Investigating the Impact of Lighting Educational Spaces on Learning and Academic Achievement of Elementary Students

Background In modern education, physical space is considered as a dynamic factor in students' educational activities. This study was conducted to investigating the impact of lighting educational spaces on learning and academic achievement of elementary students. Materials and Methods At a cross-sectional study (2015-2016), a total of 210 students were selected randomly as sample of study. Cluster sampling was done by appropriate allocation and questionnaires were randomly divided among students. Data collection tools included Hermance's achievement motivation questionnaire and researcher-constructed questionnaire (observation checklist to examine the physical parameters of learning environment lighting) and interviews with students. Data of study were analyzed using SPSS-21 software. Results Results of this study showed that lighting educational spaces has a significant impact on learning and academic achievement of elementary school students in Ahvaz, Iran (P<0.05). Conclusion Since light is most available factor in life, attention to it at schools, best use of it to increase the quality of educational space is a necessary work. Therefore, it is recommended that lightning of class to be provided through natural light (windows, valves, etc) or artificial light (lamps or various kinds of lights) in designing and equipping educational spaces.