Faculty of Education, University of Western
THE WEBB LAB
Working to Enhance Brain and Body Research
Our passion is rooted in understanding how the entire human organism (both the brain and the body) plays a role in student success. We draw on work from fields of psychology, education, health, neuroscience and kinesiology to identify intervention strategies that can promote cognitive function and mental health in typically developing children and youth, and in those facing academic challenges (e.g., students with ADHD).
We combine laboratory and classroom research to better understand how physical activity can improve attention and learning in children grades 3-12, children with exceptionalities, and university students.
We use a range of techniques including cognitive and behavioural testing, and neuroimaging to identify strategies that help students better focus their attention and consequently perform better academically.
We use large-scale data from across Canada to better understand the relationship between physical activity, academic success, mental health, SES, and sociocultural variables.
Current project: Examining the relationship between sociocultural and emotional predictors of engaging in physical activity in Canadian children and youth
We use structured surveys and interviews to better understand the real-life circumstances and challenges faced by teachers, parents and students in order to develop educational interventions that are grounded in acknowledgment of barriers and realistic solutions.
Students differ in a number of ways. They come with a range of attentional and cognitive skills, cultural experiences and diverse language proficiencies. Our goal is to help foster a maximally inclusive learning environment by acknowledging these differences and identifying educational outlets that allow everyone equal opportunities for academic success.