Integrating Humor into English Language Testing: Enhancing Students’ Memory and Learning Retention

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-501-0_9How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Affective Filter Hypothesis; Cognitive Load Theory; Humor in Language Testing; Memory Retention; Test Anxiety

Abstract

Both performance and long-term learning may be loaded by the rigidity and anxiety that characterize traditional English language exams. Although humor’s benefits in classroom instruction—such as stress reduction, motivation, and retention—are well known, its function in assessment is still less understood. In order to close this gap, this study looks at how humor might be carefully incorporated into English language assessments to promote memory consolidation and cognitive engagement. Utilizing Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis, Cognitive Load Theory, and current humor studies, the study integrates theoretical understandings with useful teaching techniques. Contextualized test questions, wordplay, amusing stories, entertaining feedback, gamified graphics, parody, and humor that is culturally appropriate for reading, speaking, writing, and listening are a few examples. Both the possible advantages—like reducing exam anxiety, encouraging student motivation, and enhancing retention—and the drawbacks—like cultural accessibility, subjectivity, and the possibility of distraction—are highlighted in the conversation. Ultimately, the paper makes the case that humor should not dismiss assessment but rather reframe it as a positive, stress-free, and entertaining activity that strikes a balance between playfulness and rigor. Educators can design tests that measure linguistic proficiency and make a significant contribution to language acquisition and long-term memory by incorporating humor into the process.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Sisila Fitriany Damanik
AU  - Aslam Khan
AU  - I Dewa Putu Wijana
AU  - Nazlah Syahaf Nasution
AU  - Barli Kifli
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/12/16
TI  - Integrating Humor into English Language Testing: Enhancing Students’ Memory and Learning Retention
BT  - Proceedings of the International Seminar of Languages, Arts and Literature Education (ISLALE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 74
EP  - 89
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-501-0_9
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-501-0_9
ID  - Damanik2025
ER  -