Books To Laugh And Learn From: Humor Enhances Learning

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Sense of humor can be a double-edged sword. When applied at the right time, it helps mitigate and cushion serious situations. But when inserted at the wrong times, it makes things worse. Humor, no matter how entertaining, should still be done in moderation and critically.

However, beyond it being a tool to support or damage a situation, did you know that humor enhances cognitive development, as well? It can be surprising to think how laughter helps learning. But, apparently, it helps with retention by activating the brain’s reward system, which stimulates long-term memory. Hence, if you’re looking for a way to make learning more effective, consider making it fun.

Serious learning doesn’t have to be serious. By sprinkling in a few jokes and eliciting laughter, humor enhances learning, making you smarter. Who would’ve known there’s a better way to handle academics and life altogether, and that is to laugh your way through them?

Laugh, Learn, Remember: How Humor Enhances Learning

Author Marshal S. Flam MD has demonstrated how humor enhances learning in his book Wordle Limericks, a compilation of limericks based on Wordle words. By crafting entertaining and witty poetry based on the game, the author aids his readers in learning new words and how to use them. It’s creative and informative in a single material, proof that humor does help boost cognition.

Seen as a frivolous pastime, something mischievous and unserious, humor’s role in cognitive development is surprising. It isn’t obvious how humor enhances learning, but it sneakily does so by increasing engagement and attention. Even without citing studies to back this claim up, it almost seems logical how anybody would listen more closely if the discussion isn’t entirely serious.

Humor enhances learning because it makes the environment more conducive. People become less anxious or stressed to absorb new information as they’re presented in a fashionably funny way. They become more participative as the room becomes lighter because of the laughter. People become less scared to answer when everyone laughs, and the pressure to say only the right things is eased.

What Are the Benefits of Learning in a Fun Way?

As students, it’s natural to doze off or have minds wander around once teachers start the lessons. Monotony is the enemy of learning. The more serious the discussion gets, the smaller the teacher’s voice becomes. Let’s face it, if asked to choose between a humorous discussion or a text-book serious one, nobody would choose the latter.

Everybody knows the indubitable need for serious study.

However, mixing humor and learning never hurts. Here are some of its benefits:

Engagement and Retention

People retain more information when they actively participate in its discussion. Active learning always pays off more than its passive counterpart. In the latter, people listen quietly, which, to some, works but, to most, leads to daydreaming or inattentiveness.

Humor enhances learning as it sparks people’s energy. They join conversations and share their insights, leading to more effective information retention.

Improved Memory and Recall

Humor creates strong emotional connections, which assist in recollection. Think of it this way: Which stories do you remember more, dramatic or routine? Or those that are funny? More often than not, you would remember humorous memories more because they’re more memorable for obvious reasons. This is also applicable to the learning process.

Humor enhances learning because humor acts as a powerful memory trigger. The funnier the discussion gets, the easier it will be recalled compared to those done in monotony.

Endorphins or hormones assisting in memory enhancement and cognitive function play a significant part in this process. And what activity releases this? Laughing.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Learning becomes more manageable when people aren’t pressured to perform. When they’re less stressed, they become more receptive to new information. Humor enhances learning because it creates a more relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. This sparks more creativity and performance, improving problem-solving and critical thinking.

Without a doubt, learning is more pleasurable when pressure is off one’s shoulder. This makes it easier for them to truly absorb lessons instead of being conscious and rigid not to fail.

Better Community and Rapport

Humor enhances learning not only through benefits individuals reap by themselves. Instead, it also helps build a better environment and community. But why is this significant in cognitive development?

Similar to what’s discussed above, a good community or strong rapport makes it easy for people to ask for help when they have questions. This, in turn, increases learning as they become less afraid of asking for assistance. No matter how small the question may be, it helps to ask for clarification. Humor helps in making this happen.

Incorporating humor effectively and thoughtfully makes learning more engaging, enjoyable, and memorable. So, the next time you’re trying to learn new things or teach others, don’t shy away from adding a touch of humor. You might be surprised how much it enhances the process.

And if you’re looking for a book to laugh and learn from, grab a copy of Marshall S. Flam MD’s Wordle Limericks Volume 1. You may also check out his Wordle Limericks for the month!