Here’s how it worked: We had a 55 minute period of which he gave 15-20 minutes to comedy interspersed throughout the class. This kept the students’ attention as they all listened to him intently.

I, myself, can be distracted; my mind wanders easily, but needless to say, these methods worked well for me. Mr. Kohlmeier’s class was like a stand-up comedy hour. As the years go by, I can still remember key things I was taught in his class and I realize how effective his method was.

I don’t know if Mr. Kohlmeier did it on purpose, or if it was just his nature, but regardless, he was able to convey information to students.

Now obviously, there are some situations where this approach won’t work, and that’s fine. The Kohlmeier Approach is a special technique that is appropriate only in certain circumstances. So teachers, if you have a class that could benefit from more attentive students, try to engage them in this manner. It isn’t your fault that our minds are wandering, but it can’t hurt to try something different.

If things go well, you might find a better way to teach in terms that your students can understand. Believe me, we all understand humor. Comedy in the classroom will also improve the relationship between student and teacher. The atmosphere in the classroom will not be under a heavy cloud and therefore, the student will be able to perform better.

That wraps up my opinion column in the Chronicle. I wanted to say thank you to the few of you that wrote in and thanks to those of you that read the column. Special thanks goes to those who disagreed with me.