Current Projects

Are you interested in participating in one of our studies? Contact the Emotions & Learning Optimization (ELO) Lab Team for more information.

Emotionally Aware Digital Math Learning Game for Elementary School Students

This project examines the use of technology for accurately measuring student emotions during mathematics game-play. Specifically, we will examine children’s emotions experienced while playing various games on the computer. We will be working with elementary school-aged students to develop a game that can help increase positive emotions (i.e., enjoyment) and decrease negative emotions (i.e., anxiety) during game-based learning.

Project Status

Data collection beginning February 2022. For more information about this study, please email: mathgamestudy@utoronto.ca.

Mathematics & Emotions

This project uses multi-channel technology to examine the moment-to-moment emotions involved in mathematics learning. During various math tasks, this study looks at the role emotions such as anger, frustration and confusion play in mathematics learning.

Project Status: Collecting data (seeking participants)

A pencil placed on top of some math worksheets.

Complex Learning with Advanced Technology

This project examines learner emotional, cognitive and meta-cognitive states during complex learning with various advanced learning technologies, using neuro and physiological monitoring systems, advanced statistical modelling, data mining, and machine learning approaches.

Project Status: Data collection complete

Four children crowded around a laptop screen.

Emotions, Attention & Self-Regulation

This project examines how the information students attend to affect emotion processes, thoughts, and subsequent learning. Additionally, this project is exploring how students use strategies learning strategies such as goal setting and monitoring, to alter these processes during learning.

Project Status: Data collection complete

Two children sitting on some steps and looking at a workbook.

Stress Recovery & Regulation

This project examines pre-cognitive performance states, levels of stress and regulation through the implementation of mindfulness and biofeedback interventions. Psycho-physiological measures of  the effect of passive and active stress recovery on cognitive performance are explored.

Project Status: Data collection complete

A person sitting outside by water and trees.

Music, Emotions & Learning

This project explores the role that music plays in a learner’s emotion states. Examination of physiological and emotional responses to music offer insights into the constructs that aide in the perception and use of music while learning.

Project Status: Data collection complete

Two sets of hands on a piano keyboard.

Teacher Emotions

This project examines the emotional experience of teachers when engaging with students, and how teachers perceptions of mental health in the classroom impact interactions with students.

Project Status: Data collection complete

A person smiling and using a laptop.

Children's Stress Experiences

This project examines how environmental stressors such as academic stress, family stress and peer stress can influence childrens’ basal stress level by using a novel physiological measurement called transdermal optical imaging (TOI) technology.

Project Status: In progress

A ray of light hitting a child's face while they sit in a forest-like area.

Children’s Empathy Development and the Accuracy of Various Methods of Assessment

Project Status: Data collection complete

A child using their fingers to scroll on a tablet.

Riddles and Understanding

This project examines the relationship between emotions, personality, and grit to better understand how emotions affect understanding a concept or argument.

Project Status: 

  • Data collection: Participant recruitment underway.
  • Please contact Milan at steven.lazic@mail.utoronto.ca for more information if you are interested in participating.
A child writing on a piece of paper.

Physiological Reactivity to Social Stressor Stimuli in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

1. A systematic review and meta-analysis which examines the physiological reactivity to social stressor stimuli in children and adolescents with ASD.

Project Status:

  • A protocol paper was published recently.
  • Sub-topics related to cardiac autonomic measures, cortisol, peer stimuli etc. are undergoing screening, extraction, and/or analysis.
  • Abstracts for conference presentations are under review.  
2. An experimental study about the impacts of eye contact on physiological reactivity and cognitive performance.

Project Status:

  • Participant recruitment: Adolescents aged 13-18 are invited. Participants will be compensated by gift cards.
  • For application, please contact Ms. Agnes Wong: skagnes.wong@utoronto.ca 

The Impact of COVID-19 on Ontario Grade 12 Students' Transitions to University & Adulthood

This project examines the impact of COVID-19 on 2020 Ontario Grade 12 Graduates. We are examining how COVID-19 has impacted these students’ transition to university, stress, and other mental health symptoms.

Project Status:

  • Time 1 data collection: Complete
  • Time 2 data collection: Complete
Six touching fists over a desk with their laptops.

Misophonia Academic Challenges and Coping Strategies

This project aims to understand how everyday environmental sounds, particularly human-generated orofacial sounds such as sniffing and eating, negatively affect individuals with Misophonia in academic settings, and to identify the coping mechanisms used by these individuals.

Project Status: In progress

A person with their hands over their ears, and eyes shut.