Comfortable exam room temperatures = optimum exam results


With many schools and colleges holding exams and formal assessments, it may be useful to consider the temperature of the exam room to give pupils the best chance of success.

Research suggests that temperature influences student attention span, with students in colder or warmer rooms testing poorly compared to those in a control room with a temperature of around 21 degrees.

A study at Cornell University found similar results and research is continuing to explain why climate might play such a significant role.  It is thought that apart from the discomfort, which affects memory and learning capabilities, the mind becomes focused on maintaining its body temperature in a room that’s too cold or too hot which then affects concentration.  While warm rooms can make students feel tired and sleepy, colder rooms may make the body use its energy to keep warm instead.

Not only would an uncomfortable temperature affect students’ performance, but in extreme cases a school or college may have to consider temporary closure, disrupting the learning process and pupil safety. 

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that an employer must maintain a ‘reasonable temperature’ in the workplace, with a minimum temperature of 16°C (or 13°C if the work involves considerable physical activity) .  ATL[1] considers that classrooms should be at least 18°C as children are less able to withstand low temperatures than adults.

Cold temperatures
For maintained schools and FE colleges in England and Wales, the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 prescribe minimum standards for temperatures.  The employer must provide a suitable number of thermometers to enable the temperature to be checked throughout the workplace - measured at 0.5 metres above floor level -

Use of area
Minimum temperature
Lower than normal level of physical activity, eg exam rooms, sick rooms
21°C
Normal level of physical activity, eg classrooms and libraries
18°C
Higher than normal levels of physical activity, eg gyms and drama workshops
15°C


London Cool has several options available for heating schools and colleges.  Many of our portable air conditioners, such as the Prem-I-Air3.5 kW, also feature a heat pump, making that type of unit particularly versatile.  Other options are ceramic heaters or fan heaters, with the FF18 fan heater being particularly suitable as it is quiet when running.  An economical and energy efficient choice could be micathermic heaters, but whatever the size and purpose of the area to be heated, our Sales Team will be able to advise on the best solution.  In many cases we can also offer free site surveys, to give you extra peace of mind.  In most cases same day or next day delivery can be arranged.

Please call us on 0800 440 444 or contact us via our website.


[1] ATL - the union for education professionals

Comments

  1. Yes this right the comfortable environment help the students to perform better In this regard split HVAC system for air conditioning is best option for optimum cooling.

    ReplyDelete

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