Growing up in Toronto, Canada, where winter is long and cold with skies a sunless grey, I can certainly attest to the effect light has on one’s mood. Research indicates exposure to bright light is “an excellent candidate for inclusion into the therapeutic inventory” (source: Wikipedia), and has been used to treat depression, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorders, and a wide range of medical ailments and diseases (see Alzheimer’s disease researchers look to LED lighting).  So when I came across a study into LED lighting’s effect on the learning behavior of school children, I wasn’t surprised to learn of a positive effect. What did surprise me, however, was how positive the effect.

The study

The year-long study conducted by Professor Dr. Michael Schulte-Markwort, Director of the Clinic for Phychosomatics in Children and Juveniles at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf set out to determine the effect of light on learning behavior. The study involved 166 children, between the ages 8-16, and 18 teachers, from Grundschule In der Alten Forst primary school in Hamburg, Germany. Baseline measurements were taken and results were measured using scientifically proven standard tests.  A control group working under the existing, standard classroom lighting was also used as a comparison. Dynamic lighting was installed in the test group classrooms so that teachers could tailor the light to the learning activity or time of day. Teachers could select from 4 different pre-set lighting scenes:

• Normal: For regular classroom activities
• Energy: To invigorate when children need to be more active (start of day or after lunch break)
• Focus: To aid concentration during challenging tasks
• Calm: To relax during individual work or quite time

Unlike most standard lighting systems that offer a fixed color temperature and light output, the dynamic lighting schemes each had a different color temperature and light output. LED lighting is well suited to environments that require such flexibility (and healthy light emissions without UV). It also provides a significant energy savings, lower maintenance, and easier control.

The results

• 35% increase in reading speed
• 45% drop in frequency of errors (ie. improvement in concentration)
• 76% reduction in hyperactivity using the Calm lighting scheme when given mathematical problem to solve (interesting to note is that the baseline measurement and control group didn’t even come close to these results)

Source: A Lesson In Learning, Natasja Gielen.

Source: Kumon

Although there are basic lighting standards all schools must meet, this study illustrates that children would benefit if schools were to provide optimal lighting based on the learning situation. With a targeted LED lighting scheme, schools can positively affect students in areas of attention, concentration, and behavior. LED lighting offers color temperature flexibility and output control that is superior to other lighting technologies and cash strapped schools can also benefit from reduced energy use and maintenance.

Based on these results, should schools be mandated to upgrade their lighting?