In some classrooms, teachers are adding something surprising to the daily lesson plan.
Laughter.
Not because class has turned into a comedy show, but because neuroscientists say laughter helps the brain learn.
What neuroscientists discovered about laughter
Scientists who study the brain have found that laughter does more than make people feel happy. It changes how the brain works.
Neuroscientist Sophie Scott at University College London studies how laughter and emotion affect the brain. Her research shows that laughter plays an important role in communication, bonding, and attention.
When people laugh together, their brains become more connected and alert. This helps learning feel safer and more enjoyable.
Laughter lowers stress so learning can begin
Other neuroscience research has shown that laughter reduces stress chemicals like cortisol. High stress makes it harder for the brain to learn.
When laughter happens, the brain releases helpful chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals support memory, motivation, and focus.
Scientists say this creates the perfect environment for learning. A calm brain learns better than a tense one.
Why teachers are using laughter on purpose
Because of this research, some teachers now build laughter into the school day. They may start class with a joke, a funny question, or a playful activity. Others use humor during lessons to keep students engaged.
Educational studies show that when humor is used thoughtfully, students pay attention longer and remember more of what they learn.
Laughter helps students feel comfortable enough to ask questions and try new ideas.
Laughter helps memory stick
Research on learning and emotion shows that positive feelings help the brain store memories.
When students laugh, their brains are more likely to remember what they were learning at that moment. Scientists believe this is because laughter activates the brain’s reward system.
That means learning feels good, and the brain wants to do it again.
Joy belongs in learning
Scientists are not saying classrooms should be silly all day. Structure still matters.
But neuroscience research now agrees on something important: learning works best when students feel safe, relaxed, and curious. Laughter helps create that feeling.
So when you hear laughter coming from a classroom, it may sound like fun. But according to neuroscientists, it also sounds like learning at work.
