Official Review: Transforming Learing

raikyuu · Post by **raikyuu** » 17 Nov 2019, 10:15

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Transforming Learing" by Peter M. Jonas, PhD.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Transforming Learning is a non-fiction book that discusses different researches regarding humor. The book aims to address how individuals and organizations can use humor to improve different areas in the educational environment. Based on his meta-analysis and meta-synthesis of humor research, Peter Jonas provides us with a humor research book that is also humorous in itself.

The book talks about how humor affects nine key areas in the educational environment, which are leadership, culture, relationships, learning, engagement, communication, creativity, job satisfaction, and coping with stress. From the author’s meta-analysis of humor research, all of these areas are significantly correlated with humor, which means that using humor improves these key areas. After identifying the reasons how humor can affect these key areas, the book gives some practical advice on how to implement humor methods in the classroom and the workplace.

I like that the book is humorous in itself. The author does a good job of this by adding well-timed jokes and quips. The funniest ones, in my opinion, are the jokes with some story to build the punchline.

Also, the author does a good job of providing detailed and well-researched information that establishes his points. The book contains a vast amount of literature, all of which are analyzed and synthesized to show the significance of humor research. By reading the book, one can easily see the connection between the different theories regarding humor and their application to one’s practical life, whether that be in the classroom or the workplace. It is especially helpful that the book is professionally edited.

My only problem is that the practical advice in the book tends to be repeated in different chapters. The advice about using pictures instead of words to convey an idea properly is used both in “Learning” and “Creativity.” Because of this, the book tends to be longer than it really should be. Of course, this is not necessarily a bad thing because such repetition can help the reader retain important information this way. Essentially, this issue mainly boils down to the reader’s preference.

I think that it’s great for a book about humor research to be humorous in itself since most books about research tend to be dry. Overall, Transforming Learning is an entertaining book that is also helpful as well for those who want to use humor to improve learning in the classroom and productivity in the workplace. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I can recommend this book to teachers and managers who are having problems with their teaching and leadership methods.

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Transforming Learing
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Meg98 · Post by **Meg98** » 18 Nov 2019, 11:11

I never realized humour affected 9 different areas in education. This sounds like a really beneficial and interesting read. Thanks for the great review!

Ekta Swarnkar · Post by **Ekta Swarnkar** » 18 Nov 2019, 11:49

Humour used in a great way!
This is a positive and unique concept. Thanks for the great review.

tristenb · Post by **tristenb** » 18 Nov 2019, 13:59

I love that this book has humor to it. You're right; this book has the potential to be dry even though it's talking about humor. I'm glad this is not the case. Great review!

Miller56 · Post by **Miller56** » 18 Nov 2019, 14:29

This sounds like a great book for those with a sense of humor and who use humor to help them get their ideas across. Thanks for the review.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 18 Nov 2019, 20:02

I absolutely believe humor has a place in many different environments. It can help with learning, make work bearable, and help you heal. I love that the book itself is humorous, too. This sounds like one to pick up. Thanks!

La Cabra · Post by **La Cabra** » 19 Nov 2019, 05:11

I always appreciate non-fic books that base their ideas on meta-analysis rather than handpicked case studies. The arguments and ideas have a better foundation to stand on. I will say this though, for such a promising book, I really wish it had a more intriguing cover!

LeDiplomatique · Post by **LeDiplomatique** » 19 Nov 2019, 08:06

I have been trying to include humor in my writing even though I have not been successful. It seems this is the book I was waiting for. Thank you for the insightful review.

Nisha Ward · Post by **Nisha Ward** » 25 Nov 2019, 11:58

It would have been a shame if a book that delved into research on the use of humour wasn't humorous in itself. That being said, humour tends to make things more relatable and easier to understand, so I can see why it would be useful in education.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 27 Nov 2019, 13:00

We often overlook basic ingredients that help people learn. Adding humor to the classroom changes the dynamic of school. I wonder if all teachers would be able to implement humor in their lesson plans. You have piqued my interest. Great review!