School of Education

Preschool Lab

Laboratory schools serve as unique educational environments that offer numerous advantages for higher education institutions. Often affiliated with universities or colleges, these schools provide a dynamic setting where theory meets education practice. Here's why laboratory schools are beneficial for higher education:

• Experiential Learning: Laboratory schools prioritize hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for students and educators. This environment allows future teachers to gain practical experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals, enhancing their skill set and confidence before entering the workforce.
• Innovation Hub: These schools often serve as educational innovation and research hubs. Faculty members and researchers can collaborate closely with teachers and students to develop and test new teaching methods, curriculum designs, and educational technologies. This collaboration fosters a culture of innovation that benefits both the laboratory and higher education institutions.
• Professional Development: Laboratory schools offer valuable professional development opportunities for educators. Faculty members from the university can engage in ongoing training sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects with laboratory school staff. This continuous exchange of ideas and expertise helps educators stay current with the latest research and best practices in education.
• Community Engagement: Laboratory schools often play an integral role in their surrounding communities. They may serve as demonstration sites for educational initiatives, offering outreach programs, workshops, and resources for local schools and educators. This community engagement enriches the educational experience and strengthens the university's ties with the broader community.
• Research Opportunities: Higher education institutions benefit from the research opportunities provided by laboratory schools. Researchers can conduct studies on various aspects of teaching and learning, using the school as a real-world laboratory. This research contributes to advancing knowledge in the field of education and enhances the university's reputation as a leader in educational research.

STEAM

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education offers numerous benefits for preschoolers, fostering holistic development and laying a strong foundation for future learning:

• STEAM activities promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning, essential skills for academic success and lifelong learning. Through hands-on exploration and experimentation, preschoolers develop a curiosity about the world and learn to ask questions, make predictions, and test hypotheses.
• STEAM activities encourage creativity and innovation as children engage in open-ended projects that allow for self-expression and imaginative thinking. By integrating art and design into STEM subjects, preschoolers learn to approach problems from multiple perspectives and appreciate the interconnectedness of different disciplines.
• Early exposure to STEAM concepts helps preschoolers develop essential skills such as spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and numeracy, setting them toward future success in school and beyond.

Overall, STEAM education provides preschoolers a rich and engaging learning experience promoting intellectual growth, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.