title: Humor as a facilitative style in problem-based learning environments for nursing students.
abstract: Although the nursing and education literature confirm that humor has a role to play in the learning experience, there is little evidence available about the impact and the challenges of using humor to facilitate group process and learning in problem-based learning environments for nursing students. In this paper, we explore humor as a style of communication in PBL environments using examples from the classroom. We then propose a range of strategies to build capacity in PBL tutors and to infuse humor into the PBL classroom such as: acceptance that fun and humor are components of the ground rules in the group; appropriate humor and boundaries; mutual story sharing; and creative activities to moderate stress and build coping strategies to thrive in clinical practice. It is timely for nurse academics and researchers to examine the contribution of humor as a facilitative communication style in the PBL environment. Findings could inform evidence-based teaching of nursing students and foster life-long learning and communication skills.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, 3rd Floor Clinical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2G3.
authors.forename: Seanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chauvet
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hofmeyer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003405:Creativity; D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005181:Faculty, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D033262:Narration; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D013663:Teaching; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic / Q000523:psychology*