PBL
Headspace Project
Applied Psychology With Human Data
Leverage data analytics and cognitive science to enhance brain training, improve well-being, and support educational outcomes.
Project
Headspace Project
Location
Online
Duration
8 Weeks
Upcoming Sessions
Winter 2026
Outcomes
Analyze data to identify educational predictors
Evaluate the impact of feedback on working memory
Investigate stress responses and anxiety outcomes
Use longitudinal data to track changes over time
Apply cognitive science principles to real-world problems
You Will Get
Industry Guidance
Work directly with our project leads—experts and top researchers—who bring their real-world insights and expertise straight to your learning experience.
Research Experience
Collaborate with teammates and the project lead in a multi-week project to pursue novel questions in your research field.
Peer Networks
Engage with our PBL participants from all over the world. Collaborate with new peers and learn about their own research endeavours.
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A Strong Portfolio
Put your best foot forward in the PBL with a standout project and receive a PBL Evaluation Report that can be used as a recommendation letter for employers and grad schools.
Expert Guidance
Get personalized feedback to grow your research and innovation skills.
Deliverables
Real projects, lasting connections, and new opportunities beyond your program.
Project Deliverables
The final presentation of your 8 weeks could be a poster, written report, or a slide deck, all of which can be expanded on.
Research Extension
Utilize up to 5 additional meeting times with the project lead after the project’s conclusion to build your work out for publication or conference presentation.
Industry Network
Meet peers in your projects and participate in a global talent community both online and in-person.
Industry Application
Headspace, a leading meditation and mental wellness app, exemplifies the integration of data analytics and cognitive science in promoting mental well-being. This PBL mirrors industry applications by using human data to tailor personalized interventions, enhancing brain training and well-being outcomes.
Popular Industry Positions
Data Analyst
Utilize data analytics to derive insights and predict outcomes.
Cognitive Scientist
Apply principles of cognitive science to develop and evaluate interventions.
Product Manager
Oversee development of wellness apps, integrating psychometric data to enhance user experience.
Tracks
Track 1
Student Performance (Learning)
Students will use data to identify variables most highly predictive of educational achievement (i.e., GPA).
Understand the factors determining positive learning outcomes.
Analyze cognitive and socio-emotional factors influencing education.
Identify individual attributes that predict educational achievement.
Work with educational data to draw meaningful conclusions.
Track 2
Educational Feedback (Learning)
Students will use data to identify individual characteristics that account for differential outcomes in response to performance-related feedback.
Investigate the impact of feedback on working memory.
Examine the efficacy of feedback in educational contexts.
Analyze data from college students in the US and China.
Consider measures of working memory at baseline and recent stress experiences.
Track 3
Vulnerability to Stress and Anxiety (Mental Health)
Students will investigate the role of baseline cognitive processes in predicting changes to stress and anxiety using longitudinal data.
Study the relationship between stressful life events and mental health.
Explore individual differences in responses to environmental adversity.
Analyze cognitive functions related to stress responses and anxiety outcomes.
Use longitudinal data to understand changes over time.
Track 4
Effects of Stress on Cognition (Mental Health)
Students will investigate the impact of game-based stressors on cognitive function using data collected from adolescent players.
Examine how stress affects higher-order cognitive functions.
Analyze data from a new cognitive game-based assessment developed at MIT.
Study the effects of stress on cognition in adolescents across the US.
Understand the interplay between stress and cognitive performance.
PBL Journey
Online PBL Projects meet once a week for 8 weeks, and follow the research project format. Participants will meet the project lead, learn the conventions of the field and familiarize themselves with the tracks, then spend the middle portion of their time collaborating to develop their research.
At the end, participants will present their final project and receive feedback, with the opportunity to extend their timeline and develop the project in greater depth.
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Project Team
Our Academic Team plays a vital role in your PBL journey at Blended Learning. We are dedicated to enhancing your learning experience and ensuring your academic success. Our team consists of three distinct roles, each with a specific focus to support your Research Guidance, Project Progress, and Personal Growth.
Project Lead
Providing Industry and Research Guidance
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscientist at MIT
She is a leading expert in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience and the Learning Sciences. She informs the development of innovative educational products and programs, leveraging her extensive research published in top journals such as the Journal of Neuroscience, Brain & Cognition, and Frontiers in Psychology. She is a Research Scholar at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT and a teaching faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Harvard College. Her work bridges the gap between neuroscience and practical applications in education.
Academic Advisor
Tracking Your Project Development
The Academic Advisor is dedicated to your project completion success. They manage the progress of your PBL, guiding team formation, facilitating group discussions, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the Academic Advisor ensures team member contributions are on track and provides logistical support, including attendance tracking, hosting recitation sessions, managing research support requests, and conducting student evaluations at the end of the PBL.
From Our Students
"After a night spent debugging, I suddenly discovered the program running perfectly. In that triumphant moment, you realize your true capability and success. The exhaustion fades, replaced by the thrill of knowing your skills and persistence led to this achievement, reaffirming your potential."
Nicole Y.
National University of Singapore
B.S. Economics
FAQs
What is the learning format of a PBL?
All PBLs are offered in an 8-week online format that begins with an orientation followed by subject setup overview of the different tracks. The majority of the session time is dedicated to project development, with a final presentation at the culmination of the 8 weeks. Many PBLs are also offered bi-annually in an on-campus format that consists of daily in-person meetings.
How long does each PBL cohort last？
One round of the Online PBL cohort lasts 8 weeks, preceded bys a pre-PBL orientation week. Each On-Campus PBL usually has 8 in person meetings, with intensive classroom education and collaboration. This means the biggest difference between online and on-campus PBLs is time participants have in between meetings.
How can I be more academically prepared before the PBL starts?
Review the Blended Learning Insights sent by the Academic Advisor and familiarize yourself with the project topic and pre-learning materials. Ensure you have all necessary softwares and other resources needed for the PBL.
For each PBL cohort, will I work in teams? Are PBL team members self-selected or assigned?
Yes, you will work in teams for each round of the PBL Cohort. Each team has 3 to 6 participants, organized by the Academic Team. The Academic Advisor will organize groupings based on students' backgrounds, preferred track, and skills.
Can I work with the Project Lead on my project after the PBL ends?
Yes, with your AI + X Research Plan, you may request up to five PBL Research Extension meetings, where you work with the project lead to develop your project into a working manuscript. To schedule a PBL Research Extension meeting, talk to your Academic Advisor at the conclusion of your PBL.
What do I receive at the end of the PBL?
At the conclusion of the PBL cohort, you can request a PBL Evaluation Report which summarizes the PBL content, the hours you spent, the track you chose, and includes a recommendation letter from the Project Lead (for eligible participants who completed the project successfully).
Is attendance mandatory for PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions?
Yes, attendance is mandatory for both PBL Live Sessions and Recitation Sessions. Participants with three or more unexcused absences forfeit their eligibility for a PBL Evaluation Report.
Do I need to have my camera on during online PBL Live Sessions?
Yes, you must have your camera on during online PBL Live Sessions. Participants with cameras off will be marked as absent. This is meant to encourage active engagement and participation in meetings.
