50 Hilarious Teachers Who Might Make You Want To Go Back To School (New Pics)

It's long been proven that injecting humor into learning has more benefits than just a good dose of laughter.

Back in 1988, a research paper was published in the Journal of Experimental Education. It outlined two separate experiments that were conducted to find out what happens when humor is used in teaching and learning in higher education.

"The first study used relevant humor in a one-semester statistics course in an experimental group and no humor in a control group. One hundred sixty-one students participated, and the results showed significant differences between the two groups in favor of the group learning with humor," notes the paper.

The second experiment was a replication of the first one. 132 students took part in a one-semester introductory psychology course. They were divided randomly into two groups and taught by the same teacher. Humor was used when teaching one group, while none was used with the other.

The results showed "significant" differences. And the group studying with humor actually had higher scores on the final exam.

According to neurologist Judy Willis, fun experiences increase levels of dopamine and endorphins in our brains. And these hormones are important for successful learning. 

"Dopamine is known as the ‘feel-good hormone’ with good reason. It has the power to make learning feel pleasurable and rewarding. Endorphins, on the other hand, help you to deal with stressful situations," explain the learner engagement experts at U.K.-based Growth Engineering.

The site adds that a good mood improves the value of perceived rewards. "This includes the gratification that comes with learning something new, or that sense of accomplishment we feel when we pick up a new skill," it reads.

"Positive emotions broaden our attention’s capacity and help us draw more mental resources, increase access to memory networks, semantic relationships, and motivate flexible as well as efficient thinking. It also makes us more inclusive toward information and more accepting of it," explains Cognition Today.

The site adds that boredom in class is like poison for the brain in that it deteriorates mental health and learning. Therefore, any activity that beats boredom is beneficial "because boredom is an unnatural state for the brain (the brain has evolved to be hungry and engaged, boredom is like starving it), and it is analogous to pain."

A 2020 study published on The Open University site found that 91% of 206 participants, including students, teachers, consultants, and education professionals, valued fun in online learning. Many highlighted well-being, motivation, and performance as the reasons.

However, 17% believed that fun within learning could take the focus off their studies and result in distraction or loss of time. "If not done right, fun can lead to distracted learners," notes Growth Engineering, adding that incorporating fun into learning experiences requires creativity and innovation.

Growth Engineering's experts also point out that "fun" means different things to different people. "One person’s micro-scooter may be another person’s Harley Davidson," the site reads. "Likewise, someone’s snowboarding dream getaway might be another person’s vertigo nightmare."

So it's not always easy for teachers to strike a balance and make class fun - or funny - for everyone.

Australia-based Open Colleges encourages teachers to have fun in class.

"Let loose; laugh; make fun of yourself. Don’t worry about sacrificing your authority. In fact, the latest research says authority stems from showing you care about your students, and making them laugh and feel good is one way to do that," reads the site.

The Open Colleges site adds that teaching should not be boring. "If it’s not fun for you, it won’t be fun for your students either. Make an effort to be fresh, try new things, take risks, make mistakes, enjoy the moment."