Abstract:
Lighting has an impact on behavior in education environments in many different ways.
This paper looks at evidence of the impact of light on task performance using current
research in addition to some backgrounds on the properties of light . It addresses intensity,
glare, and the differences between natural, full-spectrum, and cool-white fluorescent lights. It also
suggests solutions for improving classroom lighting. Many schools consider fluorescent lighting
because they are generally the most cost effective, but considering the results of some of
the studies, an increase in test scores by even five percent and in some cases many more
may cause a school to see the value in effective lighting . The balance between the need
for daylight , the need for ventilation , and the desire for a more sustainable environment
can help influence school districts to embrace day-lighting as necessary, rather than a
frivolous detail. Even in existing schools, where day-lighting may be impossible to add
changes from cool-white to full-spectrum fluorescent can be markedly beneficial
