- These are the conclusions of the first quarter of measurements and tests: significant improvements in attention and concentration have been recorded.
- Thanks to the creation of three scenes according to light, errors in the TEST D2 have been reduced by 64%, processing speed has increased by 36% and the number of reading errors has decreased by 40%.
- The study is based on WAS colour temperature change technology and an integrated control system at the service of the students.
After taking measurements for 3 months, Grupo Prilux and the International School San Patricio To-ledo have demonstrated that the change in colour temperature (TCC) of LED lighting directly affects the behaviour of students during the school day. Using Prilux’s White Adaptive System (WAS) technology with colour temperature change and integrated control system, three scenes have been created in two classrooms in the school with pupils from 8th PEP (5th Primary Education): Activewith a high level of lighting in a cold tone that stimulates the organism by favouring concentration and focus; Workwith a standard light for the work of reading and writing and a neutral tone to favour work maintained over time without forcing concentration and avoiding fatigue; and Calmthe minimum light required by the regulations in a warm tone to favour tranquillity and relaxation.
After three months under these lighting schemes, the first results show significant improvements in attention and concentration. The total number of errors in TEST D2 has been reduced by up to 64%, the processing speed has been increased by 26%, a modest increase of 3.5% in reading speed has been achieved and a drastic decrease of 40% in the number of errors when reading as well as a 10% improvement in reading comprehension.
“Just as important as objective data are the impressions of students and teachers. In general, teachers say they have noticed the influence of light on students, mainly at the level of attitude and willingness to learn and concentrate. Moreover, some teachers claim that it is already the students who ask for the lighting that they believe helps them to work better according to the activity and the moment. In addition, they have noticed that the time for returning to calm after the break has decreased considerably,” explains Oscar Fañanás, Head of the Prilux Control System.
This lighting project aims to improve learning performance and is based on the idea that light is a fundamental element of the teaching space and, therefore, its use must be carefully planned. Knowing what the student needs to develop a balance with the luminous environment becomes a priority element when establishing the type of lighting.
The lighting conditions depending on the contribution of natural light that there is at any time in the classroom and the activity to be performed, has a direct impact on visual quality, personal comfort, behavior, learning and academic performance of students.
The study has a total duration of 8 months and these are the results of the first trimester. Throughout the academic year 2018-2019, the specialized orientation office is carrying out several psychometric tests with indicators such as speed and reading comprehension, with-centration, number of errors in arithmetic and orthography… to which are added the subjective measurements of the teachers, on improvement in participation, alert levels, concentration, silence… The medical area of optometry also participates to see if they improve sight-related ailments. With all this, at the end of the course the aim is to evaluate the experience with the changes measured, contrasted with the initial and previous years’ tests.
“We are really excited with the first results and decided to extend the study to two work spaces, one with a small influence of natural light and another that are in a space without access to natural light. The first control tests were carried out during the month of February and we expect the first results by the middle of the year”, explains Prilux.
