Lab Schools: Research, Training, Teaching
What is a Lab School?
A lab school is a school affiliated with a university department or with an institution that trains teachers. Because of this structure, an organic link is created between education and research.
At Lab School Paris, this means that teaching practices are not based solely on intuition or habit: they are informed by research in education sciences, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, philosophy and anthropology, as well as by the daily observation of students and by the action research carried out by the teaching team with the support of visiting researchers.
This model allows practices to evolve in the service of a concrete goal: offering students a structured, bilingual, respectful and research-informed learning environment.
Lab schools: international history and tradition
Lab schools are part of a long international tradition. Their existence has been documented as early as the 17th century, in Europe as well as across the Atlantic, and also in Japan, where they are called attached schools. Lab schools developed considerably in the United States between the mid-19th and 20th centuries, and played a major role in the field of educational research. One of the most famous was founded in Chicago in 1894 by the psychologist and philosopher John Dewey.
Today, lab schools take many different forms depending on the country and context, but they share the same ambition: to bring research and classroom practice closer together in order to improve students’ learning experience.
Map of lab schools around the world
Lab School Networks
In an increasingly international environment, links have developed between lab schools around the world. Many of them are now affiliated with the International Association of Laboratory and University Affiliated Schools — IALS. Lab School Paris is also part of the Network of European Laboratory and University Schools — NELUS.
Evidence-based Pedagogy
Beyond the diversity of models, a lab school is characterised by its participation in the construction of knowledge and by the application of a scientific approach to education, or evidence-based education. The aim of all lab schools that are part of NELUS or IALS is to promote educational practices based on such evidence, rather than on practices based only on assumptions or philosophies.
Today, more and more voices are calling for stronger links between research and education, including researcher François Taddei and the Learning Planet Institute. Several recent initiatives are helping to strengthen these links. These include the Lieux d’éducation associés — LéA — developed within the framework of the Institut français d’éducation — IFÉ — the first Institut Carnot de l’éducation — ICÉ — and projects such as La Main à la pâte, Les Savanturiers and EcolHuma.
Research-informed Pedagogy: What this Changes for Students
Working at Lab School Paris means that teaching practices are regularly questioned, enriched and adjusted. Students benefit from a team that reflects collectively on what truly supports learning, confidence, autonomy and wellbeing.
At Lab School Paris, this approach is reflected in particular through:
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structured bilingual education;
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dedicated time for teacher training and reflection;
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attention to psychosocial skills;
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regular links with researchers, conferences, seminars and research projects.
The aim is to make the school a living place, and one that is capable of learning too: observing, understanding, progressing and continuing to evolve in the service of students.
To Learn More: Le Lab Journal, Our New Magazine
The Lab Journal is a Lab School Network publication for sharing projects, research, and teaching practices developed within our educational community. It replaces our monthly newsletter.
Each issue highlights initiatives undertaken by students, teachers and researchers in order to create a dialogue between scientific research, educational innovation, and classroom experience.
Through these articles, we wish to share our learnings and contribute to a collective reflection on education.
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