Smart schools go beyond technology — natural light, reducing noise and a comfortable temperature are significant factors to make a classroom environment more conducive to learning and teaching, according to SmartBrief.
Natural light helps students stay alert during school hours by regulating the body’s internal clock to maintain energy and focus. It also releases endorphins which can boost mood and motivation.
Students in classrooms with plenty of natural light showed higher levels of energy, engagement and focus, according to a 1999 study by the Heschong Mahone Group. Students performed much better academically than their peers in classrooms that didn’t get as much light.
Having larger windows in proportion to the room size improved how well students performed on math and logic tests, according to a recent European study by Ramen Munir Baloch of Sorbonne University. Findings suggest that daylighting could contribute to the more than 20% difference in test scores.
Noise levels in classrooms are frequently higher than recommended, according to a recent study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology. Researchers suggest sound-absorbing carpets and acoustic panels in walls and ceilings help lower disruptive noise levels and make for a more calming learning environment. It’s “smart” to lay out schools so classrooms are away from noisy gyms, cafeterias and high-traffic areas.
Classroom temperature and air quality can affect both students’ and teachers’ thinking, mood and well-being. Warm indoor temperatures tend to diminish students’ cognitive performance, according to a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. HVAC systems should keep the indoor temperature stable and ensure good ventilation. Energy-efficient windows, insulation and shading devices help keep classrooms cool and reduce reliance on heating and cooling systems.
Daylighting, noise reduction and thermal comfort combine to create classroom space that supports learning and promotes well-being. Classrooms full of natural light, and that absorb distracting noise and are comfortably cool, reduce stress and fatigue for both students and staff. Conversely, think how uncomfortable a classroom – and learning and instruction — can be without adequate natural light, constant noise and poor temperature control.
Smart Brief
