How Does Your Classroom Smell? Scent Can Boost Your Students' Academic Performances.

Have you ever bought scented candles or essential oil? There’s an increasing trend of aromatherapy, and many of you might have already experienced the benefits and the changes you can create with different scents.

And it is no surprise that many venues strategically use scents for better outcomes. Global brands running cafes, book stores, or luxury stores, have researched and “manipulated” clients with scents for the past decades. And such strategies, if used right, could be another key for your school to “change the atmosphere” and, in fact, even boost academic performances.

How can scent change human behaviors?

Here’s a quick scientific background before we dive in to the school context. Scent has been used as a powerful tool for branding and alleviating customer experience.

Have you ever bought delicious cinnamon bread from Cinnabon? What’s the strongest factor about their stores you remember? It’s likely to be its unforgettable cinnamon scent, which is suggested to increase sales by 30% during peak times.

According to research, 75% of our emotions are affected by smell! Scent has been proven to affect cognitive behaviors, emotions, and productivity… so why don’t we try using them at our schools?

What scents can help my students and teachers?

Now that you have some hints that scents can help you change your campus, here, I’ve found some interesting scents you could try give it a try.

Peppermint Scent and Cognitive Performance

In the research in 2008, participants exposed to peppermint scent were found to perform significantly better on tasks requiring attention and memory compared to those in a control group. The scent of peppermint was linked to improved alertness and cognitive performance.

Lavender Scent and Test Anxiety

A study indicated that lavender scent helped reduce anxiety levels among students taking tests, leading to improved test performance. Participants exposed to lavender reported feeling calmer and more focused.

Rosemary and Memory Recall

This research demonstrated that the aroma of rosemary enhanced memory recall in participants. Those exposed to rosemary scent performed better on memory tasks than those who were not exposed.

Citrus Scents and Attention

This study found that citrus scents, such as lemon and orange, enhanced attention and improved performance on cognitive tasks, suggesting that these scents can create a more alert and focused learning environment.

Vanilla and Cognitive Functions

Research suggests vanilla aroma has calming effects and helps boosting cognitive functions, including concentration and memory recall.

This School Has Done It.

Kingswood Prep School gave it a try already. The source suggests “Year 6 has decided to learn Maths with peppermint and English with rosemary and lemon. Year 6 reported that having the same scent present when they were learning subjects helped them ‘get into the zone’ and they believed it had helped their recall.”

Where can I get started?

Obtaining aroma products for your classroom can be both straightforward and affordable. Instead of seeking out luxury brands, focus on options that are budget-friendly and suitable for regular use. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Local Retailers: Check nearby health stores, home goods stores, or specialty shops that sell essential oils and diffusers. They often have sales or bulk purchase options.

2. Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, or other online retailers offer a wide variety of aroma products at competitive prices. Look for well-reviewed brands that offer essential oils, diffusers, or scented candles.

3. DIY Options: Consider making your own aroma blends using essential oils. There are many recipes available online that can guide you in creating calming or invigorating scents tailored to your classroom needs.

4. Bulk Purchasing: If your school allows it, consider pooling resources with other teachers to buy aroma products in bulk. This can significantly reduce costs and ensure you have a steady supply.

5. School Supply Catalogs: Many educational supply companies offer affordable aroma products specifically designed for classroom use. Check your school's catalogs or online suppliers.

Personally, I was able to find lots of options on platforms like iHerb.

Based on my research, lavender seems to come with lots of benefits, and it’s relatively easy to obtain, so I’d recommend for you to get started with it! As usual, if you are struggling and don’t know where to get started, don’t hesitate to reach out!

I hope this post gave you an insight on how other countries are changing their education. If you liked this post, subscribe to get weekly insights for educators on global innovation in education.

See you in the next one 👋,

Christopher Lee (Let’s connect on LinkedIn!)

Room for Growth