Noisy, humid, hot classrooms stifle learning say experts

May 16 2008

Noisy and hot classrooms undermine children’s ability to concentrate at school, research found today.

Run-down buildings can also lead to pupils and their teachers missing school through illness, the report for the Cambridge-based Primary Review project said.

The study suggested that children need a room with a view and plenty of natural light to work well in class.

The research, by Karl Wall, Julie Dockrell and Nick Peacey, from London’s Institute of Education, said: “Hot, humid classrooms affect concentration on the task in hand and impair children’s learning.

“In the case of humidity there may be health risks as well.

“Poorly controlled classroom ventilation may lead to raised carbon dioxide levels which in turn are associated with a reduction in concentration and the ability to focus on mental tasks.”

The study found that too much noise caused pupils to do badly in their Sats tests, while plenty of natural light was linked to pupils getting good results.

“Greater exposure to natural light is positively associated with enhanced pupils performance, while having a view from the classroom positively impacts on teacher and pupil wellbeing.”

However, a lack of good natural light may cause children to lose concentration, sleep badly and miss school, the report said.

A spokesman for the Department for Children said: “Children and teachers, like anyone else, need good environments to work in - that’s pretty self evident.

“We have pumped massive investment into schools to get rid of poor quality, cheaply designed buildings erected since the War.

“We’ve already built 800 new primaries since 1997 and the Primary Capital Programme will now rebuild or refurbish at least half of remaining schools.

“We set clear guidance and publish design blueprints on lighting, noise, ventilation and air quality based on expert and industry advice.”