Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1145-2153
Document Type
Lesson Plan and Materials
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
This lesson plan, titled "How to Be Silly: Challenging Norms Across Societies," explores the role of humor in enhancing cognitive flexibility, fostering social bonds, and promoting well-being. Designed for college students, the lesson aims to show how silliness can challenge authority, disrupt social norms, and relieve stress. Through a mix of activities, lectures, and interactive scenarios, students will analyze the historical and cultural uses of humor, explore its psychological benefits, and evaluate its impact on group dynamics.
The lesson is grounded in a teaching philosophy that prioritizes self-improvement and kindness, creating a playful environment where friendly competition and collaboration thrive. Activities such as the Animal Master warm-up game and a role-playing scenario with an overbearing park manager are used to engage students, encouraging reflection on how humor influences behavior and social interactions.
Evaluation methods are flexible, allowing educators to track student engagement and connections to psychological and sociological theories. The plan is particularly relevant for courses in psychology, sociology, and humanities, providing a timely approach to stress relief and creative thinking, especially for students facing academic pressures.
