Case study, In der Alten Forst, Hamburg, Germany - Philips

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Date of release: May 2010 / UK
Printed in the Netherlands
Case study
In der Alten Forst
Location
Philips Lighting
Hamburg, Germany
SchoolVision Lighting solution

Background
The primary school “Grundschule In der Alten Forst” is an innovative
primary school in Hamburg, Germany with 12 classes and 368 children.
The aim of School Director Andreas Wiedemann is for the school to
become trusted for the optimised learning environment that it offers
to children.
Can light affect learning?
We’ve known for a long time that light can affect our moods, making
us feel less energetic on dull mornings than we do on bright, sunny
days. Research into the highly complex relationship between light
and well-being has led to some fascinating discoveries. Not only does
exposure to higher levels of blue light in the daylight spectrum make
us feel better; the receptors in the eye’s retina also help to produce
the neurotransmitters that control our mood and activity, So what
effect could light have on learning behaviour? To discover more a new
study was conducted by Prof. Dr. Michael Schulte-Markwort, Director
of the Clinic for Psychosomatics in Children and Juveniles at the
University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf on behalf of Philips.
The intention was to see whether light could be used to influence the
learning behaviour of school children.
About the study
A total of 166 schoolchildren aged between 8 and 16 took part in the
year-long study, along with 18 teachers. The study covered a range of
“ We saw for ourselves and the results confirmed that the
specific application of light really can have a positive
effect on learning and the learning environment.”
Andreas Wiedemann, School Director, In der Alten Forst
Errors (overall)
180%
170%
160%
150%
140%
130%
120%
110%
100%
90%
80%
1100
1075
1050
1025
1000
970
950
925
900
875
850
825
800
775
750
725
700
16.3
1
1
Module
Module
2
2
9.0
Errors relating to concentration -44.9%
Number of words read
780
1051
Reading performance +34.8% Restlessness -76.6%
Source: “Wirksamkeit von dynamischen Licht in Hamburger
Schulklassen”, May 2009
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Klinik und Poliklinik für
Kinder- und Jugendpsychosomatik, Michael Schulte-Marktwort,
Claus Barkmann & Nino Wessolowski
www.uke.de/kliniken/kinderspychosomatik/index_53560.php
Optical measurement of motoral restlessness
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
25 min 5 min
Module
75 min 10 min
classes in different types of schools and naturally the School Director
of the “Grundschule In der Alten Forst” was keen to take part. Prior
to the study, the existing classroom lighting was replaced with the
Philips SchoolVision solution with Dynamic Lighting to see what
impact it had on the behaviour and performance of pupils.
What is SchoolVision?
SchoolVision is a classroom lighting solution that helps to improve
learning conditions by bringing the dynamics of daylight into the
classroom. The teacher can control the classroom atmosphere to
create exactly the right atmosphere, tailoring the light to suit the
learning task or the time of day. By making the learning environment
as comfortable as possible for each activity, it keeps young minds alert
and eager to take part, optimising results for teachers and pupils.
How does SchoolVision work?
Four dedicated lighting scenes are available for the teacher to select
via a touchpad. The scenes are produced by varying the balance
between light intensity and colour tone/temperature to create a
particular ambience that is suitable for a certain tasks or the time
of day. Normal is for regular classroom activities. Energy helps to
invigorate pupils when the need to be more active, supporting a
fresh start to the day (morning) or afternoon (after lunch break).
Focus aids concentration during challenging tasks and Calm brings
a relaxing ambience to individual work or quiet time.
800
600
400
200
0
1437
712
336
445
SchoolVision gives a lesson in
learning to the primary school
“In der Alten Forst”
The results were clear
Reading speed increased by almost 35% in the SchoolVision
study and the concentration also improved dramatically and the
frequency of errors dropping by almost 45%. Hyperactivity and
aggression were also examined. Although the perceived reduction
in aggression was not found to be significant, video evidence
showed a distinct change in levels of hyperactivity. Observed
hyperactivity was reduced by up to 76% when pupils were given
a mathematical problem to solve under the Calm lighting scene,
a figure that the baseline measurement and control group did
not even come close to.
How were the results measured?
Scientifically proven standard tests were used to measure levels of
attention and concentration. These were D2 attention load tests and/
or reading comprehension test, depending on the child’s age. The
results with SchoolVision were compared with those of the baseline
measurement. A control group working under standard light was also
used as a comparison.
What can we learn?
The study shows that attention span, concentration and behaviour
is significantly improved through the use of dedicated light settings.
SchoolVision provides teachers and schools with a new tool to
improve performance and support the well-being of children at school.
Fast Facts
Client
Grundschule In der Alten Forst
Project
Classroom lighting
Location
Hamburg, Germany
Lighting
Philips SchoolVision with Dynamic Lighting
Project responsibility
Client: Andreas Wiedemann, School Director In der Alten
Forst, Hamburg
Philips: Günter Hohensee, Gerd Wiesemann
UKE: Prof. Dr. M. Schulte-Markwort, Dipl.-Psych. N.
Wessolowski
The conclusion can only be that children’s activity can be positively and
significantly supported with the targeted use of the right kind of light.
What is Dynamic Lighting?
Most schools have standard lighting systems with a fixed colour
temperature. Dynamic Lighting adjusts these values with seamless
changes in lighting patterns that simulate natural daylight. The Philips
luminaires used in the study featured two unique ActiViva Active
TL5 and a fluorescent TL5 lamp with a similar warm-white colour
temperature to conventional bulbs. By mixing the light to vary the
brightness and colour mood, Dynamic Lighting provided stimulation or
relaxation, achieving the right psychological effect to benefit the task.
Best learning environment
By bringing the dynamics of daylight indoors, SchoolVision has created
an outstanding learning environment that gives pupils at In der Alten
Forst the very best start in school. Daylight sensors also dim the lights
when there is enough natural daylight and presence detectors turn the
lights off when the classroom is empty, saving the school even more
in energy costs.