What Is A Brain Lab And How Does It Improve Learning In The Classroom?

A Brain Lab encourages and provides students with the opportunities to explore the concept of Neuroscience. It is a comfortable space for students to engage in the emotional side of learning and how it can benefit their academic learning.

While we are all aware of the importance of cognition in learning, a Brain Lab utilizes both academic and emotional learning. Research has stated that the mind is often primed to learn when in varying states of emotion like surprise, curiosity and even skepticism. Attaching emotions to different memories aids in keeping long term memories.

Goals of a Brain Lab

• Improve the cognitive and social emotional skills of the students.
• Help students learn about the brain and its functions.
• Provide students with opportunities to explore and analyze their thoughts and emotions regarding various topics, experiences and relations.
• Help students to focus and regroup.
• Improve academic performances.

 How do you set up a Brain Lab?

 A Brain Lab should consist of a special area in the classroom or school where students can engage in many different activites, such as reading a magazine, drawing with pencil and paper and listening to music. This space should be comfortable and relaxing so that the students can de-stress and focus on learning and practicing different skills.

 The following methods are employed in a brain lab to facilitate learning:

Use of lab activities

Students are encouraged to participate in and perform various lab activities. These are designed to stimulate different parts and functions of the brain. Each student is given a personal folder with a list of  activities.

Teachers can also recommend activities keeping in mind the weaknesses of the student, or those areas that require more training.

For example, if a student is weak in recalling events, an activity to target and stimulate that particular  component can be included in his/her lab activity list.

Brain topic week

Each week a particular brain topic is chosen. This can include learning in depth about a particular skill or function and how it occurs. The knowledge is then taught and applied in practical ways, such aseveryday living or improving the process of learning through the use of small projects.

Self reflection

The lab is a quiet place which allows the student to focus and reflect on their learning process. They are encouraged to explore the impact of emotions on one’s learning and to control them. For instance, if a student dislikes a particular subject, he/sheis encouraged to explore a new way of learning this subject.

They are also taught the importance of positive thinking, as it can help them re-frame images perceived as negative, be more confident and prepare them for challenges and stresses.

To aid this practice of self development, different resources like music, books, poetry, inspiring stories, etc. are  used within the lab.

Group activities

Discussions and group projects are also included in the Brain Lab to facilitate the development of group skills and higher cognitive skills.

Practical application is the vital ingredient of a successful Brain Lab. By incorporating a Brain Lab in your curriculum, you are allowing students to be masters of their brain development and learning.