Scientists Find That “Class Clowns” Are Actually the Smartest People in Class

[UngulateNerd92]

This is an article my dad shared with me. Having been a class clown in both grade school and high school, this actually resonates with me and I found it interesting. I will say, growing up, I have been sent to the principal's office more times than I can count...

"Scientists Find That “Class Clowns” Are Actually the Smartest People in Class

Humor seems to be a valuable tool for children.

According to scientists, that class clown from seventh grade may have been the brightest kid in the room.

It turns out that humor ability and overall intelligence are tightly linked in middle-school-aged children, according to research published in the International Journal of Humor Research.

“We were particularly interested in the quality of humor made by children but evaluated by adults,” lead study author and Anadolu University researcher Ugur Sak said in a press release. “Parents and teachers should be aware that if their children or students frequently make good quality humor, it is highly likely that they have extraordinary intelligence.”

Scientists Find That “Class Clowns” Are Actually the Smartest People in Class

 

[Bengal Tiger]

 

[Zoofan15]

This is a really interesting thread @UngulateNerd92!

From what I’ve seen (both as a dad and someone who’s gone through school myself), there’s two types of class clowns:

Type 1 - the kids that come out with witty and insightful remarks that makes everyone (including the teacher) laugh.

Type 2 - the kids that goof off and make their peers laugh, while exasperating the teacher.

Every instance of Type 1 I’ve known are highly academic, popular and do well in life.

Type 2 are often perceived of as ‘dumb’ by people who believe intelligence is merely academic ability. Academic people may ace any written test, but may struggle with a mechanical task or building social relationships. Their goofing off is often due to a lack of interest in the subject.

If the Type 2 class clowns find their niche, I believe they can be equally as successful in life. One example could be a real estate agent, whose humour and ability to engage with people helps them build a rapport with their clients.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

This is a really interesting thread @UngulateNerd92!

From what I’ve seen (both as a dad and someone who’s gone through school myself), there’s two types of class clowns:

Type 1 - the kids that come out with witty and insightful remarks that makes everyone (including the teacher) laugh.

Type 2 - the kids that goof off and make their peers laugh, while exasperating the teacher.

Every instance of Type 1 I’ve known are highly academic, popular and do well in life.

Type 2 are often perceived of as ‘dumb’ by people who believe intelligence is merely academic ability. Academic people may ace any written test, but may struggle with a mechanical task or building social relationships. Their goofing off is often due to a lack of interest in the subject.

If the Type 2 class clowns find their niche, I believe they can be equally as successful in life. One example could be a real estate agent, whose humour and ability to engage with people helps them build a rapport with their clients.

Interesting perspective, thank you for sharing that with us. I was probably a combination of both, mostly 2.

 

[UngulateNerd92]

This thread and article reminds me of something an old friend and neighbor shared with me a while back. It said, "What if a kid's most annoying trait is their biggest talent in disguise?"

From that list;

Bossy aka Leader

Defiant aka Determined

Demanding aka Assertive

Fearful aka Thoughtful

Impulsive aka Bold

Liar aka Creative Writer

Loud aka Confident

Manipulative aka Negotiatior

Mean aka Powerful

Quiet aka Keen Observer

Stubborn aka Persistent

Sensitive aka Caring

Many if not all of these negative/annoying traits listed to the left, I have been called in my childhood, so this list helped me flip that around. I think every parent should see that...