Can light affect learning?
We’ve known for a long time that light can affect our moods, making us feel less energetic on dull mornings than we do on bright, sunny days. Research into the highly complex relationship between light and well-being has led to some fascinating discoveries.

Not only does exposure to higher levels of blue light in the daylight spectrum make us feel better; the receptors in the eye’s retina also help to produce the neurotransmitters that control our mood and activity, So what effect could light have on learning behaviour? To discover more a new study was conducted by Prof. Dr. Michael Schulte-Markwort, Director of the Clinic for Psychosomatics in Children and Juveniles at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf on behalf of Philips. The intention was to see whether light could be used to influence the learning behaviour of school children.

About the study
A total of 166 schoolchildren aged between 8 and 16 took part in the year-long study, along with 18 teachers. The study covered a range of classes in different types of schools and naturally the School Director of the “Grundschule In der Alten Forst” was keen to take part. Prior to the study, the existing classroom lighting was replaced with the Philips SchoolVision solution with Dynamic Lighting to see what impact it had on the behaviour and performance of pupils.

What is SchoolVision?
SchoolVision is a classroom lighting solution that helps to improve learning conditions by bringing the dynamics of daylight into the classroom. The teacher can control the classroom atmosphere to create exactly the right atmosphere, tailoring the light to suit the learning task or the time of day. By making the learning environment as comfortable as possible for each activity, it keeps young minds alert and eager to take part, optimising results for teachers and pupils.

How does SchoolVision work?
Four dedicated lighting scenes are available for the teacher to select via a touchpad. The scenes are produced by varying the balance between light intensity and colour tone/temperature to create a particular ambience that is suitable for a certain tasks or the time of day. Normal is for regular classroom activities. Energy helps to invigorate pupils when the need to be more active, supporting a fresh start to the day (morning) or afternoon (after lunch break). Focus aids concentration during challenging tasks and Calm brings a relaxing ambience to individual work or quiet time.

The results were clear
Reading speed increased by almost 35% in the SchoolVision study and the concentration also improved dramatically and the frequency of errors dropping by almost 45%. Hyperactivity and aggression were also examined. Although the perceived reduction in aggression was not found to be significant, video  evidence showed a distinct change in levels of hyperactivity. Observed hyperactivity was reduced by up to 76% when pupils were given a mathematical problem to solve under the Calm lighting scene, a figure that the baseline measurement and control group did not even come close to.

How were the results measured?
Scientifically proven standard tests were used to measure levels of attention and concentration. These were D2 attention load tests and/or reading comprehension test, depending on the child’s age. The results with SchoolVision were compared with those of the baseline measurement. A control group working under standard light was also used as a comparison.

What can we learn?
The study shows that attention span, concentration and behaviour is significantly improved through the use of dedicated light settings. SchoolVision provides teachers and schools with a new tool to improve performance and support the well-being of children at school. The conclusion can only be that children’s activity can be positively and significantly supported with the targeted use of the right kind of light.

What is Dynamic Lighting?
Most schools have standard lighting systems with a fixed colour temperature. Dynamic Lighting adjusts these values with seamless changes in lighting patterns that simulate natural daylight. The Philips luminaires used in the study featured two unique ActiViva Active TL5 and a fluorescent TL5 lamp with a similar warm-white colour temperature to conventional bulbs. By mixing the light to vary the brightness and colour mood, Dynamic Lighting provided stimulation or relaxation, achieving the right psychological effect to benefit the task.

Best learning environment
By bringing the dynamics of daylight indoors, SchoolVision has created an outstanding learning environment that gives pupils at In der Alten Forst the very best start in school. Daylight sensors also dim the lights when there is enough natural daylight and presence detectors turn the lights off when the classroom is empty, saving the school even more in energy costs.

Background:
The primary school “Grundschule In der Alten Forst” is an innovative primary school in Hamburg, Germany with 12 classes and 368 children.
The aim of School Director Andreas Wiedemann is for the school to become trusted for the optimised learning environment that it offers to children.

Contact details

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