A Wee Bit of Fun

Last week, during a Lead the Way session at Aviva in Perth, I announced that I would be taking my role as judge very seriously.

Then I put on a “See You Jimmy” hat.

I leaned even more heavily into my Scottish accent (I’m not sure why to be honest!) and began judging the group activity with all the solemn authority the hat deserved – much to the amusement, and perhaps mild chagrin, of my co-facilitator Jackie! 😊

The 30 participants received it brilliantly. Most of them even managed to keep a straight face.

Well… almost – thanks Toby!

It was a simple moment, but it reminded me of something important: learning may be serious, but it doesn’t always have to feel serious.

There is some really good research behind this.

In two semester-long experiments, research led by psychologist Avner Ziv of Tel Aviv University compared university classes taught using relevant humour with classes taught without it. Across both studies, the students learning with humour performed better.

His wonderfully straightforward conclusion was this:  “The group studying with humour had higher scores on the final exam.”

Many studies have added an important qualification.

Humour works best when it is appropriate, well-judged and connected to what is happening. Used well, it can attract attention, increase motivation, ease tension and help create a more relaxed learning environment.

The hat didn’t teach anyone how to write an opportunity statement. But it lifted the energy, reduced the distance between facilitator and participants, and made that part of the activity more memorable.

I know that facilitation is often serious work. But know too that seriousness and solemnity are not the same thing.

When people feel at ease, I have found that they are often more willing to participate, experiment, learn from one another and in turn their hearts are lighter and minds clearer.

Sometimes a wee bit of fun isn’t a distraction from the learning.

For me, I simply believe it helps the learning land.

For the avoidance of doubt, the hat has not been added to my regular facilitation wardrobe!

That said, the accent (my real one) is here to stay. 😉

How might you bring a little more fun into the way you help others learn?