#Classroom Colors and Lights
To most people flickering lights and room color are just something we notice. To students struggling with ADD/ADHD, and similar, flickering lights and colors can be a trigger that distracts from the learning environment. Below is a very brief summary to advise classroom designers of the information available to assist in creating a least restrictive environment (LRE) for learning.
Studies pertaining to fluorescent lights and ADD/ADHD have resulted in conflicting or non-conclusive results. A large number of individuals who experience ADD/ADHD have specific experiences that they feel are directly related to florescent lighting, flickering lights, and non-full spectrum light sources. Designers should appropriately weigh the research to date when specifying lighting systems for learning spaces.
Classroom Colors
Students with ADD/ADHD are often hyper sensitive to color due to elevated sensory responses and visual processing.(1) A student’s response to color is both physiological and psychological. Red causes increased heart rate, blue causes a reduced heart rate, responses to colors often include mood changes and variation in attention level.(1) Studies have shown the benefits of specific/personal colors with individuals with ADD/ADHD. Using colored paper improved attention levels for students with ADD/ADHD.(1) In general neutral colors (tan or sand schemes)(1) tend to be the best base color for a learning environment, with specific colors added based on student(s) preference.
Classroom Lights
Many fluorescent lights emit some level of ‘flicker’ (often not readily perceptible) which can trigger nervous system events.(2) The controlled studies on these triggers, and magnitude of triggers, are not 100% conclusive. Contrary to the results that claim no correlation to triggers, are many personal stories of students with ADD/ADHD who have specific results from use of full-spectrum lighting, and avoidance of non-full spectrum lights.
The Kongsgardmoen School in Kongsberg, Norway is utilizing human-centric lighting to improve the learning environment. The school day starts with cool white light to reduce sleepiness and transition the students into daytime mode. After the start of the day the teachers have the ability to adjust the light levels based upon type of activity.(3) Warmer light colors are used to relax students, and cool-white colors can be used to increase energy levels, for example after lunch.(3) A similar program is being implemented in Des Moines, Iowa at Ruby Van Meter and Smouse Opportunity Schools. The intent is to provide the best practical learning environment.(3)
REFERENCES:
- Journal of Family & consumer Sciences Education, Spring-Summer 2011, The Inclusive Classroom: The Effects of Color on Learning and Behavior, Kristi S. Gaines, Zane D. Curry, Texas Tech University
- Mental Wealth, Victoria L. Dunckley M.D.
- Jennifer Baljko, Lighting Up Learning, 10/6/15