Cultivating Calm Brains in the English Language Classroom
Guest Lecture: Brain-Based Strategies for Future Teachers
29 November 2025 I The Queensland Institute
Guest Educator, Faye Lawand (right of centre) presents to our future teachers.
This November, The Queensland Institute welcomed award-winning educator Faye Lawand to our Blended Immersion program for postgraduate Education students from Hong Kong. The guest lecture focused on practical, brain-based strategies that help teachers create calm, focused learning environments—essential for students studying in English for the first time and navigating high-pressure academic settings.
A Global Educator with Deep Expertise
Faye Lawand is an internationally recognised educator, NLP Practitioner, and founder of The School of Resolution. With more than 20 years of teaching and training experience across Lebanon, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, Faye integrates neuroscience and language education to support learner wellbeing and performance. Her own multilingual experience brought valuable insights to our future teachers.
A Brain-Friendly Approach to Learning and Teaching
During the session, Faye introduced science-backed techniques designed to help teachers lower cognitive load and promote clarity, concentration, and confidence in the classroom. Participants explored strategies including peripheral vision, bilateral stimulation, and working with brain-wave frequency to support focus, recall, and learner confidence.
What Our Future Teachers Took Away
Our postgraduate students appreciated how practical and accessible the strategies were, noting they could apply them immediately in their own classrooms. Many highlighted the value of these approaches for supporting learners who are experiencing English-medium instruction (EMI) for the first time.
Recommended Resources from the Session
Faye shared two accessible, research-informed resources:
• “How to Make Stress Your Friend” — TED Talk by Kelly McGonigal, which reframes the stress response as a source of focus and courage.
• Alpha brain-wave music (8–12 Hz) on YouTube to encourage relaxed alertness and mental coordination before study or exams.
We extend our warm thanks to Faye for sharing such meaningful and practical approaches with our future teachers. Her expertise enriched our Blended Immersion program and supports our mission to empower educators globally through evidence-based professional learning.
Looking to support your team through customised EMI training?
Reach out to Philippa and Fiona at The Queensland Institute to learn how we can help.
