Which term describes a short account of an interesting or humorous incident in teaching?

The term that describes a short account of an interesting or humorous incident in teaching is an anecdote. In the context of education, anecdotes are often used by educators to illustrate a point, share a relatable experience, or engage students with a story that connects to the material being taught. They serve to create a more personal and engaging learning environment, making the concepts more relatable and memorable for students.

While a case study typically involves a detailed analysis of a particular case within a real-world context, and a metaphor is a figure of speech that draws a comparison between unrelated things to highlight similarities, neither captures the essence of a brief, entertaining story. A parable, on the other hand, is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, often with a more serious tone. Thus, anecdotes stand out as the best term for a short, often humorous or interesting personal story in teaching.