We did mention that learning and humor are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but they do go hand in hand. An article published by the American Psychological Association, “How Laughing Leads to Learning,” explained it all. 

The piece included inputs from professors like Dr. Ronald Berk, otherwise known as the “Humor Professor.”

As Dr. Berk explained, his goal is to create an easygoing environment as students tackle relatively complicated subject matters. 

“When I enter the classroom, I want to change the entire atmosphere into one where everyone has fun with the material—even if the material is complex,” Dr. Berk said.

Other academics, like Sam Houston State University professor Dr. Randy Garner, use the same strategy to teach statistics. He believes in perfectly placed quips during lectures. 

“Well-planned, appropriate, contextual humor can help students ingrain information,” Dr. Garner explained.

Ohio University-Zanesville psychology professor Dr. Mark Shatz recognizes that educators aren't entertainers. However, he believes in the effectiveness of humor and its potential upsides in the classroom.

"Professors' jobs are to educate, not to entertain. But if humor can make the learning process more enjoyable, then I think everybody benefits as a result."

Humor’s effectiveness in helping students retain information goes beyond the classroom. Studies have shown that it can also be beneficial in absorbing news pieces. 

A Pew Research poll revealed that comedy programs like The Daily Show and The Colbert Show revealed higher retention of facts compared to when people tuned into CNN, FOX News, or read newspapers.

However, there is a proper way of mixing funny elements with imparting knowledge. Educator Sarah Henderson said it must “enhance classroom joy and develop a sense of community.”

In an article for Edutopia, she advises sticking to humor that is both age-appropriate and content-related and sandwiching it between repetition and instruction.

Conversely, there are certain things to avoid if you plan on injecting comedy into your teaching. Henderson advises steering clear of sarcasm and humor that is forced, inappropriate, and off-topic. 

But, ultimately, educators are all for using humor as a learning tool. Author and e-learning designer Julie Kuzma is one of them. 

“Students who are talking, laughing or even cheering are students who are happy and engaged, and that’s something every teacher should encourage,” Kuzma wrote in an article for SmartBrief.