Explains how to make meetings more productive by using lighthearted humor and fun.

In Laughing and Learning, leadership consultant and university professor Peter M. Jonas explores the ways in which humor can enhance the learning environment. Drawing upon empirical research and brain-based concepts, Jonas presents a theoretical model of humor, along with practical examples for use in schools and classrooms. Jonas demonstrates that humor is a natural and fundamental activity that teachers and administrators need to utilize properly to maximize their effectiveness.

Are distractions sabotaging your efforts to get ahead? Do you feel like you're constantly plagued by technology or interruptions by others? Lurking around us are forces-labeled demons-that interrupt our flow of attention and psychic energy and it's time to fight back! This book is designed to arm workforce employees, independent professionals, and family managers with simple, yet powerful strategies to defeat the 8 Demons of Distraction. Whatever your special life circumstances, you can use this book to reduce everyday distractions and needless mistakes. Find an in-depth description of each Demon, its sources, and insidious effects. Learn to: reduce distractions increase productivity enhance work/life satisfaction decrease stress Practical, step-by-step strategies will help you rid your life of formidable enemies such as: The "Technology Demon", The "Unruly Mind Demon", The "Activities Demon", and five others. Find a research-based, proven plan of attack to decrease stress and increase your daily effectiveness at home and on the job. "Defeating the 8 Demons of Distraction is an invaluable and affirming resource for both professional service providers and consumers. There are many publications on human behavior, time management, and specific techniques for getting better organized at home and at work. This one pulls it all together, in an easily approachable, enjoyable, and thorough way. Dr. Markel presents realistic examples of challenges plaguing millions of people from every walk of life and level of accomplishment. And she follows those examples with solutions that work. Give yourself the gift of this book to enhance your own life and the lives of those around you." Paulette Ensign www.Tipsbooklets.com - The Booklet Queen National Association of Professional Organizers, National President 1995-97

Here is a researched-based book in which author Peter Jonas explores how humor can enhance both leadership performance and improve the learning environment. Jonas attempts to use research and brain-based concepts to build a theoretical foundation and then provides practical components for connecting leadership, learning, and humor. Individuals need to understand the theoretical nature of leadership before they can translate the concepts into practice on a daily basis. The same is true for humor. The main theme of the book is that the proper use of humor will not only increase learning comprehension, but it can be used as an important tool for leaders to enhance their effectiveness. Throughout the book, Jonas has interjected humorous jokes, stories, puns, exercises, activities, expressions, etc. in order to show specific examples to provide the reader with material that can be used in leadership situations and the classroom. The materials in the book can be learned, saved for later, or copied for immediate use. Moreover, each chapter is fun to read and contains practical points and examples of how to integrate humor into daily leadership activities and lesson plans. For teachers and leaders, or anyone in the field of education.

Written for the prospective & practising assistant principal, this text takes a strong pedagogical approach, with chapter opening focus questions, pull quotes, stories & vignettes, self-assessment inventories, annotated bibliographies, & sample letters.

Recharge your batteries and rekindle your excitement about teaching! This new, updated edition of the best-selling book, Teaching Matters: Motivating and Inspiring Yourself, offers practical advice on working with colleagues for inspiration, using social media to connect to other professionals, and adding fresh new appeal to your lessons. The practical ideas and inspirational examples in this book will help you keep your passion for education alive and thriving in your classroom. Get use-now tips on everything from creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom to dealing with difficult peers. This is truly a must-have motivational resource for all educators!

Infuse staff meetings with zing and breathe new life into school culture! Would you like to see more enthusiasm, focus and results from your meetings? Do you want more participation and less reluctance when you gather your team? Would you like to start a ripple of high engagement in staff meetings that would spread across your school? This sourcebook overflows with strategies and activities designed to lower the "chore" factor and improve the faculty meeting by: Lightening the atmosphere with creative approaches Motivating and rewarding faculty in novel ways Building team relationships that can transform the school culture