Study from Philips and University of Mississippi Shows Positive Impact of Higher Quality Classroom Light on Reading Competency of U.S. Students

SOMERSET, N.J., Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Elementary school students performed better in oral reading fluency achievement, a key component of reading comprehension, when exposed to a higher quality of classroom light, according to a study by Philips and the University of Mississippi. The study – The Relationship of Dynamic Lighting and Oral Reading Fluency – was conducted by the University's Center of Excellence in Literacy Instruction using the Philips SchoolVision dynamic lighting system for the classroom.

(Photo of brighter light setting: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110908/CL64392-a )

(Photo of normal school room light setting: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110908/CL64392-b )

With the support of Mike Scott, the forward-thinking Lee County (Miss.) School Superintendent, the Saltillo Elementary School in Saltillo, Miss. was selected for the study.  Eighty-four grade 3 children in four different classrooms at Saltillo were randomly assigned to two different lighting settings throughout the school year. Students exposed to lighting with higher light intensity and light temperature levels had, by the end of the school year, increases in performance that were 33 percent higher than the increases in performance of students in the control group.

"Light settings vary greatly in classrooms, and the results of this study raise important questions on how lighting is selected for optimizing teaching and learning," said Dr. Michael S. Mott at the Advanced Education Center, University of Mississippi. "The study indicates a need for further evaluation of systems such as Philips SchoolVision and the effects of illumination level and color temperature on the learning process."

The Philips SchoolVision system adjusts light and color temperature to mimic the dynamics of daylight, potentially influencing a student's mood and helping to improve the learning environment. The system features preset lighting levels for various classroom situations and activities. Teachers can choose from four lighting scenes: Normal, for regular classroom activities; Energy, for an early-morning or after-lunch boost; Calm, for use when children are over-active; and Focus, when concentration is needed for tests, exams or literacy instruction.

According to Coke Magee, Principal of Saltillo Elementary School, "We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help our students improve their classroom experience as well as reach their full learning potential. By participating in this study with the University of Mississippi and Philips, we start to see how proper lighting levels can positively impact learning. We hope these findings will encourage school system administrators to pay careful consideration to lighting as an education aid."

Netesh Gohil, Director of Commercial Lighting Systems, Philips Lighting, said: "These results illustrate how the right lighting is a simple yet impactful tool that can make a difference in the lives of students and teachers. We will continue to expand our Philips SchoolVision research, and look forward to assisting in academic and scientific efforts that will further our understanding of the positive influences of light in the classroom."

The current research built on other recent studies addressing light in school environments that have investigated the effects of light on student achievement, motivation, concentration and cognition. The findings were similar to results released earlier this year by the Centre for Performance at Work at City University London, which also used the Philips SchoolVision classroom system in a study that investigated the impact of lighting on the learning experiences of high school students in England.

For more information about Philips SchoolVision, please visit www.philips.com/schoolvision.

For the full research study, please visit http://education.olemiss.edu/download/Philips-Research.pdf.

For further information, please contact:
Silvie Casanova,
Senior Manager, Lighting Communications,
Philips Electronics North America
Ph: 781-418-7928
Email: [email protected]

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

SOURCE Royal Philips Electronics