Abstract
The purpose of our study was to provide preliminary data on light levels used in university and elementary school classrooms in Campina Grande, Brazil with the aim of providing Brazilian politicians and educators with data to support continued educational initiatives in northeast Brazil. The data were gathered at the Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG) and compared with a sample of classrooms at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater Oklahoma. The results indicated that many seats within UFCG classrooms met or exceeded minimum standards but significant numbers did not. Moreover, compared to classrooms at OSU, UFCG classrooms are not as highly illuminated and the Brazilian elementary classrooms examined did not meet minimum illumination standards.
Highlights
Recent evidence suggests that levels of light and quality of light can significantly influence behavior
The purpose of our study is to provide preliminary data on light levels used in university and elementary school classrooms in Campina Grande, Brazil
Oklahoma State University (OSU) vs. Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG) classrooms: To determine the impact of country on amount of light measured, a 2 x 5 x 2 (Country x Column x Time) mixed design MANOVA was run on the light measurements
Summary
Recent evidence suggests that levels of light and quality of light can significantly influence behavior. Studies have shown that poor lighting conditions lead to vision difficulties, attention deficits, nutritional deficiencies and a decline in health and mood while proper lighting conditions are known to reverse these problems and increase academic performance and productivity[1,2]. Brightness, can have a great affect on behavior, including classroom and work performance[3]. Gerathewohl and Taylor[5] reported that visibility is poorest under low illumination levels because focal vision, which is necessary for reading and writing, rapidly deteriorates as light levels decrease. Studies have shown that increasing the brightness of light decreases unnecessary workload and increases productivity[1]
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