather, it embraces them and can allow for a better understanding of those differences.