Dr. Gary Moore presents
Sure Fire Insect Killer
to the Crop Science Department and
a Little Hu-MOORE.
Dr. Gary Moore
written by: Jenifer Jordan Reynolds
Crop Science Deparment, North Carolina State University
February 20, 2008
Dr. Gary Moore hails from the Great State of Texas. It was here that he first discovered
the power of the Sure Fire Insect Killer. This fantastic product was advertised
from a radio station across the border lines (and consequently) outside of FCA regulations.
At the time, they were suffering under the blight of the bow weevil. Many Texas
farmers bought the Sure Fire Insect Killer and were according to Moore, "a
little disappointed". The problem, Moore explains-is that the gadget "technically
worked", but customers were surprised to find 2 blocks of wood inside, with detailed
instructions explaining, one should
'Place insect on Block A, and apply Block B to Block A with force with purpose'.
The Crop Science Department erupts into laughter. Dr. Moore asks the crowd as they
continue to laugh, 'what method of pest control does this use?'.
"Mechanical!"
- a graduate student calls from the back.
Dr. Moore smiles and affirms the grad student is "correct" while simultaneously
proving his point. HUMOR works when teaching. As I sit and look around the room
I notice everyone's eyes are on Moore and his Sure Fire Insect Killer. Moreover,
they are laughing--deep belly laughing, the kind that brings oxygen to the brain
and stimulates thinking. I know this because I read it in a slide Moore presented
moments before (in-between laughs).
Dr. Moore references several studies based on using humor in teaching that suggest,
a topic relative quip, funny slide, joke, sound bite, or video snipet should be
interjected every 7 to 10 minutes to maintain maximum attention span and memory
retention. I can think of a few professors back when I was in school who could've
used a little 'Moore' help in this area.
Dr. Moore emphasizes it's important to keep the laughs on point and related to the
topic at hand and of course to keep it "PC". Noting that not every professor can
be a 'Jay Leno' he suggests humor can be as simple as wearing a bug T-shirt or neck-tie
during Entomology class.
When asked his thoughts about the seminar, Dr. Grady Miller smiled and said "I have
always thought humor helped in the classroom. Moore provided us some scientific
proof that it can work".
At the end of it all I have to suggest you take in Dr. Moore's act...I mean seminar-especially
if you're a professor. Judging from the buzz in the room, I know students WILL NOT
BE SLEEPING during their next Crop Science Deparment classes especially if they're
watching the 'Patches
the horse' video.
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