Braintraining/mindfulness in school
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | MINDAPPS AB - MIND APPS AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | May 2019 - February 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Social innovation - development and testing |
| Call | Test and develop a social innovation – step 1 2019 |
Important results from the project
The purpose of the project is to contribute tools, including a digital one, to integrate brain training/mindfulness into school teaching. To create calmer classroom environments where students get help to focus better, manage stress and regulate emotions. The model has been tested in 5 schools with promising results. Students and teachers testify that it becomes calmer in the classroom after an exercise and the students find it easier to focus. Together with students and teachers, we have further developed the model into an economical and sustainable model for the school environment.
Expected long term effects
A web survey with about 350 secondary and high school students shows the following benefits of practicing: 60% calmer, 53% more relaxed, 37% easier to handle stress, 30% easier to focus. A majority states that it is good to practice during stress and before exams/homework. Primary school teachers testify that short exercises create a calmer atmosphere in the class. Quote 9 year old boy (who often disturbs) after exercise: “I feel like a completely different person. I´m calm now”. Focus groups show that many students in secondary and high school use the app even at home for easier sleeping.
Approach and implementation
During the project, we learned that long-term planning is an important factor to succeed in the school. We needed more time to involve the school management and staff at the school to give the teachers the support they needed. In 10 months we still managed to identify 5 schools, identify interested teachers, conduct app course and professional training of teachers. However, the period for the teachers to practice with the students was too short, which makes it difficult to satisfactorily document the results.