Can the temperature in a room affect learning? Dunn and Dunn have found that it does. Learn how it can affect learning and what to do about it.
Heat and cold have been found to affect learning. Dunn and Dunn research shows that the brain is the master control center for the body. When it is too cold or too hot, the brain is contstantly reminding the body to do something about this condition. Improve it! It will be difficult for the student to focus because every minute or so, the brain will be sending messages,
- "Get a sweater,"
- "Close the window,"
- "Move to a warmer part of the room,"
- "Remove sweater."
Dunn and Dunn state that students should be allowed to get a sweater if needed. Teachers could keep sweaters in the room for this purpose and prevent the running to lockers. If the temperature is not improved, the brain will continue to interrupt thinking until it is.
Windows could be opened between classes or during recess to control temperature and prevent those close to the windows getting too cold.
But It Is Hot!
What can be done when it is hot and the brain doesn't want to function?
Turn off lights. This gives the students the illusion that it is cooler.
Do lower energy activities that don't use neural energy.
Don't introduce new learning. Try and review. The left brain, which is needed for new information to be absorbed, doesn't work well in heat.
Temperature may be easily controlled at times to improve learning.
Related articles: Learning Styles, Famous Right Brains, Left Brains and Right Brains, Right/Left Brain Background, Left Brain Characteristics, SAT and the Learning Disabled.
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
For more information on Dunn and Dunn research, see Books by Dunn and Dunn
Copyright article 2006 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
