Practical Investigation of the impact of Classroom Lighting on Student Behaviour: A comparison of LED and incandescent Light

Abstract

The European Union has taken several steps to ban the production and trade of incandescent and halogen lamps in the near future because energy consumption is higher than for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The potential effects of LEDs on pupils have hardly been investigated. The purpose of the study was a comparison of LEDs and incandescent light on pupils’ behaviour under practical conditions in three schools with a total of six classes. While the results on alertness and concentration were heterogeneous, memory and creativity performance were reduced by LED lighting. There is a substantial lack of knowledge of the potential effects of LEDs on pupils’ behaviour. With regard to students’ behaviour, the planned ban on incandescent and halogen lighting by the EU is untimely and missing a scientific basis.