Laughter: A Valuable Teaching Tool

Humor activates the brain's dopamine reward system, and enhances long-term memory.

Laughter: A Valuable Teaching Tool

Do you know humor activates the brain's dopamine reward system, stimulates goal-oriented motivation, and enhances long-term memory?

According to American Psychological Association, students not only learn a great deal from humorous teachers, but they also enjoy the process of learning from them.

Studies done over excellent teachers for the past 20 years — have indicated that possessing and exhibiting a good sense of humor is one of the most important characteristics for becoming an effective teacher. (Auburn University)

As per 'The New Times', "Laughter is a valuable teaching tool. It can encourage an atmosphere of openness, develop students’ divergent thinking, improve their retention of the presented materials, and garner respect for the teacher."

So, how can you get your students laughing?

✨ First of all, don't be afraid to be funny. Plan for healthy jokes as you plan for the lesson.

✨ Practice telling a joke right at the beginning of your lecture, and see how it alters student engagement.

✨ Try and make traditionally dry subjects more interesting with funny games, cartoons and props.

✨ Facilitate learning by using funny movie or television clips to bring life to complex concepts.

✨ Learn to laugh with your students whenever something funny happens. 

✨ Use Yourself as an Example. Laugh at your own mistakes as well.

✨ If you have a funny story that can help explain a concept, tell it. 

✨ Make humor relevant by avoiding sarcasm, inappropriate and off-topic humor.

✨ Above all, be yourself.

Have you tried humour while teaching your students? As a teacher, how do you feel when your students start laughing in a classroom?

If you have a funny story that can help explain a concept, tell it.

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